Riley's Kindergarten Graduation

Riley was so excited for graduation. We made sure to get there early so we could get front row seats and luckily we did. His class sat in front of us.
I didn't feel that the year came by too fast but at the same time I couldn't believe that he was graduating kindergarten and in a few months he would be in the first grade, now that is crazy! Crazy how time will just creep up ... even if one is intentional about taking life one day at a time. Because one thing I don't do (and I've said this before) is rush time. I don't ever wish for the weekend to get here or for a season to end or for a holiday to arrive.

He came walking down the isle and we immediately made eye contact. Jacob was seated on the end of our row so Riley gave his dad a big hug. Sydna also came along. I had told her about two weeks before the date to request this day off so she could be part of his graduation. Nathan was still in school.

Again, they sang several songs which Riley obviously was excited about singing. At one point he even started laughing with the little boy next to him and I told him to stop (he's good at reading momma's lips, lol).

But then, when they were singing the last song which was quite touching he just lost it (again). He's very sensitive to meaningful songs/music. It gets him sad because it reminds him of the saddest experience in his very young life which has been losing baby Reagan. Even if the song says nothing about brothers or family he'll cry ... when songs touch his little heart he cannot contain himself.  Of course, seeing him cry always makes me want to cry too.

Thankfully once the song was over he calmed down and composed himself. By the time it was his turn to receive his certificate he was all smiles.

He's got such a sweet cute face ... and his heart is also in the right place.

He's learned so much in nine months. I do appreciate those hard working teachers out there. The teachers that treat their students as their own children. A teacher who wants every child to succeed and is not only concerned about the academic part but of the emotional part as well and especially when it comes to how subjects are being taught because every child learns differently. Riley's teacher was stern but she knew how each child learned best. I believe she was fair and loving.


Once home I had Sydna and Nathan take pictures with the graduate. Seeing Sydna standing next to Riley on his graduation is something I remember talking to them about when we first found out I was pregnant with him. I remember telling them that they would make an effort to be part of his life, of his scholar accomplishments. It was exciting for us as parents to be able to do this all over with Riley. The feeling of excitement hasn't diminished. It's really quite fun and special because there are many times when the older siblings are busy with school and work and friends and it's just Jacob, me and Riley. Totally feels like if it's just the three of us and I quite enjoy that. It's bittersweet of course because we would have loved to have been sharing these special moments/life with Reagan.

And these two roughhouse like if they're only a few years apart. That is stressful! but Riley loves big brother so much. He looks up to him ... sometimes that's good and other times not so much.

I wanted to make sure I got Riley a picture with his teacher, Mrs. Anderson.

Riley loves school. He loves to play at recess. He is very outgoing and always finds someone to play with. He enjoyed p.e., doing crafts and going to the library but wasn't too fond of writing, lol.

All in all he had a good school year. Praying God will put Riley with the best 1st grade teacher where he will flourish and soar.