Big Graduate, Big Talker

Simone Swanson is now a preschool graduate.  The graduation day came and I really thought I would be in tears throughout the entire ceremony.  Not only is my baby now a big kid, but we have been part of the YMCA daycare family since 2008.  This place has helped us raise our children.  The Swanson family has met so many extraordinary individuals at our daycare who have helped to develop the minds, bodies and character of our sweet kids.  It was very bittersweet to say goodbye to the amazing place with amazing people.

Simone was very excited about her graduation day.  She knew that she had a large fan base attending the ceremony: Mom, Dad, Cullen, Mimi, Grandma Liz, Jameson and Quinn.  She told us she was practicing some songs, but when asked what they were, she said "you will have to come to the program and see!".  On the drive to school on the morning of graduation, Simone had a lot to say.  "Mom, make sure Grandma Liz gets there early."  "Mom, have Cullen go to the bathroom before he gets there. He's not going to want to miss a second of the program."  "If you sit behind someone tall, please move so that you can see me."    So many words of advice for a preschool graduation!

As the pomp and circumstance music started, we watched the sweet 5-year-olds enter the gymnasium. Then, I started to tear up.  We saw Simone enter, wearing her red graduation cap and she looked so confident.  That is, until she saw Dirk.  She walked right over to her dad, put her head in his lap and started bawling.  I am pretty sure it was nerves/stage fright and whatever else a 5-year-old preschooler would worry about.  We tried to console her as her class performed its first song.  By song #2, I was able to walk her over to her teacher, Miss Amy.  She sat in the front row next to Miss Amy and watched her class perform the songs she had been practicing for weeks.  Then, the third and final song came on.  Little did we know, this was her favorite song:  "What does the Fox say?".  She walked up on stage owned the dance moves and sang every word.  We have very few pictures and no video of this performance because we were all so worried that if we made eye contact, she would lose it again.

Simone ended up getting her preschool diploma and finishing the rest of the ceremony without incident.  She continues to be very proud and does not speak of the stagefright issue.  We are very proud of our preschool graduate and big talker!  And I learned that once you have to step into "parent mode" any emotions or tears have to take a backseat.

Our newest blessing: Carter James

The LaVigne family has been blessed with another baby.  Welcome Carter James.  Brigette, Mason and Doug welcomed Carter on May 24th.  He is absolutely handsome and practically perfect in every way! Mason is a very proud big brother and Brigette and Doug are so happy.  Carter has more hair than Simone did on her first birthday.  I think Brigette actually needs to style and comb his hair on a regular basis.  Cullen and Simone loved meeting their newest cousin.  Welcome to the family Carter.  We are so excited to watch you grow!

School's Out for the Summer!

With a skip and a smile, she turns 5.

Simone Elizabeth is now 5 years old.  She celebrated her birthday with 6 friends at a dance studio.  The dance instructor was great - she lead the girls through stretches, a dance routine and a few fun play songs.  The little ones loved shaking their booties to "Shake it Off".  The girls were also joined by Simone's friend Reese's little brother Ivan.  He kept up with the big kids and literally didn't miss a beat!

Simone still continues to love girly things but she can also play in the dirt with the boys!  She is feisty and not afraid to tell you what she wants or how she feels.  Simone is also a rule follower and is continually points out when anyone is not doing what they are supposed to.  She loves her brother (most of the time), her dog and bossing her boy cousins around.  Simone has a wonderful imagination and often plays school or doctor.  Simone's best friends are Macie and Stella and her favorite TV show is Full House (80's/90's sitcoms are making a comeback!).  She has stated that she is going to be a doctor who helps children when she grows up!  Dream big sweet girl.  You can do anything you set your mind to!

Of Thee I Sing.

Cathedral Elementary school held its spring music concert on May 14th.  The 3 kindergarten classes performed "Home on the Range", "Git Along, Little Dogies" and "She'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain".  The Americana/cowboy theme was a huge success.  The finale featured K - 2nd grade singing "You're a grand old flag" and "God Bless America".  To see the 6, 7, 8 and 9 year olds singing songs from the turn of the century was very cool.  And our cowboy did not disappoint!

Outdoor Fun.

Warmer weather brings out the good moods.  As the temps rise, we find ourselves spending more and more time outdoors. We are loving spring and looking forward to a great summer!