Last Day of School

Today is Jacinda's last day of school. People keep asking her if she is excited, but adamantly tells them no. To be honest, she didn't realize until about two weeks ago that there even was a summer vacation. What can I say? My girl loves school!
This morning as she got ready and we headed out the door. I looked behind me to see her standing in the spot where I took her first day of school picture last August. And it hit me how much she has changed during the last 170-ish days.
Jacinda has grown physically, emotionally and intellectually.
I sent her to school as a child who could barely recognize 15 sight words...she is now reading almost anything she can get her hands on.
I sent her to school as a child who could barely count to 100...she now counts by 2's, 5's 10s. etc. and can do it forward and backwards.
I sent her to school as a quiet, shy girl, who had never stepped foot into a school...she now emanates confidence and poise.
I sent her to school four years behind her peers ...and tonight she will come home less than one year behind in all subjects.
Jacinda has had so many successes this year...ones we couldn't have achieved without her awesome teaching team! She took thank you cards and little gifts to all of them today.
Now we enter a new season and I can't wait to celebrate our summer together!

Memorial Day 2010

My hometown celebrates Memorial Day in a big way. Within our town we have two National Cemeteries. Each year the city has a parade and in addition to floats, bands and politicians, we have a tradition where the school children march in the parade carrying an American flag and a bouquet of flowers that are then taken to the cemetery and placed on a soldier's grave.

I made an appearance in the parade all 12 years of my schooling and even won an essay contest for the parade my senior year. (I still have the savings bond prize!)

Last year Jacinda and I went to the parade. She had been in America for a total of two days. I was a little leery about taking her to the parade, but she LOVED it. Well with our relocation to my hometown...Jacinda was a willing participant in the parade.

Throughout the week I tried to explain the significance of the parade and while I am not sure she completely "gets it" yet, I know someday she will.

And I have to say I was one proud momma watching her continue the tradition...