Nursery School Ending (In Pictures)

Last year, I wrote about the transition that we were facing at the close of the school year, and the inherent melancholy that comes with an ending. This year was a repeat of last, except with higher stakes---EJ is heading to kindergarten next year, and it was time for her to leave the safe, wonderful (not to mention, oh-so-close to our home) nest that was her nursery school. Thankfully, she is attending camp there this summer, and it is helping to ease the big transition for her....and for me, too.

So, in lieu of flowery language about feelings and misty-eyed notes about how these years with her as a little one seem to be flying by, here is a pictorial of her recent accomplishment: nursery school completion.

One of EJ's drawings, found by her heart-tugged parents a few days before the end, created and taped to her wall entirely on her own.


Early that last week, Nana was a mystery reader at school...


...and Papa was, too! It was a huge surprise.


The whole class after the double-header of Mo Willems' "Elephant and Piggie" books.


EJ with her beloved teacher, Tiauna.


"Graduation" day for preschool, complete with child-selected headpiece from the dress-up bin.


She kept turning around to see her fan club, and was generally squirrelly with excitement.


Posing with her good friend and her picture prompt for her solo verse in the big performance---she sang about the daddies on the bus.


This picture cracks me up. She's crossing her legs and leaning back like she's at least thirty years old.


Best friends.


EJ's favorite sitter in the whole-wide world, the much-loved Kate, came especially for the big day, along with her mom, despite having her own graduation festivities to attend.


The two graduates pose with the 2010 balloons---EJ from preschool, Kate from University of Chicago!


EJ and the adorable, sweet boy she repeatedly tells us is her future husband.


One last playtime on the jungle-gym bridge.


Thanks, KAM, for the great two years!


Nana and Papa whisking her off for a sleep-over at their house later that day---EJ was in heaven!


It's not over until it's really over...first day of camp, ready to go!