our little graduate

It is funny how graduation is such a huge deal here in the US. When I first came here as a highschool exchange student I thought it was strange how people made such a huge deal about finishing high school. "Doesn't everyone finish high school?" I thought. And you get rewarded for it with gifts, money, a huge party and who knows what else?  Back in my Slovak high school, that was just a tiny stepping stone before college and you wanted to do well in order to get into the college you wanted. But I am slowly becoming more accustomed to these American ways. People do like to push it a bit too far with the graduations though.  Now it is no longer just highschool graduation, there is a kindergarten graduation, a 5th grade graduation before going to middle school and there is even a preschool graduation. I think people made that one up just because those little 4-5 year olds are so cute in their hats and gowns. I've been pretty sceptical about what the point of the graduation is but with Emily and Anika both having their preschool graduations I couldn't help but be a part of their excitement for it. They were practicing songs for it and were beyond excited to walk down the isle and "graduate" from preschool. Kason found a new word he didn't know before and was asking me over and over "what is a graduate and what is graduation?" Now seeing his sister graduate when we talk about him going to preschool, he doesn't forget to mention that he gets to graduate too.

So I guess to these little kids it is a big deal. They feel like they're growing up, they're joining the big kids in school. Tonight Anika just had her graduation and I am so glad we were able to be part of it. She was singing her heart out when she got on the stage and was so proud to be there.

I remember like it was just yesterday when Kade graduated from preschool. Being it our first child, I had no idea this was a special deal and didn't take too much notice. I was going to come (even though then it was during the day and I had to bring little Anika and baby Kason) but then Kason got sick and I had to take him in to the doctor. I thought I would still be back in time, but when I got there they were done with everything and there was Kade with his big eyes telling me nobody came to watch him. I felt like the worst mom in the world, seeing all the aunts/uncles/grandparents of other kids leaving the school. One lady that knew me a little probably felt sorry for me so she took pictures of Kade with his teacher and friends. So, with our second child, we knew the graduation was a big deal. And somehow I don't think I would miss it either way because Anika and Emily have been talking about it for weeks.

Here they are together, they are such a cute pair. They get along so well and barely ever fight, even when they're together all day almost every day. I think that is very impressive with any 2 girls. :) They are just the best buddies and Anika always wants to know what Emily's going to wear so she can try to match it. Also, whatever Emily's favorite thing to do is or whatever, Anika picks the same thing for herself. I try and try telling her to pick something that she likes or that she enjoys doing but no, it's always what Emily says. :) It is very cute and I really hope they stay close as they get older because having a good sister/cousin/girlfriend is so important for young girls and women.

Below are pictures from our Wednesday night Awana awards night.  Emily, Ani and Kason were all in Cubbies this last year and I helped teach it sometimes.  They memorize simple verses, have a story time, a craft time, a game time and snack time.   They all enjoy it a lot and they can wear out the adults pretty quick.

Kade was in his 1st year of Truth In Training and he did a great job finishing his book and memorizing a lot of Scriptures.