Avery's first day of Pre-K

it is with mixed emotions we send Avery off to Pre-Kindergarten.  i know she is so ready, i know she is beyond capable.  but my little sweet baby is just 4 years old, and 5 days a week just seems so long.  none of the other kids have done so much pre-school, and usually i have opted for a home school/joy school type option.  but she is so excited, and the program she is in is supportive of her speech needs, so i know she is going to do great.  here's to an awesome first day of school!

Madeline is a Ki!ndergarten Graduate

i'd like to take this opportunity to once again declare that we, the Earl family, LOVE our school!  our experiences thus far at Benjamin Franklin have been nothing short of phenomenal!  not the least of which are the wonderful programs our children have participated in.  Kindergarten graduation is a great time to see the progress and fun these kids have had during their first year of elementary school.  

Madeline's class recited the Preamble to the Constitution, sang a cute rendition of "New York, New York" with the lyrics 1st Grade, 1st Grade.  her teacher, Mrs. McGregor gushed about the children in a way that let you know she loved your child this year.  and to finish it off, each student was presented with a darling certificate with a photo in a cap and gown.  

 we were so happy to have Mrs. McGregor as Maddie's teacher this year, and such a small world that she used to be in the 6th ward as a child.  Mrs. Dawson was the aide in Anna's class last year, and what a treat that Maddie got to have her too.  we love our teachers!

 Anna was happy to come cheer on her sis, and make a quick visit to her classroom to say goodbye to Mrs. Casey and all her friends.  since she is still covered in a rash, this was as far as she went on the last day of school.  Avery and Colin we enthralled with the program, and can't wait to be just like their big sis!

 we snapped a few cute pics with Maddie and her friends.  

 i will miss our cute little carpool buddies!

Madeline,

We are so proud of you and the big girl you are.  You have grown and excelled all year, from the first month of kindergarten as Student of the Month, to your confident performance at Kindergarten graduation, you have shown us how much you love to learn!  Your teachers have nothing but the best to say about your sweet personality and work ethic.  Thank you for working so hard, and being such a great example to your siblings.

We love you so much,
Mom and Dad

back to school, Maddie's first day of kindergarten!

 today was a very exciting day for our family.  our second little baby went off to kindergarten!  she was so excited, and so ready to start school.  i on the other hand was a little shocked at how hard it was for me to see her go.  thank goodness for half day kinder!

this big first grader could not wait to spend all day at school, see her friends again, make new friends and eat lunch at school!  

we had grandma and grandpa Beardsley there to take a family picture, and to be with us for flag ceremony.  we love that Benjamin Franklin Charter School puts such a strong emphasis on patriatism!  our kids benefit so much from this school's curriculum. 

(Maddie did look a little nervous here, but her teacher told me she marched in, sat down and got right to work reciting her phonograms and following the rules like a pro!)

Anna reported that she has several friends from her old class, and plenty of new friends to meet.  this is going to be a great year!

back to school photo shoot

so, i thought it would be awesome to forgo the posed school snap shot on a gnarly green screen background and do our own little back to school photo shoot.  i thought it turned out great.  but, Anna later expressed disappointment that she didn't get a traditional "school portrait."  i might do both next time, but i'm for sure sticking to our own photo shoot to commemorate a new school year!

   i adore this rustic apple.  it was perfect for a back to school session, but the lighting was all wrong at mid-day.  we still tried a few shots:

 Anna brought her old notebook and wanted a picture with her favorite drawing:

 finally, we made our way over to the original location:

 i love this first day of school outfit!  thank you H&;M!

 caught this cute little hair-flip while adjusting my settings:

 if she had it her way, this would be the pose for every shot!  what a ham!

love my little kindergartner!!!