Movin' on Up

Friday marked a milestone in Anson's academic career, his graduation from elementary school. Although I recall no more celebration than some lemonade, cookies, and loud music during centers at the end of my 5th grade year, Anson's school does it up right.

In addition to the various activities (pizza parties, yearbook signings, talent shows, and lots of tests) leading up to Friday's graduation ceremony, we had a nice dinner out on Thursday with the grandparents.

Friday morning, I made Anson pose for the requisite photos. He picked out his outfit carefully, especially styling it with pushed up sleeves.

{Sally was there, too, but we didn't get a clear picture. Sorry about the closed eyes, Papa.}

And then we drove off to school and waited for the festivities to begin. Before the 162(!)  fifth graders entered the gym, they walked down all the school's halls while the K-4 kids clapped and whistled for them. They all entered with big smiles.

Anson ended up in the first row. Painful when listening to the keynote speakers, I imagine, and he missed out on all of the amazing people watching.

Russell met us at the ceremony straight from work, so he missed the early morning photo shoot, but he hung out with Anson at the "after party" in his classroom.

Oh, the preppy outfits galore...

 All for this!

We are so proud of Anson's character and his academic accomplishments throughout his elementary school years, especially because of his age. Most of you know, but Anson began kindergarten at age 4, which is pretty unusual. We just knew he was ready. Other kids start at 5 or 6. So he has always been anywhere from 6 months to 2 years younger than the peers in his grade, while still being placed in the highest academic levels and maintaining a great level of maturity among kids who were older and taller.

The good news is that within minutes of taking those classroom pictures, the ties got torn off and the kids changed into play clothes. They spent the rest of the day "partying" to a carnival theme (think bouncy castles, cotton candy, popcorn, and games). Well deserved!

I couldn't finish this up without also saying how proud we are of Charlotte's 1st grade year. She has grown by leaps and bounds in her creativity, reading skills, and maturity. I loved being a part of her end-of-the-year picnic, and when we sat down on her blanket, so many of her classmates came up and asked if they could sit next to her.

That's Charlotte in the back with the purple visor and blue shirt holding up two fingers on each hand (that's because they are now officially 2nd graders). In case you were wondering, there was a little face painting going on that day.

Speaking of mustaches, Anson went to an open house for middle school a few months ago. His first response was: "This is so weird. I mean, some of these people have mustaches!" Yep, my 10-year-old will be starting middle school in the fall with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, some of whom have mustaches. Sigh. Just wait until you start high school, buddy. I know I can.