Cooper's Preschool Graduation 2013

In early October of 2007, I packed up a ton of baby stuff and entered Crossroads Discovery Center with my twelve week old baby boy.   Over the next five years, Cooper would spend at least three days a week in the care of the daycare staff.   Cooper has seen teachers come and go, made new friends along the way,  learned ABC's and 123's, but most of all learned about God.

This Tuesday Cooper graduated from preschool.   He has three days left at CDC.  It blows my mind.  I have been taking him there for so long that it seems strange to me that I won't be dropping him off there any longer.  So strange. 

 

We were blessed that Mom-Mom and Pappy Landis were able to attend the ceremonies.  

Kinley enjoyed the program just about as much as anyone.

She yelled, "Yeah Pooper (aka Cooper), " several times during the program.

Cooper received his preschool diploma and an award for being a the class math star.  I SO hope that sticks with him.

Cooper and Jay have been buddies from day one at CDC.   Their birthday's are just two weeks apart and so they have moved up through the school together.   I really hope that their friendship continues.

Cooper and his teacher, Miss Hilary.   Cooper was part of Miss Hilary's class for two years.  It was her first two years teaching and she did an amazing, amazing job.   As a funny side note,  it wasn't until graduation that Hilary and I realized that she grew up in Lewistown and that we attended the same elementary school.  Her father was the preacher at the church where I attended as a young girl and where my grandmother still attends.  Small world!

Ms. Bev has a special place in our hearts.  She has been a helper at the school and for years would ask Cooper if he brought her a hug.   Ever since he was little he would respond by pulling out his pocket and saying, "It's in my pocket."   And at the end of every day she would tell him, "I love you to the moon and back."     I will miss her!

We enjoyed some refreshments after the program.   (Some of us more than others.)

Mimi and Pappy with the graduate.

I have mixed emotions about handing Cooper over to kindergarten in the fall.  Part of me is so excited to see just what he can do.   He's a smart boy and I know he's going to do great things.  But the other part of me just isn't ready to give up my time with him during the week.   I know enough from McKenna to know that once they start school time with them becomes less and less and less.  

Cooper, I love you so much.   The decision to put you in daycare when you were such a small baby was one of most difficult decisions I've ever made.   There were so many days that I left and walked down the long hall with tears stinging my eyes.   I couldn't get to the car fast enough before they were streaming down my cheeks.   Watching you now, seeing the relationships and friendships that you've made, I know that it was the right place for you and the right thing for our family.   You have grown into a sweet,  loving boy who loves his family, his friends and Jesus.  I love you, Buddy.  Happy graduation.