Wednesday, Matthew "graduated" from Dawson's weekday preschool program. They sang songs (ABC rock, Days of the Week, the Months Macarena, Shapes, Color Song) and recited various things they have learned throughout the year. Matthew's favorite seems to be Days of the Week - it involves snapping your fingers, a newly acquired skill. :) Then a few kids (including MVP) counted in Spanish.
Matthew was most excited about the reception afterward and told us several times, "There will be cake!" He had a great time and celebrated with Mom, Dad, Papaw, Grandmama, Memaw and Aunt Esther.
Tuesday afternoon, we went to kindergarten preview at Edgewood Elementary, where Matthew will begin in the fall. I am excited that he will be here - this school is a feeder to my middle school and just up the street (from both my school and Dawson, where he currently is.) He was glad to see some friends there and they toured the K classrooms and met the teachers. After dinner with friends whose son will also begin Edgewood in the fall, we went back for the current kindergarten program. I really like the music teacher here and thought Matthew would enjoy the program, but mostly I thought we should go and give him a chance to just get familiar with the building, etc. so he would feel more comfortable starting there. Well, the minute we walked through the door we hear, "Hey, Matthew" and one of my middle school students comes over to get Matthew to go sit with their group of kids. He went without looking back. So, the "transition" I was so concerned about is apparently not going to be a problem - he is already super excited about his new school.
Friday, his class walked down to Sam's Deli for lunch - this was a HUGE deal that MVP looked forward to for a while - he felt so grown up! Tuesday, they will walk to Homewood Park for their last outing of the year as Wednesday is his last day at Dawson. Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Barbara have taken such great care of him this year and we have been so amazed at the things he has learned each week! He is writing so well and sounding out words, he counts everything in sight - he has art on display this month at Homewood Library...they really have him ready to start kindergarten. We will miss you guys!
Yesterday Andy, Matthew and I went with the HMS band and choir to Six Flags. It was a long day, but the weather was great and the park opened their latest attraction - Thomas Town. Matthew was thrilled to talk to Thomas ("I know a lot about you, Thomas"), to ride on Annie (the passenger car) and meet Sir Topham Hatt. He also rode his first roller coaster! Two, actually - small coasters, but he loved it! It was a good day but we are resting today and recuperating from the busy week.
On Thursday, we are headed to the beach for a long Memorial Day weekend. We are looking forward to seeing Michigan and Tennessee family while we are there and Matthew reminded me today that he has to have lunch with his friend, Nathan while we are at the beach. (Nathan is one of Dad's students at Samford.) We are excited and ready for a little relaxation after our busy school year.
We love you all and hope you are well and happy!
Cherith, Andy and Matthew
