Last Day of Kindergarten

It was the last day of kindergarten for my six-year-old daughter E. It was quite an emotional day for me because it was such a big transition. It was going to be the start of summer for her, I was starting work, my four-year-old-son C was starting summer camp, and my one-year-old son L was starting daycare soon. There was a lot of change in the family all in a short span of time. Change is definitely the only constant.

I didn’t get to drop E off in the morning because I had to go to work. I usually drop C off and today was a day I didn’t want to miss pickup. I wanted the whole family to be there to pick E up after she was done with school. The workday droned on and I was able to get out early. It’s not every day that it would work out like that, but I’m glad that today was one of those days.

I quickly ended up picking C up and we rushed home to meet my wife and our one year-old son L. We all ended up walking to school together, and were anxiously waiting the last bell before summer started. As the bell rang, E came out just like any other day, but it was a special day today. She finished kindergarten, and it was such a long road, full of ups and downs to get here.

I was filming the whole thing to remember her walking out and she gave us all a big hug and was excited to plan the playground. She wanted to do some tricks and stick around. I ended up interviewing her with just a few questions to see what she liked best about kindergarten and what she would tell her older self. She was a little camera shy, and she was distracted on the playground, but that was OK. My wife was over it all because it was hot and we ended up hurrying home. We all had popsicles outside to celebrate when we got home and it was just a good afternoon.

Thankfully, work has been pretty quiet. It was just my second week and it hasn’t gotten hectic yet. I’m really glad that I got to spend the time that I did with E and the rest of the family. Seeing her walk out and us eating popsicles outside was an amazing experience. I’m sure L had the best time because he got to try popsicles for the first time.

What a school year and I’m so proud of how E has grown. I remember her starting kindergarten so shy and so nervous. By the end of the year, she was such an outgoing person and a lot of kids around the school knew her. Even some fifth graders knew her because of her distinct personality and glasses. I love that she has really blossom and I can’t wait to see how she does in first grade. Until then, I hope we can all enjoy the summer!