Our little Grad

I have to admit, the first time I saw the caps and gowns lined up for the graduates at Ben's school (when he was in the 2 year-old room), I thought "how ridiculous".  But then I went to Chase's pre-school graduation last year and changed my mind - I thought it was the cutest thing.  This year it was time for Ben to graduate and I loved every minute of it. 

Since the school is so far from our house, we always have to kill some time between school and the ceremony, so we headed to a little park down the street to play and have a picnic dinner.  Ben was lucky enough to have Grandma come along as well and of course, he got a few small gifts to celebrate this special occasion!

More Star Wars figurines!

More shaving gel from Grandma :)

Ben's latest smile for pictures - lovely - lol!

When we got to the school, Ben was so excited and was running around the chapel with his buddies.  It is so cool to see him interacting with his friends now.  They were all super excited for Graduation!

Getting ready

With his buddy, Kasen

Ben, Kasen, & Addison

Daddy getting Ben's sash adjusted

Ben's class - ready to go!

Oliver took a little nap on Grandma (then was great the whole time, just watching)

There was a slideshow in the beginning with lots of photos of the kids - old and new - and then they had a picture of each child holding a sign that said what they wanted to be when they grow up and here's Ben's...

A Travel Agent!

Everyone was dying laughing about Ben's because it seemed so random, but they had watched a video (a very dated one, obviously) that showed different jobs and there was a travel agent and all Ben knew was that they get to work on a computer all day, so that is what he said he wants to do when he's older. :)  Of course there were answers ranging from a Mommy, a teacher, a policeman, and then Batman!

Then it was time for the ceremony to begin.  All of the kids came walking out with their classrooms (three classes) and they did a couple of songs all together.  Then each class did 2-3 songs individually before getting their diplomas.  Ben's class went last and I have to say, they had the most entertaining songs and all did really well.

Ms. La - the Director

Ben coming into the ceremony - big smile!

All 3 classes (Class of 2014!)

Waving to us :)

Me and Oliver enjoying the ceremony

Singing songs with just his class

Performing a song with sticks

His face here cracks me up

Ben was front and center and really into all of the songs.  And he was so hilarious - he kept yelling out, "Grandma, what are you doing?" or "Hi Grandma!  Hi Oliver!", "Grandma, hold up Oliver" - it was adorable and so sweet.

Diploma time! 

Shaking Mrs. Rocha's hand and stopping to pose for Mommy :)

Receiving his medal and diploma from Ms. La

Checking out his medal

And being goofy

Ben's Dragonflies class

With his head teacher - Mrs. Rocha (he told her to hold his diploma like that!)

And with his assistant teacher, Mrs. Higuera

So proud of our little graduate (and one of my favorite pics of the 3 of us)

Getting Oliver in the picture :)

And can't forget Grandma!

And, much to my surprise, I did not cry.  I was enjoying it too much and busy taking pictures I guess.  Also, Ben will continue to attend this school until the beginning of August.  I know when his last day rolls around, I will be a bit emotional.

Look out Kindergarten, here we come!