Joshua Gebeyehu Chad D. graduated from Kindergarten today.
He was SO excited.
You see. . .when you have very big siblings you know just how important graduations are. Graduations come with cards and cash! I had not planned on that type of a celebration. Thankfully, Joshua warned me of his expectations! While we were buying graduation cards for several of Jamison's friends, Joshua informed me that he needed a card for his friend Ryley! And that he was very excited about the cards that he would receive. Needless to say I was thankful for the sweet warning! Joshua was THRILLED with the cards he received from his family and from Grandma Donna and Grandpa Scott today!
Though he had been SO excited about the event, when ALL the parents crowded the kids with cameras, Joshua was not pleased. Cameras are a challenge. I think it is partly a control issue, partly copying of Krissy's behavior in regards to photography, and partially unresolved yucky feelings that surface when cornered with a camera. Whatever the reason, he spent the camera time facing sideways or backward.
His lack of enthusiasm flowed into the singing. His baby sister did NOT lack enthusiasm for the Kinder singers! She LOVED it. She clapped and danced and grinned. When they finished each song she clapped BIG and yelled "YAAAAAAY!!!!" They were singing her kind of music, I guess.
He perked up a bit when he had a chance to play an instrument. But only a bit!
When asked after the program why he did not jump or dance he replied, "I was not wearing the right shoes!" True story. He was dressed as a "farmer." Farm boots are not too good for jumping.
Ohhhh Joshua!
No matter how "perfect" he was or was not in front of a crown, he has had an amazing year! The first time we entered his elementary school for Kindergarten Round-Up, he was shy and terrified. He refused to participate and insisted I stay with him.
Fast forward 9 months and he knows the name of nearly every child at his school. Seriously. Every one. When you walk down the hall with Joshua he greets them all by name. Even the big kids. He is at grade level in almost every skill. His writing and coloring/drawing skills still lag a tiny bit - but he is at grade level in reading and ahead in math! That is a miracle people.
A miracle!
