Addie Finishes Up at Ridge Road

I am obsessed with Addie's first official school photo! The Fall photo did not go so well, but she more than made up for it with the Spring picture. Such a sweet shot of our girl. 

Addie's first year of preschool went great! After a little bit of an adjustment period (i.e. lots of tears and lunging for Mommy), she began asking to go to school. Since she only went one day a week, I had to hold her off most days, but she was really cute when she donned her book bag and eventually walked herself into school.

I regret we didn't develop more friendships with people in her class because by the end of the year, she began talking about the kids and asking for play dates (specifically with "Rufie Giles"). She learned how to play well with others this year, how to adjust to a preschool schedule, and how to sing a lot of great Bible songs. I was amazed when she would just start singing a song, and I realized she didn't pick it up from Collins, she learned it during music at school (hand motions included!).

Her teacher's, Ms. Kellie and Ms. Candler, were the perfect first teachers for Addie. They were incredibly loving and patient and made school a fun place that Addie wanted to go. She got to make many adorable crafts that she was quite proud of, and I really think they loved the kids. I felt very comfortable with Addie in their care. I told them both that I will always be grateful Addie had them for teachers in her first year of preschool.

She is moving on to The Raleigh School next year, and she will do great there because she had a loving and safe environment that set the scene for her this year at Ridge Road. 

Here she is on her last day in the 1's class!

When you only have one morning a week to yourself each week, you make those 2 1/2 hours count! I would run errands like a crazy person and get some good workouts in while both girls were in school, but the last morning I spoiled myself. I got a pedicure and perhaps the best pastry in town. Great way to end the school year. :)

Impromptu class photo on the playground:

Ms. Kellie, Addie, Ms. Candler

Anna Catherine, Ruthie Giles, Michael (love that he is pant-less), and Wilder

(Not pictured: Maryann)

 We celebrated the end of the school year with a tasty picnic lunch at the Art Museum. Our food of choice? Char-Grill! :)

Addie finished off the chocolate milkshake in dramatic fashion. 

 And then one day later, we got to go back to Ridge Road for their End-of-Year party. We still remember this celebration from when Collins was in the 1's class, and this year's version did not disappoint! They pull out all the stops for this party- free hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones, bounce houses, face painting,..you name it, and they had it. 

The girls literally shut the party down (Addie made us stay and watch the bounce house deflate) before we hit the road for our first adventure of the summer: the beach! It could not have worked out more perfectly...finish school and then head to Wrightsville Beach for TWO WEEKS! What a neat way to start summer.