Last day of school (sniff)

Well, that was hard.

I just picked the kids up at school for the last time (John was teaching so missed out on the cry-fest). They had a great day -- they gave stickers and notes (we did edit Olivia's) and "Canada cookies" we got at the import store (maple leaf cream) to their classmates, and presents to their wonderful teachers. And at the end of the day, after collecting all of their towels, bags, cups, and inside shoes, the teachers gave each one a book with a drawing from classmates and lots of pictures from the year. It's a wonderful gift.

We hugged each other a good few dozen times. Both of the main teachers were crying a ton, as was I (K&O's other teacher had to ride the bus). Jack, Kate and Liv were sad but also had that "itching to get out of school" feeling... ready for the weekend and not fully understanding that they won't see these friends and teachers again. I guess those extra grown-up tears were for them.

I gave the kids the peanut butter sandwiches for the walk home, and just now put in the last box of macaroni to cook. The kids agreed that today would be the best day to eat it.

John and I have spent a lot of time these last weeks talking about what wonderful teachers these are (and not just the three in the classroom -- as Jack said on the way home "all of the senseis (teachers) know me!") They seemed to really know our kids (even with language gaps) and truly seemed to care about them. We hope we continue to be so lucky as they go through school.

Speaking her mind

So... I had the kids dictate a generic note to give to each of their classmates tomorrow on the last day of school (with individual drawings). Jack and Kate's were sweet and predictable -- thanking them for being good friends, mentioning good times, etc.

Then it was Livie's turn. She dictated:

Dear class.
I liked four of you. Three boys and one girl. See you later!
Livie