Farewell, Peach Blossom~

Hola hola~

So yesterday was Ella Rose's last day of preschool.
If you missed it, I did a big sappy post about Peach Blossom Preschool here.
I cannot say enogh good things about this school -- the teacher, the community, the peaceful energy...
I am patently pleased with our choice to put Ella Rose here...and thrilled that Ella Rose will be attending again next year too :)

The last day was a potluck of all the families and involved the following fun activities:
(get ready for a major photo-dump!!)

Frodo (left) and Kiko (right)

A couple of the Peachies' dogs made an appearance.
January Jewel's dog Frodo and Betty Plum's new puppy Kiko.
As you can imagine, William was pretty smitten with them.

Face painting!!

Somebody brought face paint "crayons" and we eventually all got pretty into it...

"Rainbow Fairy"

Ella Rose is pulling a Lady Gaga it seems...

He's not featured here, but William had a spiral on his cheek too

The eating was, of course, phenomenal. Dash made his famous biscuits and I brought my homemade strawberry jam. There were also pickles, deviled eggs, a lentil dish, Waldorf salad, guacamole, dairy-free cheese, Miss Christine's killer buns, fruit salad, kale chips, and more~! All wholesome, and delicious. Yum!!

Sitting and eating, picnic style ;)

The last day also coupled as a celebration of the Papas so the children did their special honoring of them too:

Gathered 'round

They sang (sort of) and then the children presented their gifts:

Ella explaining what it is. That's her handprint too!

All the children had made books that compiled special drawings they'd dawn for their Daddies!

Explaining every picture, page by page...

It was very sweet.
And to top off the day, the children had a "Fly Away" ceremony that celebrated the three children that would be leaving Peach Blossom Preschool to graduate on to Kindergarten.
The three had spent the past couple of months crafting their very own special walking sticks, decorating them as they saw fit, and filling a special leather pouch attached to it with gifts from their classmates. One by one, they went up to add their special contribution to their pouches so that they will be remembered even after the child's moved on~

Ella Rose gave them each a special seashell

 
All the parents then created an arch with their arms over the pathway leading out of the school and sang a song honoring each and every Peachie. It took a while, but it was worth it because the children felt so special and it was a great way to wrap up the year at preschool.

Now to look forward to a summer of less scheduling, playdates at the park, sleeping in (?) and the general goodness that Oregon summer brings. :)

If you have kiddos, are they all done with school for the year?
Feels great, doesn't it?
I love the atmosphere of Corvallis when the university school year is ending -- a mix of nerves and restlessness and euphoria as the students graduate and "enter the real world".
I have more news on what other things come up when the students leave, but that will be saved for tomorrow ;)

Until then, take care and Happy Peach Blossom Farewells~!!