Another year is in the books

I know I have said this several times but I just adore Ella's (and soon to be Maddie's) preschool. I know I obviously don't have anything else to compare it to but our family has just loved it since it started and this year was just the same.

Ella on her first day in September 2012, (at the old house)

Ella on her last day, May 2013 with her teachers Mrs Monroe and Mrs Scott

Ella grew up so much in 9 months!

 A friend of mine with older children said "you will be amazed how much Ella will learn in the 3's" and boy was I. It is no secret Ella is a rule follower and loves to learn so she just loves school. Her vocabulary has grown so much, her letter recognition and writing letters and names is pretty amazing as well. Ella loves to do puzzles and one thing her teachers commented to us was her keen ability to do a puzzle (takes after her mathematical Daddy for sure).

Ella's best buddies, Caroline, Ella, Kinsley and Laura

 And her relationship with her friends is so special to see as well. Ella loves her school friends and a couple of them have been together for a couple of years and have a strong bond.

They celebrated summer birthdays on the last day. All summer birthday kids are lined up being sung to.

 Ella would run into school in the morning and her teachers said she always came in with a smile and ready to have fun.

That cupcake sure is yummy

 We had a great final day celebrating this great year with all the kids and families and even Maddie had a blast playing on the big kids playground.

 Next year, Ella will be in school 4 mornings a week and miss Madeline is going 2 mornings a week. I hope she loves it just as much as Ella has and I know she will thrive just as much.

 It is not just the learning aspect, it is sense of community that Ella and our whole family has really found there as well. Everyone is so welcoming and we have found some really great family friends through her school. There are Moms night outs and even though school ended three weeks ago, we still have weekly play dates and see "our" friends a lot. I say "our" because Ella's friends and parents have become our friends.

Climbing the mountain one last time before summer

 Miss Ella James, I am so proud of you and your love for school and I truly hope it continues throughout your years. This preschool has helped you grow so much and for that we are grateful. 

Cheers to an amazing year and now onto summer fun!!