Last day of kindergarten

Today was Jonathan's last day of kindergarten. Our very kind landlady/friend gifted this beautiful book (written by her daughter) to Jonathan to mark the occasion. We then gave another copy of it to his teacher, who read it to their class in the afternoon and pointed out how special it was that the author grew up in the very same house as Jonathan!

He was super excited for the year to begin in fall, and now quite excited for summer vacation to begin. It's been such a good year (I think!)...he learned to read (got the class award for most improved reading score, as a matter of fact), learned how to "cooperate" and "not make bad choices," made some good friends, and learned to like school.

He also learned how to ride the bus for an hour every morning without complaint.

Let me tell you, this one is relieved that she was sending her playmate off to strangers for the LAST time today. Come fall she'll be riding along in the morning three days a week for preschool!

When I took this photo today, Jonathan asked me to make it look like he was actually driving the haybine. After saying I couldn't do that, he was quiet a moment, then said: "do you think you could give it your best effort?"

Yeah, we don't talk like that at home :)

Yesterday was "Wolverine Day" for the elementary grades (Wolverines are the sports teams), with K-2nd grade in the blistering afternoon sun. It was actually quite fun to watch, since it was very well-organized, brisk, and, cute.

First was the softball throw. Jonathan is third from left of little boys in sports shorts. He threw it far enough for a bronze "medal."

Next was the long jump - also a bronze for him. He's the boy jumping on the right.

After that were two relay races. Jonathan's team won the gold in the first one! Final event was the "tug-o-war" - his team got the silver medal - which was most fun to watch but garnered the least enthusiasm from Jonathan, for some reason. Too barbaric?!

And this patient spectator took it all in, biding her time until she can show them all how to throw like a girl.