Our Kinder Graduate

On Thursday June 17, 2010 we celebrated Jayden's rite of passage into elementary school (cue up convocation music and a few tears...).

Yes, although it may seem like the start of kindergarten was not so long ago, we have definitely seen Jay's transformation into a confident, self-reliant, well rounded, intelligent, morally and socially responsible being with a heart of gold (I could go on and on).

I could say that we are sad that he is moving on to grade 1; sad to see our baby growing up right before our eyes.  But this would not be whole the truth, sure we adoringly reminisce of the days past but moreover we feel as parents it is our job to prepare our little guy for life/adulthood, a contributor to society's greater good. 

He has mastered his kindergarten skill set (and more) and he is ready for the challenges ahead.  And to this, Chris and I give ourselves a pat on the back.  Jayden has taken a few more steps towards his future.  We see him flourishing and we welcome what life will bring.

We are so proud of our J.J..  We feel so accomplished as parents, I can only imagine how we'll feel when he is off to University!

One of my favorite kindergarten artworks by Mr.J

J and his buddy G

The Proud Podium Moment:

Jay was recognized for his creativity and artistic talent! 

 

The Graduates

Special Mention: Kinder-B teacher Ms.Meghan Trutter

All our children gathered around to show their appreciation and say their goodbye's to their most adored teacher/mentor, Ms.Trutter.  She has given our children the greatest gift of all: the love of learning and the confidence to succeed.  Ms. Trutter is not only a very gifted teacher (Jayden can skip count by 2,3,4,5, and 10 which has led to knowing multiplication by the same numbers, he understands fraction, and just the other day while writing a story he asked me to help him spell "echo-location") but she genuinely cares for our children as well.  What other teacher do you know who would give up their weekends/days off to attend a birthday party of one of their students or go to the Academy of Science in San Francisco the day after graduation?  

Yes, she is truly one of a kind.  

"Kinder B - Stands for Kinder-Best" ~ Meghan Trutter

It was a tearful goodbye.  We will miss having you as our teacher Ms.Trutter.  Thank you for loving our kids.  Take heart knowing that they leave kindergarten well prepared for the challenges of Grade 1 (and beyond) thanks to you.  You will forever be in our hearts!

 

A few pics from the class party just to lighten the mood...

Murphy Magic

 

Violin Concerto No.1

Chris and I are gushing with pride.  Jayden has given his first orchestra performance (and he is only in kindergarten).

He has made so much progress in such short time.  I still vividly remember the first time Jay serenaded me with his "nail on chalkboard" rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", I got goosebumps and teary eyed but not in a good way.  Flash forward 10 months later, Jayden's recital still gave me goosebumps and moved me to tears but it was all good.

Our little man's transformation has been beautiful and awe inspiring.  What else will this boy be capable of?  At the start of kindergarten he was practically tone deaf and now he is playing concerts.  Just goes to show that he will never cease to amaze us.

The Program: 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Variation A

Lightly Row

(notice Jayden's name near the bottom left)

Here are some photo stills:

I know Jay dedicated his performance to his surrogate family, who were cheering him on with banners and huge smiles.  Thanks for all the support Lillie, Lulu, Auntie Nadja, and Auntie Julia.  We love you!

Mr. & Mrs. Nintendo make a pit stop in Sunnvyale

Auntie Alisa and Uncle Lawrence dropped in for a week or so to rest up their climbing wounds (before continuing on with their year long van trek across the US).  Jokingly, we call them Mr. & Mrs. Nintendo because when they roll into town, we allow Jayden to play marathon sessions of Super Mario Brothers in the name of "family bonding". 

Here are some highlights from their visit...

Sibling Rivalry: Marriott vs. Marriott

This battle of the brains was brought to you by Moosehead

"Out of the box" LEGO Fun
L

Uncle Lawrence's Birthday

Vasona Park, Los Gatos

Suishi Dinner

Lawrence learns that when it comes to...
Asians & Soy Sauce: we mean business

 

         A Sushi fanatic right before her fix           

The next Coke spokesman?

Read me a bed time story...

It worked!  Good job Auntie Alisa and Goodnight J.J.

 Jay loves his Auntie Alisa

Thanks for the visit.

Ed Levin Park

A Day of Jay at Ed Levin Park:

Race you to the top!