Pre-school Graduation

I’m sorry for being behind on my posts. I have been on vacation this week and have not been stuck in front of a computer (which always increases the frequency of my posts). This past Monday, the 27th, was the closing and graduation ceremonies at the pre-school. It was very cute and taken quite seriously. The students who will be moving up to first grade in April were given certificates and made short speeches. Songs were sung and gifts were given to them, including a memory album the teacher had made. Then, all the students were given certificates and gifts.

This presented a frustrating parenting hurdle for me. Ridge has been so “shy” for a long time, it has become too much of a habit. He stood most of the required times, but refused to bow and wouldn’t take his certificate. It was difficult for me and he and I have had some serious conversations now about being respectful and participating in things. Since Monday, it has actually improved some, since I really put my foot down (thanks Mom!). It will be interesting to see how he handles the culture festival in August. It usually involves students standing up and singing. I know already that Ridge will try and refuse to participate. He has already told me that when he graduates from pre-school, he isn’t standing up their like “those other big kids.” I wish kids came with instruction manuals and troubleshooting guides!

Anyway, we made it through the ending ceremony and I turned Ridge loose with the camera a little bit. I told him he could take a picture of the group of moms, and this is what we ended up with (the little girl is Maya, by the way)
Group Photo

Ridge tried on two outfits, before deciding the blue shirt was still too big.
Blue shirt
Yellow shirt

The picture Ridge took of the hallway

Our neighbor across the street, Masanori, getting his certificate: Little Graduate

Another shot of Ridge