Saying Farewell to 6th Grade!

Well, today was another one for the books in this strange and crazy time that we are currently living in.  Since Lia's school was unable to celebrate the graduation 6th graders like they normally do with a potluck lunch and a 6th grade awards ceremony (complete with a red carpet and all), they decided to host a recognition car parade at their school.  Since the school sent out an email telling us that we could decorate our cars, I decided it would be fun to decorate our van with our Valentine's Day tinsel garland and balloons from the Dollar Store.  In addition, I bought supplies for Lia to make two posters for each side of the van.  After getting our car all decked out, Lia got dressed up like she would if she was going to a 6th grade graduation ceremony.  After curling her hair, I just couldn't get over how grown up she looked standing next to me in the bathroom.  As much as I hate to admit it, she really looks like she should be at junior high instead of elementary school.  Since Ron had to go into his high school today to help with the massive book and computer return for grades 9 through 11, he wasn't able to go with us.  As a result, the four kids and I piled into our car and drove down to the school at 3 p.m.  We were blown away with the amount of cars pouring into Lia's school and all of the staff lined up on both sides of the bus lane holding posters, blowing bubbles, and cheering the students on.  It was so fun to see all of the other cars decked out and to say hi to everyone as we slowly made our way down the lane to the front of the line where the 6th grade teachers were handing out awards, letters, and bags of goodies.  Although an assembly would have been more ideal, this car parade was a wonderful way for Lia to say goodbye to her teachers, classmates, and beloved school that has been her home these past seven years.  Afterwards, we met up with a few of her friends in the school parking lot to say 'hello' and to take a few group photos.  It was the perfect way to end such a wonderful, elementary school experience for Lia.

Our grown-up, 6th grader standing on the porch with her bouquet of balloons before I tied them to the car.

Another shot of Lia with the balloons and our flower pots on the front porch.

All four kiddos standing in front of decorated car.

A close-up of the kiddos.  After taking this picture, I taped up the sign that Logan was holding to the other side of the van.

The line of cars we found driving down the bus lane after turning off the main road.

The 6th grade teachers at the front of the line giving out goodies to the 6th graders.

Passing some other cars complete with balloons and a flamingo floatie tied to the top.

A picture that Mariah took of us in our car as we made our way around the turn around.

A picture of Lia's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Arnett, holding up a sign with the names of all of the students she had in her class who are now 6th graders.  Lia's name is near the top, left corner.

Lia's 3rd grader teacher, Ms. Mitchell, holding up her sign with all of the students she had in 3rd grade who are now graduating.  Lia's name is on the apple in the upper, left hand corner.

Lia saying goodbye to her beloved, 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Longstreth.  We have both absolutely loved having her as Lia's teacher and are so grateful that Lia got to be in her class for 2/3 of the year before home schooling began on March 16th.  Mrs. Longstreth awarded Lia with the Silver President's Award for Academic Excellence which is only given to a handful of 6th graders for their performance in Reading, Writing, and Math over the past three school years.

Lia posing with two of her friends, Mollie and Sienna, who she has known since her PreK year at Celebration Preschool.

The girls laughing together.

Lia posing with Sienna, Mollie, Madelyn, and Alexis in front of another decorated car in the parking lot.

The three girls standing in front of the flag pole--a place where they have spent many hours over the years waiting to be picked up after school.

A family photo minus daddy in front of the other school sign.

One more shot of the preschool girls with Addyson who showed up a few minutes later.  All of these girls met in Miss Vera's class in the fall of 2012.  My, how the time has flown!