On Tuesday July 31st, we said goodbye to a place that we had grown to love. When Payton was 18 months old we made the change from an in home nanny to The Children's Center. Payton and Ella both started at The Children's Center at the same time and entered into Miss Danielle's class as tiny little toddlers. Miss Daniele quickly changed to Miss Rachel and Payton and Ella soon parted ways. Payton was moved up into a slightly older class with Miss Shaunte and Miss Shalonda. He finished out the year in that class and became quick friends with John and Ganson. As the next year approached, Payton was again moved up a bit and became the youngest in his class. His three year old class (though he started at only 2 1/2) was the Grasshoppers and his teachers were Miss Rachel and Miss Sarah. He continued having Ganson in his class and quickly became best buddies with Aedyn.
Owen had been born just before this and soon enough, he joined his big brother at "school." We were lucky to have Miss Daniele as Owen's first teacher in the baby room. Payton's year with Miss Rachel and Miss Sarah could not have been more perfect....absolutely perfect! They have both become more than just teachers and feel more like family now! Owen passed on to Miss Jen, our favorite Miss Pat (who still gave the boys cookies every afternoon!), on to Miss Candice and Miss Liz and eventually into his most recent class with Miss Liza, Miss Stephanie and Miss Caroline.
Payton, amazingly enough, finished up with the same teacher he had started with. Payton's last class, the four year old class was the Seagulls and his lead teacher was again Miss Daniele. While we love Miss Rachel and Miss Sarah for what they offered the previous year, and we love them like family, there is no doubt that Miss Daniele is right where she is supposed to be in life - she is a fabulous preschool teacher and she loves what she does. Payton and Owen loved every single minute of their days at The Children's Center and I am certain that they will be forever impacted by all that they were taught through these past few years.
We have made the decision for the kids to change over to our church preschool program. Payton will attend four days per week until 1 o'clock and Owen will attend three days per week. Owen will have two days of preschool and one day of Spanish each week. We are excited for this new adventure but that certainly did not make saying goodbye any easier. I was definitely that mom with great big crocodile tears in my eyes as I said my final goodbyes. The place has been wonderful but the people have made it feel like an extension of our family.
Owen, celebrating with is class on the last day of school.
Owen's classmates and Miss Caroline and Miss Liza
Owen loved these cupcakes in ice cream cones...and especially the blue icing.
One final trip down the hallway!
All the way into Payton's class, The Seagulls
Payton and his best bud, Aedyn
Payton enjoying his last day treats!
Payton and Miss Daniele
Thank you, Miss Daniele for making such an amazing impact on our children's lives....from Payton and 18 months, Owen at 3 months and Payton from 3 1/2 up to 4 1/2.....we will miss you so much!
Owen and Miss Marci (Payton's assistant teacher)
Goodbye...thanks for the years of memories!
I made the tough decision to cut my hours back and work and change the boys over from full time preschool to part-time preschool at our church....so, I shouldn't have been so sad....but I was. It was hard to say goodbye but I am looking forward to what our next step will bring.
We have been bouncy around between sitters and family for the past few weeks. The boys will meet their new teachers this Thursday and they will have their 1st day at their new school next Tuesday. Mommy will probably cry that day too!
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