The Graduate

It is the season of graduations!  That time of year when facebook is littered with pictures of graduates, and announcements come in the mail.  I have two beautiful nieces graduating this year, and I have loved looking at their Senior photos!  So, when I had my own little graduate all dressed up for her big day, I decided that we needed to have our own photo shoot. 


 
This next one is the "serious, contemplating her bright future" pose...
 
Back when Sam graduated from preschool, we took this picture of Sam and Sydney...
 
I decided I had to get another one now that is was Sydney's big day so I could compare.  (Sigh), why do they have to grow up so fast!?

Sydney remembered a little bit about Sam's graduation, well, she remembered one very important thing about Sam's graduation: that Sam got a little teddy bear with his diploma.  I explained to Sydney before we left for her graduation that they could have changed things since then, and that we should temper our hopes a little.  Perhaps there might not be bears anymore.
Well, we arrived at graduation, where I left Sydney with her class and found some seats for Carter and myself.  We waited anxiously for the little graduation processional, which arrived shortly, "Pomp and Circumstance" and all.  Sydney was all smiles as she walked in and took her seat.  It was quieting down and the teacher was getting ready to start when I heard Sydney's little voice ring out, "Mom!  Mom! I saw bears!"
Anyway, the graduates sang some songs for us, and then received their diplomas...

And here is Sydney with her beloved Graduation Bear (who cares about a diploma anyway?)

A round of applause for Ms. Tonia and Ms. Laura's graduating class of 2012...

Remember Ever?  Well, Sydney had to get in some final flirting before we left.  Ever was a little more shy this time around...

Sydney and her BFF Ella...
 
And, finally, some celebratory pictures.  Nothing like completing the rigors of preschool to make you feel free and alive...


Congratualtions Sydney!  A job well done!