Next stop, Harvard.

Last Wednesday was ‘graduation’ for Thomas and Lillian from the Betty Hyde Nursery School. At the end of every school year, the three teachers randomly distribute the names of the children that won't be returning to the school in September and write a brief speech. These speeches are then read out during a family fun day held at a nearby park. It is all very emotional for the teachers, so they don’t discuss which children they got and every year at least one tears up while reading or listening to a speech. Below are the speeches for Thomas and Lillian.

Thomas – You’re the kind of guy who knows what he wants out of life. When we first met you, you seemed a little unsure of us – such a shy and serious young fellow. Now we know you were just taking in your new surroundings before diving in to enjoy them. Once you decided Betty Hyde was a pretty good place to be we got to know the real you. You were more than happy to share all kinds of fun and fascinating facts about your hometown in Australia with us. No matter what the topic though (sharks, dinosaurs, space travel), you can be counted upon to offer an interesting observation or two.

In January, when your sister, Lillian, started coming to school with you we got to see firsthand what a great big brother you are. You made sure she was safe on the climber and helped get her used to all the routines of the morning. At circle time there was always a spot for her to sit right beside you. She wasn’t the only one who wanted to be there either. How many times did we hear one of your friends say, “But I wanted to sit next to Thomas?” I guess that goes to show what a neat friend you are. We’ll all miss you, but we know the friends you make at your new school will feel just as lucky to know you ads we do.

Lillian – “Imp” or “rascal” I think might be the best way to sum up this wonderfully charming little 2 year old. “Pixie” and “Sprite” also come to mind! Lillian started to come to school when she turned 2 – joining her older brother Tom – and from the moment she walked into Betty Hyde she has made the school her own. Supposedly a toddler, but never once wanting to be considered one – Lillian is not afraid of anyone or anything. The more challenging and grown up an activity might seem the more determined Lillian is to be in there participating. Lillian isn’t afraid to muck it up with the best of them …the more ooey and gooey as activity, the better! Lillian stays for lunch every day with all the children that are at least 2 years older and foot taller than she is and yet she endures. Lillian commands respect from these older children and does not put up with any guff.

Lillian often has her teachers rolling their eyes and/or rolling in the aisles with laughter. You gotta love her – you can’t help yourself. There is no such thing as the terrible two in Lillian’s life – its all good. So look out Fern Hill – here she comes!

Fern Hill is the school to which both Thomas and Lillian are moving come September. Fern Hill is offering a non-academic summer program, which we will send the kids to a couple days a week. It will help to preserve my sanity and ease their transition to the new school before full time school resumes in September.