Class of '05

We bring you this brief interruption to the tales of May: this last weekend was fantastic. It was Yasmin’s pre-school graduation, complete with caps and gowns and a show by all the kids; followed the next day by a splendid ballet recital given by all the students of the dance studio.

The school graduation was a stage extravaganza with all the kids performing in dances and songs, the graduates getting their own five minutes of stage time to show themselves off. Imagine my surprise to see my little Aussie (along with her two American friends) decked out in a sparkly stars and stripes hot-pants outfit complete with cowboy boots, twirling a baton with patriotic zeal! Incidentally it was just as she was introducing this particular item that the teacher pointed out that the kids had chosen the item they wanted to be in and selected their own costumes. It was hilarious. Little kids doing big people’s stuff is just magical fun. Gives you a different sense of perspective about life. After the stage show, the graduates came out in caps and gowns and all the parents cheered as their child received their certificate of completion. Of course I tear-ed up, they grow up so fast! I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re sitting in the audience at a university graduation wondering where the years went.

The next day we tizzied her up for the ballet recital. At the recital the littlest ones (of course) were easily the best performers and our wee girl did us proud. From a kid who stopped dancing and cried every time the parents stepped in to watch during classes, she has blossomed into a mini-diva/queen of the stage and has overcome her shyness. You should have seen all the little ballerinas and tap dancers – gorgeous in their frilly tutus and jazz skirts, little uncoordinated arms and legs in all directions, putting their hearts into their performance. Another pack of tissues (Mum) and an inordinate amount of photos (Dad).

But it’s all over now. This is the last week of school. The rest of the class are going on to elementary in September, while we come home and have to wait until February to start the real deal.