end of school performance and the last day of school

I was worried for weeks about how Ben would handle the end of year performance if I came to watch as he struggles when I join in school activities.  The teachers let me know he had done great in practice and that he would likely try to escape to me but insisted I attend.  I had Ben practice in the auditorium a couple times and let him know I would be in the audience but that he'd need to stay put.  What I didn't know until after the performance is that Ben had suffered a pretty terrible bloody nose just minutes before they performed.

Overall, just the fact he stayed on stage for the whole performance (albeit with help and encouragement) and joined in a few times with singing and hand motions was a big success.  The clips don't show his nose bleed starting again but it thankfully held off until the end when I could help him.
You can watch clips of the 3 songs they performed and Ben's antics here.

***

The following week was the last week of school and Thursday brought my last day of freedom for the Summer.  Ryan was out of town on an extended work trip so rather than strolling or shopping or sipping coffee al fresco, I spent my last day of free time mowing the lawn.
I had promised Ben "fries with mommy," while Ryan was gone and decided the last day of school was perfect for the special treat.  We also had to hurry to Ben's first swimming lesson with Meagan for the summer that afternoon.  I couldn't think of a better way to officially start Summer and let the big and small adventures begin.

Ben painted cards for his teachers and therapists. :)

 

Each kiddo colored squares (you can see Ben's at left center) and one amazing Mom sewed quilts for both teachers.  She even found fabric for all the things they did as a class like the zoo, tie dye, Dr. Seuss day and Disney on Ice.

 

*The last two weeks of school were horribly emotional and stressful for me.  I had a very busy Spring and there are LOTS of end of year activities even at 3 years old.  Several parents and I remarked how it would be nice if everything didn't come at the end of the year in terms of field trips, etc.  I think I was fearful of not having any time without Ben for the whole Summer but also sad at the reflection and growth the end of the school year brings.  More seasoned mom-friends of mine say this doesn't change as the years go by but I hope I'll be better equipped to deal with the emotions next year.