Last week Max graduated from his Pre-K class. He's moved on to summer camp until Kindergarden begins in the Fall. Except for Friday's. Most of those this summer I've decided to keep Max home for a home-day with me and Wren, while Otto goes to pre-school. I can't believe he's off to Kindergarden so soon. We're going to being soaking up summer!
Max (in the middle, holding a red stuffed animal) walking onto the stage for his graduation
The graduating class recited a poem about "When I grow up, I will be..." Max's "solo" was acting out "I will be a bubble gum popper." He was the best damn bubble gum popper ever. He puffed out his cheeks pretending to blow an enormous bubble, all the while cupping the invisible, growing bubble with his hands until they were as wide as possible. Then...POP! He clapped his hands together quickly over his invisible bubble and popped it. And then his mouth gaped open wide for the remainder of the poem.
And here Max is, crawling across the stage to get his diploma. Yes. Yes. Crawling...
Not sure exactly why. Maybe it had something to do with his artistic flair, the fact the he did it because he could, a mild case of immaturity, seeking a reaction. All these great things that come with being my 5 year old boy, Max!
Instead of showing any ounce of shock or disappointment, I gushed to him for being so "him." For uniquely accepting his diploma. For not worrying about conforming (I've met a very successful marketer/consultant who only gives presentations while barefoot and drops the F-bomb no less than every four sentences). My Max isn't doomed. I firmly believe he's well on his way to a great life, lived just in his way. But I also know he's not making it easier on himself or me or Joe. I'm pleased (and more than just a little afraid), that he is not a kid that will need to be reminded to break the rules once in awhile. And I truly wonder, daily, all that he's going to be while growing older.
Picasso maybe? Check out his self portrait (left most piece of artwork above him). He knows how to draw a more "traditional" face, we've seen it in plenty of pieces of artwork sent home from school, but apparently that's not what he was in the mood to create the day they did portraits.
Max with Grandma Diane and Papa John
Max & Grams
Max & Auntie Jamie
Just pretending... After the ceremony, Max (with his friends Phoenix and Max H.) pretending to use the microphone
