Landon finished his first year of preschool this week! He is now on his first summer break, although he will attend several fun summer sessions throughout the coming months.

He had an incredible year of transition, growth and change. When he started the school year, we were all adjusting to life as a family of four and having a baby in the house.

Now at the end of the year, we’re all adjusting to Brian’s passing and the incredible life upheavals that have come, and will continue to come, with that. The first year of preschool would have been change enough for any young person, but the extreme family shifts from the overwhelming joy with Bryce to the overwhelming grief with Brian made the year an even bigger one for Landon. That much change is a lot for adults to handle, yet Landon navigated it all–not without challenges, but still with more grace than many people many years his elder could have done. I am proud of him, and know Brian is, too.

First day vs. last day:

Landon and many of his classmates rode a school bus to a local college to see the stage production of The Gruffalo, and I was thrilled to be able to go along. (Chaperoning preschool field trips is a ball–and gives me a whole new appreciation for the teachers who wrangle these kids every day!) The school bus ride was definitely his favorite part.

The kids worked on art projects throughout the year, many of which came home immediately, and some of which were saved and displayed in a large art show recently. Each classroom was divided by season, with spring, fall, winter and summer-themed artwork in each. One of my favorites, however, was all the self portraits. Landon did quite well with his, down to the big blue eyes and, at times, crazy blond hair!

Landon will be going back to Zelienople Preschool again in the fall for his second year of preschool, where he’ll go three mornings per week and will have many of the same classmates he had this year. I am so grateful to have him in such a supportive environment and surrounded by so many families and teachers that look out for him, support him and want to see him grow and succeed.