Picking Your Battles

Gerrit had his preschool graduation this week. 

This is Gerrit's graduation robe and stole:

 Gerrit hammin' it up before things started:

 After 20 minutes of me trying to force the robe on him while he was kicking and screaming and trying to come up with every bribe in the book, I gave up. His friends even tried to get him to put it on (even his girlfriend). One friend said: you need to face your fears. How cute! I finally said we were leaving (as I was holding back the tears because this was not how I envisioned preschool graduation and I felt awful that Oma made a special trip and wouldn't see him graduate). I asked his teacher to tell Adam and Oma (who flew in special for the graduation) that we were leaving. We got 100 yards outside when I asked one more time if he'd go through with the graduation if he didn't have to wear the cap and gown. He agreed, and this is how he looked walking in:

The 17 graduates - can you find Gerrit?

He doesn't look thrilled but he did sing and join in on the ceremony.

Receiving his diploma from the principal:

When asked to hold up the diplomas....classic - story of our day!

This is better:

The graduating class of Kids of Christ preschool 2012:

Smiling nicely now that it is over with his 3 teachers:

A quick shot with mom and dad (don't I look sweaty - all that hard work I put in before the ceremony!)

In front of the school:

At home I was able to get him to put his stole on (briefly):

And the last cooperating shot was with Oma!

So I lost the battle of the kid wearing his cap and gown but was proud he was able to bounce back and go through with the ceremony. He'd graduate regardless of the cute cap and gown everyone else was wearing. Like Adam said, at least he was dressed decent! I can only hope high school graduation goes better and maybe Emmit will give me my dream photos of a cute little 5 yr old in a cap and gown!