We had our first graduation last night. Jake graduated from preschool (so to speak). Many non-parents scoff at stuff like this, but I think it's adorable that the teachers make a celebration out of big steps like going from preschool to "big kid" school (aka elementary). Besides, you should have seen it. My camera plotzed out early on (rechargable batteries suck ass), but I snuck in a few shots.

The teachers took white yarmulkes, attached a piece of white cardboard and some blue ribbon, and each kid wore his or her mortarboard. They did a little processional from Room 3 into Room 2, each got a little "diploma" and a flower, and then all the kids got up and sang a song. The music teacher, Susan Salidor, began the concert by saying this was her tenth graduation at the school, and usually the kids choose what she calls a "rainbows and smiles" song -- something goopy about friendship, etc.

Not our kids. They choose "Old Man Tucker," the words to which include:

Old Man Tucker was a fine old man
He washed his face in a frying pan
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
And died with a toothache in his heel

CHORUS, MOSTLY SHOUTED: Get out the way, old Man Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way, Old Man Tucker
You're too late to get your supper!

The kids made their own cardboard instruments, and before the singing began, Jake ran up to show me his bass guitar, which he made with four strings, an on/off switch, and volume control. I'm so proud. Can't wait to get screen snaps from the video and send them to Bryan Beller & Mike Keneally.

Anyway, check out my Flickr badge/link for a few pix before the camera puked and died. I'm off to the Pit of Despair for another fun day of testing.

["My Bird Performs," XTC]