The Hutchinson Family: Katharyn Graduates from Pre-K

This post is not about any of the Hutchinsons, but rather about our special friend, Katharyn. We met Katharyn before she was born and she has lived next door to us her whole life (in 2 different neighborhoods). Katharyn, better known to us as Kat, graduated from Pre-K at Open Arms on Friday. It was a wonderful ceremony where her class recited the pledge of allegiance, recited a poem and sang several songs including "I am a Promise". I still remember that song from my own childhood and it was so refreshing to hear these 5 year olds singing such a classic. I have to admit when the Director of the program started talking I got a bit teary eyed as she started recalling things along the lines of these precious children entering these doors as babies and now leaving as strong and smart children ready for elementary school! I still think of Katharyn's first months in this world as a fussy and colicky baby and how we all just wanted her to be happy (especially her parents). I think she cried almost constantly for about 6 months, but she survived and is now a thriving and happy young lady. I think back to all the time we spent with her prior to us having our own children and all that we learned about the unconditional love one can have for a child. She taught us a lot of lessons that better enabled us to care for our own children. She'll never know how much she has taught us about many things. Just 16 months ago, Katharyn was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo surgery in her abdominal area to remove the large tumor. I watch as this brave little girl, along with her very brave family, braced for what we all thought was going to be a long battle. Little did we know that God had a special plan and 2 weeks after her diagnosis she was cancer free! No more cancer and no treatment other than the surgery she had. It was truly a miracle! We were able to witness first hand the power of prayer and we know that there are great things in store for this bright, beautiful, talented, loving, happy and healthy little girl! I still refer to Kat as my "firstborn" and although I now have my own "first born", Kat will remain in my heart in that capacity as well! Although she is not a blood relative, she is our special friend! Congratulations Katharyn - we love you and are very proud of you!

I can't post without mentioning Riley and Ryan, so here's just a little blurb about them...
After the graduation, Kevin took Riley home - we weren't so sure how she would do at the restaurant so we decided not to risk it with her, but I decided to give it a shot with Ryan. So he and I joined the dinner celebration at a Japanese Steakhouse. He was great! He loved the "show" that the cook put on and loved drinking from his own cup with a straw - they even put an umbrella in the cup for him! There was lots of steam from the cooking and he kept yelling "bubbles" every time he saw the steam!!

We had swim lessons on Saturday morning and Riley jumped in before we got in the pool. Luckily Kevin was right there and the teacher was in the water, so no major catastrophe. Needless to say, they are loving the water and jumping in off the side like they've been doing it their whole lives. We had a quiet rainy day here today. They move up to their new class EPS1 tomorow and start on the downstairs hall with all the big kids. Time is flying and before we know it we'll be attending their Pre-K Graduation!