The end of an era

My boys have all been to the same little kindergarten, each in turn.

As a family we've been a part of Hollyhocks for almost nine years. We've given a lot and gained a lot. We've discovered our creativity there, eaten copious amounts of cake in good company, cried, laughed, played, made enough bread to sink a ship, learned to sing (even if we thought we couldn't) and made friends for life.

Today, watched by his big brothers, my youngest son made his journey through the leaving arch.

One by one I watched the leaving children step through the beautiful arch with such grace and gratitude. It was enchanting.

Dressed as a teenager (one of his many personas) Orlando threw himself through the arch and at the feet of the play-leader in a dramatic demonstration of fierce individuality.

He's no sheep my boy, he's made of some funny kind of strong stuff.

It was a big day for us all. Time to move forward, time to let go, time to grow up, time to be grateful. It was hard to leave.

Finlay kindly filmed the whole thing and displayed exceptional big brotherliness. Beau said he wished he could still be at kindergarten.

My shot is of Fin showing Orlando, and the wonderful woman who founded the kindergarten, his film.

Onwards and up.

Make new friends but don't forget the old, one is silver and the other is gold (don't ever make eye contact whilst singing this unless you want to cry helplessly).