This year the stars aligned and my parents were able to attend! Andy's parents don't travel like mine do so it was extra special that Nan and Pap could be there.
The entire school - preschool through Upper School participated in the program. They called it Carousel of Memories. It was a theatrical musical presentation hosted and performed by the student body. They took the grandparents through 4 generations - 40's, 50's 60's and 70's. During each era, they got to see how music, dance and styles of each era had changed. They also showed some of the technological marvels of the "good old days" that made life more convenient, comfortable and fun - which paved the way for new and exciting innovations in the future.
I found this pic on the school website. My dad is a blur in the middle, but there he is enjoying a cup of coffee at the reception before the program started.
My dad really enjoyed the musical peformances, especially the Jazz Band. It took him back to his Jazz Band days. He was rather impressed with the director too. Providence does the arts and sports right (our boys hoops team is back to back state champs among many other sport team accolades at the school) on top of their prep school curriculum.
Each grade level dressed up from an era and sang popular songs from that decade. Ra dressed up in suspenders and a white button down shirt. The fedora I ordered for him didn't arrive in time - something about a snow storm delaying delivery. ;) He was disappointed because that would have made his 40's attire complete. The 5th grade sang "Swinging On A Star" by Bing Crosby. Sissy's grade dressed in tie die shirts for the 60's and sang their own version of "My Girl" by the Temptations but changed the words to "My God."
The teachers asked for photos of the kids' grandparents when they were young so they could do some comparisons of grandparents to students in terms of resemblance. Here are the pics of my mom and dad - back when the world was black and white! Lol!
Mom was such a cute little girl!
Sis thought this was me! Ha!
My Nanny and Pappy Hershock with my dad and Aunt Beth. Lori - I think this pic of your mom reminds me of H!
A rare moment when my dad's smile was captured! Lol! What a cute kid!
I'm glad they had such a good time. Both kids had projects they worked on to celebrate their grandparents. Sis made a poster of pictures of her grandparents and Ra had worked on a family tree and wrote a paper including his family history and background info. They also worked on projects at school in art class, music class and with their classroom teachers.
After the program, my parents went to see Sissy's classroom and then went to Ra's classroom. They got to meet the kids' teachers, administrators, football coach and athletic director, etc. It was nice for them to see inside the building and meet those who are helping mold our children. They've taken the kids to school and picked them up before, but never went inside to see what it's like. My kids were THRILLED to actually have their grandparents there. Hoping they can attend again in the future, but glad they got to do it while both kids are still in Lower School.
When it was all said and done, Andy and I met them at our favorite lunch spot - Angies! It was great to catch up with all of us together before they had to drive back. Sis was a mess as usual when they left. I thought she was just being overly dramatic until I realized that it was real. Poor kid. It rips her heart out when they say goodbye. She's the emotional child. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Ra is more logical and rational. He knows it has to happen and he'll see them again. They see the world through such different lenses. As much as it kills me to see her so upset, I'm grateful she has people in her lives who she loves so much and love her in return.
Thanks mom and dad for always being there for my kids! I'm so thankful they have you in their lives and know they can depend on you. The two of you have been the constant in their lives. Andy and I are eternally grateful for your presence, interest and love you show them. If our kids bless us with grandkids, you've done a great job showing us how to enjoy them!
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