I know…Dylan’s bday was last week, but I had to post about the super sweet bday circle he had at school as well. There are some things about teacher Juan that need improvement (e.g., he’s not so good at getting notices out in a timely manner), but he is an absolutely wonderful teacher in many respects–the emphasis on art, music, and on peace, meditation, and being a good friend…these far outweigh the logistical “issues”. The bday circle was just another thing Juan does superbly well.
We made cookie ‘n’ cream cupcakes for the bday circle, but at Dylan’s request, we left the candles at home. He informed us that Juan had his own special bday candle (pictured here!). There is also a bell that Dylan rang with a stone, 1 for each year he’s been around. After each clang, we noted something memorable about that year (year 1: his first word was “coffee”; year 2: he developed an interest in trains; year 3: he became a big bro; year 4: he did his first Superkids Triathlon; year 5: he started school (!)).
It’s hard to see in the picture, but there’s also a crystal ball. After the bell and the candle, they passed the crystal ball around and everyone got to say their bday wish to Dylan. This was the sweetest part of the whole ritual! Juan started by saying Dylan is so honest and he’s such a good friend and he loves him. After that, each kid took a turn. There were a whole lot of I love you’s and you’re a good friend and “I love you in so many ways” and “I wish you were my best friend”! It was so cute. Dylan was the last to say something: “If you see me in first grade, I hope you’ll say hi” (I couldn’t help but giggle).
At the end of it all, there were cupcakes! I’m not sure if Logan was hugging Dylan because they’re great buddies, or if he was just really excited about cupcakes! Norry (right behind Dylan) is one of Dylan’s best kindergarten buddies, though….
We were only able to eke out 23 cupcakes from our batch, but luckily, one kid was absent that day, so Cameron lucked out and got one, too! Overall, a super sweet celebration. I will miss this when he goes into first grade next year!
