May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii!

Friday was the official May Day celebration at Keaton's school. May Day (Lei Day) is a huge deal here in Hawaii. Lei Day is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, or the aloha spirit. It technically happens on May 1st, but its normal for the celebrations to last throughout the month of May. Keaton's school practiced for weeks and weeks, and it was such a treat to see the day to come together.  

I got to go early and help Keaton and his classmates get their costumes ready. Keaton was the only one that refused to get his face painted with a nose and whiskers because he was "embarrassed!" Oh well, he still looked pretty cute.

Keaton's class waiting for their turn to perform.

It's customary during a May Day celebration for schools to elect a Lei Day court of Kings and Queens to represent the different islands. Each island has its own symbol that is composed of a color and a flower. Maui is pink, O'ahu is yellow, Moloka'i is green, Lana'i is orange, Kaho'olawe is gray, Kaua'i is purple, and Ni'ihau is white. Our good friend Avery Hewitt was the princess that represented the island of Hawai'i (red). She's in the red dress taking her place at court.

Here come the Kindergarteners!

My handsome lion!

They did a perfectly choreographed dance to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

Keaton and all the Kinders did such a good job. I actually cried - it was so cute. (I'm just a little bit pregnant)

Mark was not so impressed with the whole event. You can usually judge how bored he is based on how many times he says, "But Mom, I'm STILL HUNGRY!"

My good friend Barbara with Maddie and Will

Our sweet friend Chloe Hewitt. Her class did "The Sports Dance." Precious!

Princess Avery with her Hawaiian Prince.

The fifth graders did a traditional May Pole Dance. It was really impressive!

Keaton with his best buddy, Makana. I hope they are in the same class next year!

Chloe was very proud of her Princess sister!

I had so many reservations at the beginning of this school year in putting Keaton at this school. Trusting God with your child is not easy! It was amazing to see God's hand working in our family and Keaton's life through his teacher, his friends, and the relationships we made with other families at Ben Parker Elementary.  I can't believe there are only 3 days left of Kindergarten. I'm so proud of this big boy.