First Day of School

After much thought, prayer, and discussion, Rob and I decided to put the kids in our neighborhood school this year. We have heard many wonderful things about the school district. We would love for the kids to establish lifetime friends and build upon this community, we now call home. As you can imagine my nerves were bouncing around like a bunch of butterflies on a caffeine high. The kids were so excited one may have thought they had just won a lottery of endless toys and candy for a lifetime.

Gearing up with a hearty breakfast!

Cari is a fourth grader and as beautiful

as ever! She is full of questions that

are just waiting to be answered.

She picked out her dress and was

very proud of her choice.

Noah is a second grader. You would

never know that he was once extremely shy.

Gotta get some good moves in

before the big day!

And this is how Nathaniel takes picutes.

He is a kindergartener. Every five minutes

he was asking if it was time to go yet.

"Look at those geese, Nathaniel!!"

Snap, snap, snap...maybe one will

turn out!

Amazing...we got one!

And little Luke, only not so little anymore.

He doesn't like the fact that it isn't him

going to school. He has become quite the

face maker and chatter. If I can get him

to be still and to stop talking long enough to

take a shot...then we are doing good!

And we have a smile!

Group photo...this is as good as it gets for now.

Off to the bus stop!!

Cari is ready to chase the bus down! She wants to make

sure she doesn't miss it. I had to convince her that we

were at the right place...the girl can stress!

Imagine that...mom was right!

And off my babies go!!

As for Nathaniel, he will be on the bus tomorrow. But for today he had a different schedule. Parents accompanied their children to the first day of kindergarten. Very smart move on the school's part. This way everyone's nerves are put to ease. His teacher had several activites to complete with your child. I was very happy with how everything went and better yet, Nathaniel was even happier!

Here he is at the playdough center,

spelling his name (he plans to

go by Nate...it is much shorter).

Now it's time to practice writing his

full name...wow that's long!

Art center...he get to draw himself.

And write his name

Storytime...of course a favorite!

Now I know you all are wondering how many times I bawled my eyes out like a newborn baby, right? Well I held up great...until....Nathaniel's teacher decided to send home a note. Then I lost it!! Couldn't read it, yes, because I was boo-hooing! Here is what it said:

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and smile

As you entered my room today.

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay.

You've been with him/her for five years now

And have been a loving guide,

But now, alas, the time has come

To leave him/her at my side.

Just know that as you drive away

And tears down your cheeks may flow

I'll love him/her as I would my own

And help him/her learn and grow.

For as a parent, I too know

How quickly the years do pass

And that one day soon it will be my turn

To take my child to class.

So please put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more

For I will love him/her and take him/her in

When you leave him/her at my door.