On Monday, our older girls headed back to class- it was the shortest summer break for them, like ever! Sarah began second grade this year and Ashleigh gets to go to the VERY SAME SCHOOL as she started kindergarten, which is still something I have to adjust to! It would be easier if both girls went at the same time, but someone somewhere (the schedule maker of schools that run the show) are convinced that our five and six year olds only need three hours to get it all in before they head home. SO where does that leave us?
It’s called drop-off, drop-off, pick-up pick-up. Four times to one school in one day.
I’m not complaining, I’m just stating the facts.
First up: Sarah! She’s getting to be an old pro at this, sassy full outfit shot before she heads off for the big day….
On the mile long drive to school, we noticed about five to eight active duty Airman decked out in safety vests. I had to do a double take when I realized that they were hard at work as CROSSGUARDS! Are you thinking what I was thinking?
REALLY?
Yes, really! These fine young men and woman get paid (very well) (probably more than minimum wage) to do crossguard duty. What ever happened to volunteer sixth graders?
I was pretty giggly about it and could only manage one shot as we were passing through the intersection.
Finally we arrived. Spotted in a line near you giving me the please be done with this now, Mom! look:
Is it me, or is even that look cute?
And on the first day, I (oops, WE) got to take her into class and see where she sits. The past two years, the bus has delivered my girl to school, so we were not privy to such inside views. It was kind of cool. But we didn’t linger too long… we knew Sarah would do great on her first day!
(side note: I forgot to ask what those elbow pipes were for, I’ll ask tomorrow)
A few hours later, it was Ashleigh’s turn! She is in the afternoon kindergarten class so she could technically sleep in like a teenager and still make it into the class on time (don’t we all wish we could, too?). She was more ready than I had realized- I saw her face of intent and a sprinkling of caution to go where the teacher instructed. I am so proud of her bravery and courage in a new environment this week. We’ve had some issues in the past with separation anxiety and Ash, but none of that has been present this first week. Hallelujah, keep it up, girlie!
Waving a quick bye as the line walks into the class:
I feel so blessed to be able to be apart of the girls’ first day routines and to be able to capture these first few moments. There may have been some jitters, but they are definitely not short on excitement. I sure hope we can keep it that way for years to come. So far, I’d say that we’re off to a good start for 2010/2011!
Our soon-to-be kindergartner is a little bit in love with her first school backpack. It was such a great deal at GAP, I could only nod in agreement when Ash said she HAD to have this backpack. It’s beyond just perfect for her.
Or wait…even better- a fresh box of sharpened (colored) pencils!
I think they’re all just about ready now to take on the 2010-2011 school year, even if it IS the middle of summer still!
Later this evening, I was telling Andy about the wonderful timing of finishing up the felt pouch to hold Sarah’s tooth to which he replied, “I didn’t have any fancy pouch for my baby teeth, I think we put our teeth in an envelope.”
She is so incredibly happy that one tooth is finally missing- seriously, I beleive she left her first grade class as the only kid with a full set of baby teeth. Oh well, she’s happy now and gets to join the toothless club.
I peeked in on her during her story retelling to Andy. She was all sunshine and smiles, that one.