First Day of School!

For Merritt, it was for real...the 3rd grade and all its attendant excitement. For Grace, it was an introductory-type day. I went with her, the kids played some games, sang a song, read a book and then headed outside for playtime and cookies while the adults stayed with the teacher and went through all the information we'd need to survive kindergarten. (I'd have much rather gone outside and played on the swings but I guess I need to be all grown up or something.) Kindergarten testing takes place the rest of the week, so no class until Monday, but then all things school begin in earnest for Gracie, and my afternoons will get a whole lot quieter. I'm not sure how Grant and I will feel about that.
He is so big! I can't believe how time flies. I love how excited he was for school to start, but how he also had a titch of nerves and so asked me to come with him and wait. We held hands and talked and when we reached his line, he bounded over to say "hi" to friends but always came back for a quick hug and a chat with mom. I love that kid like crazy!! And yes, I cried as I walked back to the car.

This was one excited little girl! Grandma came over and stayed with Grant so that Grace could be my focus while we were at school together. Every time the teacher announced what would be happening next, Grace would turn in her chair and give me the thumbs up sign, or a big smile, or even silently clap for a bit. The teacher made an interesting comment to us as parents, "Kindergarten children are so special. They've only been alive for 5 years, and three of those years they don't really remember, so everything is new and fun for them." It made me think of the joy Grace gets from rocks and flowers and echoes and other everyday things...they are new and exciting to her! I should adopt some of that excitement for the world I live in and stop being so blase about the wonderful things around me. I'm looking forward to all the growth and development this school year will bring to Grace.

And finally...just for fun...
He's adorable!