Don’t mistake my title for mixed emotions on my part. The happy day is how I feel about it, and sad is a little more how the boys feel about it. That’s how it always goes for us. I love, love, love my kids. But oh my word, by the end of summer, I am beyond ready for some routine and some space. We all need a break from each other! We had a great summer (and maybe one of these days I’ll blog about some of it.) But today, I’m going to write about the first day of school because I haven’t missed blogging a first day of school since 2006. That’s eight years of first days, which honestly makes me feel a little old.
First up, Connor, the big 5th grader. Can’t believe that this is his last year of elementary school. We moved this summer (need to post about that, too!), and even though it’s only about 10 minutes away from our old house, it’s a new city and new schools.
As you can see, he’s absolutely thrilled. This is what I get pretty much every year from him. Case and point: first day of kindergarten, 2008:
I love that boy, pouty lip and all. He’s always had a hard time with transitions, and the first day of school is no exception. In a few days (weeks?) it will all be good again.
Next up, my third grader. Third grade always seems like a big jump to me. All of the sudden, he’s in Big Kid territory. He’s more than halfway done with elementary school.
And, my baby girl who is most definitely not a baby now that she’s a kindergartner. I went back and forth and back and forth about sending her this year. But, at the end of the day, I know she’s ready. She’s so excited to go to school with the boys.
This will be the only year they all three go to the same school.
We were only running a few minutes later than planned, which I will count firmly as a win. There was crazy first day of school traffic this morning! Tomorrow they will start to ride the bus. At their new school, they only give parents a free pass to walk to class for the first day. They jump right into their regular year, which I definitely appreciate!
First up in the drop off was Logan (simply because we passed by his classroom first.) He walked right in, and even though I know he is nervous about starting a new school, I also know that Logan is one of the most likeable kids ever and he will make new friends in no time.
Connor didn’t want us to walk him to class this year, which made me a tiny bit sad, and I really thought about following him anyway. But, I decided that this was one of those letting go moments. He really is growing up, and this was one small way he wanted to exert his independence. This was the only picture I could get of him as he walked away. Big kid.
And finally, the big moment. All through preschool Camryn had a bit of a hard time with the initial drop off/walking in part, but she did great today!
I could tell she was nervous and unsure of herself–where does my backpack go? What about my lunchbox? I assured her that Mrs. K would help her out with everything, and all she needed to do was sit at her desk and color.
She was all smiles (albeit, slightly nervous smiles…) and I also like how her hair is already falling out of her side pony. Can’t wait to see how it looks at the end of the day!
Derek isn’t always able to come with us on the first day of school, but this year he was able to. I know Camryn loved that, and I loved catching this sweet moment as he gave her good-bye hugs.
So there you have it, the first day of what’s going to be a great year!
(I’ll have to blog again tomorrow to share the first bus pictures like I have for the past 5 years.)
Those were priceless pictures. Thanks for sharing! I actually teared up!
Just wait, very soon you will be taking them to college! The picture of Conner in 2008 is basically awesome!
LOVED seeing the pix of the kids – miss you all not going to NPE! We have to get together soon!