First Day of Kindergarten

Well...we've been counting down from 30 and now we're at 0. Today, Mr. Will started Kindergarten and we were READY (as ready as we were going to be)! He was so excited...though a little bleary eyes when I woke him up at 6:45! I can't get over how big and yet how small he looked all at the same time. The morning seemed to move so fast...I kept wanted to press pause for just a little bit and take some time to talk to Will and get that blasted lump out of my throat! But no such luck...between his special request breakfast (corn beef hash and poached egg on toast), getting dressed complete with his new running shoes that make him super fast, spraying his hair, remembering his backpack...and snapping a picture or two...it was time to hit the road! The kids and I drove in one car with Daddy "chasing" us in his car...we rolled all the windows down and turned up Jimmy Buffett's Rag Top Day, our favorite song from the summer because RJ has taken to dancing to it whenever she hears it play!


Grady wanted to be sure his presence was recorded too!

Sweet Hannah is a friend from church (and a big second grader!)...she went out of her way to talk to Will and welcome him to school and make sure he was ready for the big day!Big boy pointing out his classroom and the big wall of windows:
Megan, Marley and Will...friends from preschool, taking this big step together:

7:50 the first bell rings and everyone starts heading in together...we couldn't believe the number of parents there (Moms and Dads), it was so sweet!Will did just great! He was a bit preoccupied with the time and when the tardy bell was going to ring (being the rule-follower that he is of course!) but he was such a trooper with my need to take pictures. His locker is in his classroom and it was one detail we hadn't discussed...he just didn't really understand what that was all about. I loved watching Greg teach him how to open it. He quickly found his spot at his table that was ready and waiting for him with an "Aa" worksheet to keep him busy as we said our goodbyes. Grady particularly enjoyed all the scissors that were in the caddy on his desk and has made a point to comment on them every time we've been in the classroom. He gave Daddy a tater and me a hug and a kiss and that was it! Gulp!

So the four of us walked out of Room A-1 and I grabbed RJ out of Greg's arms as quickly as I could. I squeezed her tight as tears rolled down my face. Greg was talking about heading on to the office and then realized my "state" and said "...Or I think maybe I'll wait a few minutes." I told him that was all I needed and I'd be able to pull it together. When Grady looked up at me he said, "Mommy are you sad?" with his little sheepish grin on his face. While Daddy tried to explain to him about his new role at home while Will was at school, Grady very sweetly leaned into me and gave hugged on me like only he can. Before I knew it I had both children in my arms and those silly tears wouldn't stop rolling down!!! I was able to compose myself a bit and send Greg on to work while Grady, RJ and I went to the PTA coffee in the cafeteria. Grady was quite excited about the donut holes there and RJ found my wipes and proceeded to clean the cafeteria floor for the next 30 minutes. All was well...though it seemed a bit strange to only be keeping up with 2 children. I found myself scanning the cafeteria for 3 children a time or two...it will be an adjustment for sure. We walked out of school with Grady pushing RJ in the stroller very proudly...a job that has been Will's thus far and he did great!

Pick up at the end of the day was filled with excitement and anticipation. While we were waiting Grady and RJ went straight over to the wall of windows by his class looking for him...it was very sweet, though they couldn't see him. The Kidnergartner's get out first and Will's class was the first one out! He came out with a huge grin on his face that only widened when he saw us. The report from his day was that it was super fun (especially recess but he was disappointed all the swings were taken and that was his favorite...who knew?!?!), he didn't remember anyone's name, couldn't wait to go back, and no he wasn't tired because "Kindergartners don't get tired!"

B treated us to ice cream, an annual tradition, but a much more full ice cream shop this year with the after school rush! Will was so happy to be home and playing with his brother and sister it was very sweet. They picked up right where they left off...playing in their secret hideouts, racing their cars, and running circles around Rebecca Jane. He grew up in a day...but not too much!

All in all, a perfect day. An exhausting day. My adrenaline has crashed...not so sure about doing it all again tomorrow!!!