Elementary School Girls' First Day

My big girls have been in school for a few weeks now. And they are loving it. I love it when they come home full of stories to tell me. And I love the way they light up when speaking of school. I hope they never lose that!

 So I've started this tradition of taking some special time with the new kindergartner. We buy a "back to school" outfit, have a little lunch--and do generally whatever else interests us that day. Regardless of what we do, it's just about spending time together--one on one.  Brownie found this dress for her first day outfit--we skipped the hat (even though it was cute) and opted for some bracelets and tights instead. She was happy!

The big girl then chose where we ate. She loves nuggets at CFL, so that's where we stopped.

 We then did a few errands at Target and the like before we ended up at our fav Fro-Yo establishment!

 She puts the craziest toppings on her treat, but she loved every bite.

That night was supply drop-off night. So we did that with the two biggies.

First was the Brownie. She unloaded everything in her new classroom. She has the same teacher that Peach had last year--which is a good thing! We love Mrs. J!

 Then it was time for our first-grader to drop off her supplies. Peach is loving first grade and her new teacher Ms. M.

 Loads of supplies!

 My big girls.

 

I thought the outfit display, complete with shoes and accessories was too cute!

 These were taken right before the bus came.

Saying goodbye can  be tough.

But we all survived.

Even though some certain little people really missed sissies--they were so excited when they got off that bus though!

Our family of seven (and a half)!

 Getting on the bus--Brownie for the first time!

 Peach had no idea I took this picture--or the fact that I was at her school.

 But this one did bust me. She saw me take pictures.

And I got this after her first day of school. My sweet Brownie's hand print with a "kiss" on it.

I'm so proud of my babies--ahem, big girls. They have grown right before my eyes--and that is a truly magical thing for a mommy to experience. And as much as I'd love to be a part of their learning every day (well, I do still teach them quite a bit actually, but I'm speaking of school-learning), I'm glad that they can find other authorities (that I approve of) to trust. It expands their little minds and tests their boundaries--and as much as I'd love to keep them home with me, I'm so glad they can experience this--public education. I tip my hat to their teachers. They seem so genuine and sweet, and I've never had one bad experience with either child/teacher/classroom/etc.

And as for my sweet Brownie--I cried for you a lot this summer and even on that first day. I thought it'd be easier sending you off on that yellow bus than it was last year when I was a "first-timer," but it was equally as hard. Almost harder in a way. Because now I was turning over another one of my hearts to the world. And when I sent you on that bus, I prayed that I could trust the world enough to let you grow and learn in ways I can't foster as well by keeping you with me 24/7. You (and all your siblings) are the most precious gifts I'll ever receive, and not a day goes by that I don't question everything I say and do. So I have to learn to trust. Trust others. Trust my gut. And trust that your life is in capable hands.

I'm proud of you both! I love you both with all my hearts. And I'm so excited to see you change and mature every day. I love hearing your school stories--nothing about it is mundane or old to me. I love hearing what the world is like as told from your point of view. So promise to always tell me about your school day, your friends, what you ate for lunch, how many crayons you used today, what kid forgot gym shoes, who you sat by at lunch, and that funny story your teacher told. I promise it will always interest me because you interest me. All my love!