1st day of school!!

it's been quite a day! jessica began 1st grade and mckenna returned to us after being gone all summer (her mom is a kindergarten teacher). after a special breakfast, i buckled all five kiddos in the van and we drove to the end of our street, where jessica's bus would pick her up. we were the only ones waiting, so i was nervous that the bus had already come. still, we were early according to the bus schedule, so we took pictures as we waited.

jessica looks so cute today, in her new school outfit. she insisted on a side ponytail, because apparently, that's what all the cool girls do! i added a red ribbon for flare. she looks great! i think a cute, new outfit will help her confidence today, as she begins first grade at a brand new school - twin lakes elementary. her teacher is ms. milliron and it's a 1st/2nd grade split class. i was in a 1st/2nd grade split when i was in the first grade, too - i thought that was cool. i hope she'll be able to do really well, being in a class with older students. it can be a positive thing!

a bus passed us on the street, going in the opposite direction. i knew right away that it was her bus and that she was the last stop on the route. there was no one else around, so i propped my camera on a nearby tree and put it on timer. i wish i had a better photo of jessica and i together on her first day - oh well. i do what i can.

i had the four little ones sitting buckled in the van as we waited for the bus. when it came into view, everyone got really excited!! i introduced jessica to the bus driver, stacy, and we had a brief chat. then, i hopped into the van and followed it to the school (as discreetly as possible).

at twin lakes elementary, the parking lot was PACKED. i was so sad that i couldn't park anywhere. it would have been so nice to get out with the four children and wait with jessica at her classroom. however, i was able to stop briefly in the drop off zone and saw jessica get off the bus. i waved to her - she smiled, waved back, then continued on to her classroom. i am so pleased with her, and so excited for her. i also felt really nervous!! i am such a mom...

after that, i ran a couple errands (such as dropping off my final project for class!) and then headed home. the kids loved the new play room set up. i got rid of all the junky, miscellaneous toys and added some activities that will stimulate their little brains. i have learned so much in my early childhood education classes, that i want to implement that knowledge here, at home. i have new blocks and puzzles, dramatic play items and so forth. it's wonderful!! when james came downstairs this morning and saw everything for the first time, he said, "mom, this is really beautiful." i so love him - what a cute little man!! i appreciate his kind words.

the kiddos are napping right now. i put them down early so we can get over to jessica's school extra early. i want to see her get on the correct bus and then follow her home. i can't wait to hear all about her first day!!!