1st Day of School

Where did the summer go? Today was the 1st day of school. It was a beautiful morning. Meredith started Kindergarten and Lauren started 3rd grade!

My favorite 3rd grader! She told me I didn't need to come to the school this year. It was fine to tell her bye at the bus (even though when I told her bye, she ignored me). Lauren you are very tolerant of my several pictures. You were very kind when you said that I didn't need to come to the school.

The most adorable Kindergartner EVER! 

Walking to the bus stop.

Getting on bus #58.

The first 2 days are transitional days for kindergarten. They go later and come home before the rest of the school. This allows for an easier transition for them. Here Meredith is walking to the bus stop with her friend/neighbor Makenna Champlin.

Makenna and Meredith

They were so excited to ride the bus. M & M went all the way to the very back seat on the bus. It was so funny. There were only a handful of kids on the bus.

Arriving to Waukee Elementary.

Waiting forever to go inside for her 1st day!

Coming home. 

Meredith, you are so ready for school. It helps to have an older sister who teaches you so many things. You were really nervous in the days leading up to today. You were curious about where the bathroom was, if you needed a drink of water, if you would have friends in your class, etc. Lauren and I both explained in great detail everything that you could ever know! When you came home you told me that their was a "Micah and a Jillian" (names of your cousins) in your class...you had one recess and played by yourself (but you were ok with that?)...you loved taking your own lunch and ate everything but your salad (it got soggy) and why didn't I pack a cookie for you (done for tomorrow)...you forgot your water in your room for lunch so you had "cow's milk" (I'm sure her teacher thought that was a funny way to ask for it)...you had to sit by 2 boys and you wish it was 2 girls instead...you liked riding the bus...you saw 5 different friends of yours and "that was weird"...you drew a picture...you sang a song about a crocodile, but you couldn't remember it...Miss Y read you a book...you listened to a song from Frozen...you didn't see Lauren...

I am so proud of you Meredith. You bravely went into school. You couldn't wait for it to begin. You thought that it took forever to start (it did). You were just as excited to bring your own lunch. You don't know anyone in your class (but several kids in kindergarten and the school) but I know that you will easily make friends. You have such a soft and tender heart. I love you.

Lauren arriving home. You said that didn't learn anything today. Your said your teacher talked and talked and talked....you went over too many rules/directions that you already knew all about...you had PE today and it was 45 min instead of 30 min but you couldn't remember anything you did because it was first thing in the morning...wait, you did 20 jumping jacks...you talked all about your friends...you didn't eat much because you didn't like the school lunch (you don't want to take your own lunch either)...you didn't see Meredith (nor did you care)...you saw lots of your friends....you are going to start Math tomorrow...you have a new planner for school. 

Lauren, you are growing too fast for me. You act like a teenager and I'm slowly preparing myself for this. I will try to give you your space and let you grow/make your own decisions. 3rd grade is going to be a year of growth for both of us, I can already tell. You are a beautiful girl inside and out. You have your own opinion that you strongly believe in. You are very responsible and I love you dearly, Lauren.