Back to School

(most of these are clickable to see larger)

I now have a 2nd grader and a child in kindergarten. They were both so excited to go to school today, and I've been so busy getting them ready that I haven't had time to mourn. Of course we got pictures in front of the house.....





Then I snapped a few of the kids holding hands on the way into school....

We dropped off Tyler all smiles and waving.....

Then Alyssa snapped this shot of Matthew and I just before walking him down his hall (she did a nice job, didn't she?)

Matthew walked so quickly, we couldn't catch up....

We gave our hugs and parted ways.

I had to lug our huge art easel yesterday to remind new kinder parents to go to the library for the first day of school "Tears and Cheers" breakfast. This year, I am one of three Kinder Liasons, which means as the "experienced" one, I am the contact for other kinder parents to help them adjust to school and to answer questions if they have them.

It's kinda fun to be a contact person like that, and I'm working with another mom, Neisha, whom her daugther was in Tyler's kinder and 1st grade class together. Now Matthew and one of her twins are in kinder together. I should get a picture of her to go here.....

Anyway, we hosted the breakfast in the library for parents, and I brought the easel as a reminder. I was fine dropping Matthew off, but once I got in the library, one of my neighbors, Janice, rushed over to me and gave me a huge hug and was sobbing. She dropped off her only child in kindergarten and was obviously having a difficult time. When someone cries on my shoulder, I cry, and I was reminded of sending off my child. I mostly tried to console her, but my eyes were partially stinging for myself. Did I do everything I needed to with Matthew before he started? Is he ready for the world?

Alyssa and I left and an hour later I dropped her off with my friend Emily so I could go visit Matthew alone for lunch. She usually goes with me, but I wanted to focus on him AND not want him to be sad with her leaving.

He was having a grand ole time. The best part about visiting my kids at lunch is talking to the OTHER kids in their class. I get such a different and more complete perspective on their day by hearing from others. These lunch visits are valuable mothering tools for me. He had no inclination to come home with me. I even checked on a few of my other friends kids and reassured them that they were doing well.

I went to get Alyssa from my friend and after chatting a while, took her back to the school with me to lunch with Tyler. I knew he'd be ok with her there. Meeting his new classmates was fun, I know a handful of them from previous years. He shared with me a few details of the day and was very happy...which makes me happy:)
AJ and I left, came home, and played babies.

And made cookies for "the brothers"

They both said they had a great day and shared stories of coloring projects, class discussions, and Matthew said his teacher read a book called Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten. He said it was pretty funny. I love my boys and I only hope they have many more fun days. With 4 different trips to the school...I am very tired at the end of the day.