First Day

It's here.  This day that has been hidden away in the back of my mind since we brought our sweet little ones home from the hospital.  We eased into it when Christian started, like you do when you ease yourself into the pool, inching in further and further until you get used to it.  Since he's starting third grade, I've been pretty used to it for the past few years.  Today however, seemed as though we were starting all over again.  Today was our dear Ellee's first day of Kindergarten.

Trying to be cool and trendy, earlier this summer, I totally bought her this eco-friendly, self-sustaining lunch bag set, complete with matching cloth napkins, stainless steel containers and this cool reusable sandwich wrap.  But then, when we bought Ellee's Cinderella backpack and it came with a free Cinderella lunch box, well, let's just say that the princess obviously won out.  

Since it was pouring rain as we were getting ready to leave, we took our first day of school pictures on the porch.  

Both of the kids were super excited for their first days.  Christian woke up early this morning, and the first words out of his mouth were, "I love school!  I can't wait for third grade."  

Using my limited, but confident weather skills, I reasoned with Jer that if we waited till 9:00am exactly, the torrential downpour would cease a bit and we could walk them over in less monsoon-like conditions.

I was somewhat right, as the rain did let up a bit as we walked over.

Ellee's beautiful and kind teacher met her at the door.  Our brave girl took her teacher's hand, without hesitation, and that was it.  No tears, no worries.  In the midst of the thoughts that were flying through my head (Okay, we're fine... Ellee looks good!  She's not even crying...  she's going to be okay, right?  Aw, she looks so cute and look... her teacher looks really, really nice... I'm so happy...  but wait, I'm feeling a little sad...)  I took a pretty quick and blurry picture.  Regardless, it sealed the deal and captured this mini monumental moment of our sweet daughter's life.

We also got to walk Christian to his new class.

On the way, we stopped in to say hello to his dear friend, who is also starting 3rd grade this year.  She looked happy and well and we were very excited for her as well.  She called out to Christian that she would see him at lunch time.  

We walked Christian to his new class and he was good to go.  Afterwards, Jer and I walked home.  He gave me a huge hug, when in a funny turn of events, I was the one to cry on the first day of school.  I cried because I'm going to miss our Ellee.  I cried a little because while thankful that she's happy with her new teacher, it's strange to think that she will be fine without me.  And then I was good.  Because over all, I'm so thankful for our kids' elementary school.  I'm thankful for the principal and all of the good teachers that I saw today. I'm thankful to know that my kids are safe and happy and will have a great year of school.  I'm so thankful that God has given us such blessings.

And now, I'm off to clean and do other things to pass the time till three when we will go and pick up the kids and hear all about their first days.  I hope that everyone starting school had good first days too!