Well Doug and I are officially parents of a kindergartener. (I am convinced that at least some of the last 5 years snuck by when I wasn't looking.) It's been an exciting last couple of days around our house. Kirstin has been so looking forward to starting kindergarten - and she was super excited this morning.
She and I spent yesterday together - mommy/Kirstin day!: sleeping in, pancakes & waffles for breakfast (thank you, Eggo), dropping off Kaydence at Miss Jennifer's, taking her supplies to school during open house and meeting new friends and Mrs. Hess - her new teacher, meeting Daddy for lunch and dining at Kirstin's restaurant of choice - McD's!, an afternoon playing at the swimming pool with mommy and other new friends who had the day off before kindergarten, an ice cream sundae with whatever toppings she chose (gummy worms and sprinkles), picking up Kaydence and receiving 'good luck' wishes from Miss Jennifer and Miss Anne, grilling hot dogs and smores (again, Kirstin's menu request), playing soccer and visiting with neighborhood friends, getting ready for bed, and daddy reading our new book 'how much is a million' (she is so into math/numbers right now - this is an awesome book!), then off to dreamland. Whew. What a day - a Perfect Day!
And today was great, too - Kirstin was super excited to start Kindergarten and we were excited for her - and Kaydence went with the flow as she normally does... so thankful she's pretty laid back! From all reports tonight she had a great day, complete with highlights including two bus rides ("and two more tomorrow!"), a visit to the art room, and corn dogs for lunch.
We dropped her off at Monticello (before/after care) to ride the bus (a highlight of going to school in Kirstin's book - she's been asking to ride the bus since she was three; I distinctly remember the first time she asked and my response that she would do that when she was five.... all along thinking to myself that that was years away!). She beamed as she got in line and walked on the bus with the other kids - a simple wave to mom and dad and she was off without a moment's hesitation. (yes, I am thankful for this - don't think I could have taken it had she not wanted to go! her excitement helped mommy control the waterworks - Doug even told me he was proud of me... he, too, was expecting serious tears I think.)
...so of course we followed the bus to Mize, as planned. All smiles as she got off the bus, a quick hug for mom and dad and a kiss for sister and she was off again into the classroom, backpack in hand and raring to go! The classroom was a buzz with kiddos and parents and she was perfectly happy with a 'we love you, have a good day', and a wave good-bye! She was ready to start to work with those new crayons. So instead of tears, I'm going to take a moment to enjoy the pride that so far (despite a few crazy moments) we have raised an ambitious, curious, spirited, wonderful little girl. Hope the next five years are just as wonderful as the last... (ok, here come a few more tears).
