First Day of Kindergarten

Yay!  It's official, the school year has truly begun, all 3 boys are back in school.  Today was Elijah's 1st day of Kindergarten, and boy was he SUPER excited!  Last night before he went to bed, we read 3 books about Kindergarten, and Mason & I answered lots of questions.  We went over all the ways that kindergarten and preschool are the same and all the ways that they are different.  I actually had butterflies in  my stomach.  Not the "I'm so nervous, I think I'm gonna cry" kind, but the "OMG, watch out Mrs. Sylvia, you're in for one heck of a ride" kind!!!  lol

So, we woke up this morning to our good 'ole "SCHEDULE" (I really LOVE that thing)!!!  And finally, out the door we went, right around the corner & up the street from our house (a whole minute & a half), to the place that gives me peace of mind while I'm at work all day.........SCHOOL=)  Elijah couldn't get out of his car seat fast enough.  I of course had to take a few pictures of this BIG DAY!!  We then proceeded to the side entrance (where the NEW BIG BOYS & GIRLS will enter their new classroom).  We were greeted by lots of excited children and some very sad faces.....parents of course!!  Not this mommy, I was just as excited for Elijah as he was for himself!  We waited for his teacher to give him his name tag, had a kiss goodbye, and in nothing other than Elijah style, "I" got a hi-five!!  Short & sweet, and off my little  BIG boy went, through the doors of KNOWLEDGE!!  *SIGH*

Looking back I can remember all the anxiety I felt having to go back to work after each of my 3 pregnancies.  I always yearned to be a "stay-at-home-mom", unfortunately, that was never in the cards for me.  I was however very blessed to have such a GREAT support system and parents/grandparents who were available to babysit.  With the exception of Mason, my 1st born (who didn't go to daycare/preschool until he was 3 years old), both Elijah & Landon shared their time (from 3 months of age) between the two.  Elijah went 2 days/wk and increased to 4 days/wk (8am - 4pm) when he turned 3.  Landon went 2 days/wk and has increased to 4 days/wk (8am - 4pm) this past Tuesday.  His therapists now see him @ school.  It seems my boys have ALWAYS been in school.  At some point the school may change, (some)friends may change and teachers will change.  It's exciting for them.......just like replacing an old toy with a new one!  Lucky for me, TEARS & SEPARATION, have never been an issue (the boys have always known school to be part of their life).  Well, I did cry all the way to work the day Mason started preschool, I was so upset that he waved goodbye to me from across the room as he began playing blocks with a fellow classmate.  How DARE he not cry and tell me how much he would miss me!!  lol  SO, I guess the trade off worked for "me".  Well, I can say that now=)

Have a wonderful school year boys!!  LIVE! LEARN! LOVE!

(and have lots of FUN too=)

(Elijah's 1st day of Kindergarten)

(2 boys, same school, one stop for mommy=)

(My BOYS!!!)

And THIS little boy............

........is officially a KINDERGARTNER!!!!

Yesterday, we went to our local ZOO for our city's day of celebration, "Smooth Sailing Into Kindergarten", in honor of all the little kiddos heading to "BIG BOY/GIRL" School!!  The guests of honor, and their families, are treated to a fun day of musical entertainment, arts & crafts, lunch, admission to the zoo and a great opportunity to get to meet other children who may be heading to the same school this September.  A great day to celebrate all that they have learned in preparation of kindergarten.  After all, learning the ABC's, identifying shapes, colors and numbers AND being able to write your whole name is REALLY.HARD.WORK.  Another wonderful milestone definitely worth celebrating!

Here are a few pics of the day!  Unfortunately, Landon was unable to accompany us as he had a date with his OT!!

(Elijah running around to the music!  Oh the energy this boy has, if I only had a 1/4 of it!! lol:)

(Big brother Mason, giving Elijah a pep talk and letting him know that he will be there to show him the ropes!)

(Mason introducing Elijah to a couple of his friends....it's always nice to know the upper.class.men!)  

(And finally, some pizza for lunch, to help refuel all that ENERGY!!)

I must confess, we did not stay as long as I had anticipated!!  Elijah was sure to point out that seeing it was HIS day, he got to call all the shots for the day.  So off we went, back home, to play the Wii!!!

Gotta love this kid!!!

And this little munchkin was waiting to hear all about Elijah's big day!

And by the look on his face, I would have to say,  that he was quite IMPRESSED!!

Elijah is so "SUPER" excited about heading to kindergarten this fall.  I just hope his energy level drops a bit.  Lord knows, I can't keep up with him, and by the looks of it..............neither can Landon!!

(HELP ME!!!!!)