1st Day of Pre-school

 Well the day finally came for pre-school to start.  Brandon was traveling and as much as I had hoped that he could have been there, I think we made up for it.  He recorded a video for her watch when she got up in the morning.  He said how proud he was of her and wished her a great day.  We had also gotten her a new charm for her bracelet.  The picture isn't very clear, but it is a pink heart.

 When we were grocery shopping last week I asked her if she would like me to make her a special breakfast on her first day of school.  Yes, she wanted that square food with the sparkles.  Pop-tarts.  Oh what a wonderful nutritional breakfast to send your daughter off to school with!

 Oh well, it is just one day!  We actually all enjoyed a cherry Pop-Tart that morning!  I had asked her what she wanted to wear on her first day and she picked exactly what I would have picked.  At one point in the morning I was beginning to wonder if all of this special treatment was a bad idea because she said, "I get to do anything I want to day, right mommy?"  Um...not exactly!

 We went outside for pictures.  Grant really wanted to be in them too!

 This big girl backpack that contains one, two pocket folder!

When I took this picture of the two of them walking away together I almost starting crying right then.  Someday I know they really will be gone.  For now I am just thankful it is only 5 hours a week!

We got to school and her teacher told her where to hang her backpack and where to put her folder.  Then the kids just had time to play as they waited for everyone else to arrive.  I stayed for about five minutes.  She started playing beside (not exactly with) another little girl.  She seemed to be doing just fine and I knew at some point I should probably leave so kneeled down to give her one last hug and that's when my eyes starting stinging.  I managed to get out an "I love you" before Grant and I darted for the door.  By the time I reached the hallway there was no hiding my tears and another dad looked at me said "You are doing alright."  It was really sweet of him.  I sat in the car and had a little cry and then looked at Grant said, "well let's go grocery shopping."  I know it's only pre-school and it's not even for very long - 2.5 hours do go by pretty fast, but I also know that this is that start of her school career for the next 20 years or so.  I had to remind myself what Brandon always tell me...these milestones are a good thing, it's a sign that they are doing what they are supposed to be doing.  My emotions actually caught me off guard.  I was excited for her to start school and I knew that she was too.  I was not prepared for my tears, I didn't even have a kleenex in my pocket!

I do have to say the Wal-mart cashiers timing of "don't you usually have two with you" and the neighbor driving by who said "enjoy this time it flies by" (as they saw me playing with Grant) made me misty eyed all over again.  Ok, so it was kind of an emotional day, but the best news is that she did great, which is the only thing I could have asked for.  Her teacher said she was very well behaved and thinks she will be a leader.  Hooray!

So if you ask Elizabeth how her first day of school was you might get an answer like, "we had a snack and played outside!"  Apparently they had circle time as well, because she tried to hold her own version of circle time with her brother later that day!  And I heard her say, "You have to wait your turn and share" in a very teacher authoritative voice more than once!  Oh yes, I think it is possible that this school thing could have already have gone to her head!  I fear Grant may be the biggest victim of this latest wisdom!  She wants to know when she goes back, so I think we will call the first day a success!