Kindergarten and Preschool

With mixed emotions I sent my oldest off to kindergarten for the very first time. 

She's so mature, and yet so naiive. 

She's so smart, and yet has so much to learn.

She's so independant, but still needs her hugs & lovin' time.

She's so brave, and yet likes momma to be the brave one with crickets, spiders, etc.

She's so clever and yet so cheeky.

She's so fashionable, but sometimes just a bit too much :)

She's so funny, but sometimes too silly.

She's so bratty, and yet so sweet.

She's such a great helper {when she wants to be}

But all in all, she's my little girl and I will always want her as mine!

She was absolutely fearless when it came to school.  When I dropped her off on the first day she went right into class with a neighbor friend, sat down and began to color without a backward glance my way.  At that moment, I wanted to run into the room, pick her up and take her back home for another year.  I wasn't ready for this, I wasn't ready for the mix of emotions inside as I watched her face this new phase of life.  Instead I walked over to her and asked her "Won't you miss me?"  And with a confused look on her face she answered "no".  I then whispered into her ear "did you know I will miss you sooo much".  With that she replied "okay."  And with a kiss and a hug she went right back to coloring. As I walked out of the room I heard her say "see ya." 

Then the second day of school she argued with me the whole way over as to why she wasn't allowed to walk "all by herself" to school.  She pointed out various other kids that were going to school without a parent.  Once we reached the school she began to push me away saying she could make it on her own.  I followed her, sadly wanting to whisper a few more words of wisdom and love but she was ANGRY that I continued to follow her. I have never felt so old in my life, then when she was actually embarassed that I wouldn't leave.  She furrowed her eyebrows and kept shooing me away.  After making her give me another hug and kiss I gave up and wandered back to the stroller where Robby was patiently waiting.  Good thing he was ready to offer up hugs and lovin' to his sad momma. 

When she came home from school the first day she excitedly told me that she has "Braden" in her kindergarten class and that he held hands with her....oh no, I can SOOO wait for her to hit the teenage years of life.  Like pretty much forever.......

Miss M: my sassafrass super stylin' little girl

On Tuesday, after dropping Miss M off at school, then it was on to preschool for Robby.  He had his bag packed and was ready to go learn!  I loved that he wanted me to do his hair "spiky".  He was excited to meet all his new friends and was especially happy that he could go play at a friends house afterwards.  When I picked him up I asked what he learned about and he proudly yelled "alligators" (for the letter A).  He then proceeded to show me his super cooled alligator with "big teeth" and showed me how an alligatory snaps his teeth (with his hands).  I just know he is going to love learning and going to school!!  {and I must say I am loving having a few minutes with just my little E at home as well}

and of course this post couldn't be complete without including a picture of Eli from last week with a yummy Circle K slurpee.  We have all loved enjoying their 79cent drinks....maybe a little too much!