Monday, November 15, 2010

First Day Of Preschool

We did it. Made it through day 1.

"Pack-packs" were loaded. New socks and shoes set out.

The time came. I almost started to tear up at this point, but thankfully, these two hyenas kept me smiling.

I love how sweet they can be.



Start the party, Laine. I knew she would.

Further.....

And, they're both on board the crazy train. Looks about right.

Backpacks on. Yes, they must walk with them to the car, only to take them off while we drive to school. I've stopped trying to reason with short people.

Jack was all smiles and super excited to get started.

Lainey, surprisingly, was the apprehensive one.

Pouty girl. Nice. Isn't her outfit darling, though? A present from Mae Mae. Thought the apple skirt was perfect for day 1.

Please pause a moment and pray for her teachers.

Anxious.

Lovely, Laine. Act like you're going to punch the fundraiser poster kids.

Please pray for her classmates.

California proud.

The little punks and Mama.

In we went.

First task of the day is to wash hands.

Then, they find their own plate, utensils, napkin and cup. Everyone sits to eat lunch together family style. Children are encouraged to serve their own food and pour their own milk.

I got them settled and then said my "goodbyes". Made it all the way to the car feeling great! Then, I saw their empty car seats. Tears. Lots of tears.

I know this is good for them and me. I know it! But, I've always been very old fashioned about keeping kids home when possible before they start school. Don't judge.

Had a quiet afternoon and then returned to learn that Lainey got to feed the fish and Jack was line leader for the day. That's big time, peeps. What did you accomplish in your day, huh? Huh?!

Returned home for some playtime with neighbors and dinner. After cleaning up, I took note of 3 backpacks hanging on our kitchen chairs rather than the 1 we've grown accustomed to. Times are changing.

It was a busy day, folks. 6:02 and Lainey Caroline was asleep.

6:03? Jack.


Tomorrow's a new day. More to learn, more to paint, more to build.

Life is good!

19 comments:

The Lenzers said...

love how it wears them out! hang in there mamma! i know it is hard at first, but it is good. And you will soon enjoy the free time!

Pam Bowers said...

Awe...they're all growin up!

Kim said...

Awesome! Big changes for you but I am sure they will love it!

Dee Stephens said...

I'm sure they will love it too! Just think of everything you can get done! Maybe even a girl's lunch :)

Jodee said...

What a cute post! The kids looked adorable on their first day of school! I especially love the apple skirt and pack packs! Enjoy your free time!

The Soladay Family said...

This is going to be so good for them, Casey...and for you! They are going to thrive.

Precious french braids in L's hair, and Jack with his train pack pack. Love it.

Cute pic of you with the kids BTW!

donatelli98 said...

Congrats you made it through!! Think of all the things you can accomplish while they are at school!!

Allyson and Dave said...

They look so grown up with their backpacks on. They are just precious.

Sara said...

When we graduate from the diaper bag to the backpack, I'll probably cry. I still get sad when I leave Hud at school....which is why I don't usually take him! I let Trey take him and then I pick him up. That's the good part :)

Love all these pics. Lainey and Jack look so grown up in those pics at the house. And yes, her outfit is precious. Sounds like they were perfect angels for their first day and even got rewarded. Awesome!!

Now, what are you doing today??? :)

Monica said...

So sweet!

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

Ok, how adorable are they? Precious!!!!!

Carrie Darney said...

Wow Casey! What a fabulous post! Congrats on more Mommy time for you!

Lauren W said...

What a sweet and nostalgic post, my friend. You are an amazing Mom who is raising three extremely impressive kids.

Katherine said...

I am so glad they had a good first day! I love Lainey's braids, I need to copy that and try it on Em. She certainly has enough darn hair!!
Cute pics! Being a fish feeder and line leader is important!

Brittny said...

WOW!!!! Some days I wish that my kids were at school 5 days a week and other days I'm glad they aren't. I'm trying to ease into it all because I know I can never get it back. I'm glad they loved it so much!

So, have you found a new hobby yet?

Brittny said...

OH!!! And I got my prize!!! SOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!

Kelly Beatty said...

Jack is SO high profile! Line leader? Big time. I'm glad the first task they do is wash hands!! They are so adorbs. So...what are you going to do with your new "free" time?

The Luis Bunch said...

So cute!! Proud you are parting with them a bit each day, it will be so good for all of you! Now... when do I get to leave all mine and have time for myself???? I understand wanting to keep them home for as long as you can before they are off to school! It is so hard to send them off!! I'm getting a little sentimental with Kinder next year.

Love their first day of preschool outfits!!

Kristen said...

No judging ever... about anything... from me. I would've cried my eyes out too. No doubts.

And Lainey's apple skirt WAS perfect. I love it. And I love that she was punching that fundraiser banner thingie... She's gonna change this world, ready the world is ready for it or not. And I think that's beyond awesome.