PreK4 Jitters

And just like that, it was Eliza Kate's turn at the first day of PreK. She only had a few days longer than Miller to stretch out summer. Surprisingly, she was mostly excited about school back in session. {Sigh}- the last first day ever of preschool. In a blink, poof, just like that--she's flying through the preschool stage of life. Isn't that true for all seasons?

We gussied up some cellophane party favor bags for her teachers.  Miller delivered his usual "flipping out" Flipz pretzels, so naturally EK wanted to craft up a treat of her own. We decided on apples and caramel dip as a special treat snack for the first day. Teachers like these little happys as an added touch for all of the extras they do to ready the classroom.

Here she is all smiles posing by the playground fence, before leading the way to her class. Eliza Kate has become quite the poised poser these days. She insists on 2 strides ahead with full confidence now that she is confident at school.

EK found her Octopus hook with her name and even her charming friend, Chase before entering the room. Ms. Meridith was waiting with the question of the day. This is a new routine this year for Eliza Kate this year. She moves her clip to answer the question.

I made sure I stole a hug and a smooch from my girl before my bittersweet happy dance all the way to solo errands and shopping {wahoo}!  I really should be offended that there are not any long drawn out goodbyes with tears. I'm secretly jealous of a little emotion shown by littles transitioning into kindergarten and new horizons. Not this one, she saunters in coyly as if to say..."See ya mom, it's been real this summer" All joking aside, I do know she treasured our summer together.

On a random note, 2nd grade is not messing around with homework and tests already. Here is Miller commemorating his very first spelling test ever.  Bringing home a red "110" with a smiley face is a fantastic way to remember your very first Friday test. Celebrating the start to new beginnings, firsts, and routines! 

Back to School

 I'm slowly digesting the fall season, and thinking I'll never play catch up on all the craziness in our young family. I've tossed around the idea of stopping the blogging madness altogether. My compromise was picking and choosing special events to blog about. There's just really no way to reflect on it all.  It's really hard for me to walk away from something I started when Miller was a wee babe.  

For now, I'll just recap brief memories with a ton of pictures. This is Miller with his second grade teacher Ms. B. He's so excited to be a student in her very first class ever.  I still remember my first class of 3rd graders with fondness. One student asked me if I could drive:) I was once a freshed face and young new teacher in the classroom way back when:) Ms. B was no stranger to Miller's first grade class last year when she served a few students as an EIP teacher. Miller's whole face lit up when he found out where he'd be taking up full residence this year. He mentioned that Ms. B doesn't know how to yell and she gives hugs. Hugging is a quality that's really important to Miller.  I hate to break it to him that eventually, your teacher won't prefer a hug:) We'll let him bask in the gentleness of a loving teacher in the early elementary years. 

And, she is so loving & happy. A smiling teacher is also a personality that Miller prefers. Notice, he never mentions anything academic in our chats about what makes an excellent teacher. The Arctic Explorers is his class theme. Picture snowflakes, penguins, igloos and polar bears. It's a little difficult to get excited about a snow theme in August, but it sure feels cozy now that the temps have dropped.

Sadly, the Natasha Wing "Night Before" series ends in first grade. I adore our tradition of a cozied up bedtime book on the night before a new grade. First Day Jitters was the book of choice this year. Notice that penguey joined us for the occasion.

 There's my 7 year old handsome dude with two bottom teeth missing down front. In some ways, his maturity could still fit right in with the first grade boys. His intelligence however is more than ready for 2nd grade standards. We shared a heart to heart about this year on the night before 2nd grade. Goal setting for the year is so important. Miller's main goal this year is to be become more focused and become a better listener. 

 Accepting responsibility and taking initiative rank right up there in matters of importance in second grade. Between coaching and creating checklists, I'm getting this boy in shape. I have a feeling this is going to be the year he matures more fully. As you can see, I compromised on the collared shirt this year now that Miller has joined the ranks of 2nd grade. Button up khaki chinos {aka church shorts} were also ironed to make a good first day impression. Seems like other moms had a similar idea as our stop is mainly decorated with Nike & Under Armour brands:) Our bus stop was divided up into 2 stop signs now that our neighborhood is exploding with kids on this end. It became a safety hazard to have so many kids huddled together. Crowd control became an issue.

 And, he's off! We prayed before the short walk down to our stop for a successful first day back. At 6:59 every morning, I grab that boy of mine {backpack and all} in the laundry room and squeeze him tight. Praying for his day has a way of starting it out just right.  I want that to be a vivid memory for him. As his new Nike Revolutions hit the pavement {the result of a mommy and me date},  I couldn't help but bask in the excitement of new beginnings for him. A fresh start- a clean slate:)  While, his first teacher last year would be sorely missed, I loved seeing the thrill of his attitude towards a new school year. 

 I always pray that Miller would find favor with God and man. There is so much out of my control and reach as a mom during his day. Letting him go with open, trusting hands that God has it all worked out ahead of me is the only way to spring him into new transitions. While he still has a few areas that God needs to change his heart on, I'm so thankful for a boy who loves his life. From the minute his eyes open, he's smiling and excited about something. I'm thankful that he loves school.

It was also my baby's transition to a new school for PreK 4.  We added one more school day to her week this year. Excitedly, she was placed in a class with a few of her friends.  We loved meeting Ms. Meredith and Ms. Stacey at Open House. Our scavenger hunt around the room put Eliza Kate at ease.

It didn't take long for Maggie and Eliza Kate to become crafting  table neighbors.

Here she is copying her name in all upper case letters. {Sigh}- it's also her first name plate.  I adore that this preschool teaches Handwriting Without Tears in their curriculum. I can already see the technique of proper letter formation in EK's handwriting after the first month of school. I'm loving watching her confidence grow in new situations. Walking this girl into school her chubby hand wrapped tightly around mine is a tradition that will surely be missed in Kindergarten.  Our kiss, kiss tradition is also a highlight. I'm treasuring our Fridays together, and savoring our walks into preschool. Four years old is a wonderful season so far:)

 Ms. Meridith and Ms. Stacey are the perfect fit for EK. Notice the welcome back gift of shell necklaces for class spirit:) Their beach themed classroom made Eliza Kate feel quickly at home. Check out the cutest little Sun Sandaled girls standing at the end of a rainbow on their hallway. At four years old, Eliza Kate can be found drawing and spotting rainbows in the correct ROY G BIV order:)

Many blessings on the most wonderful of preschool years to you sweet girl of mine. It's the bookend to a wonderful season of young learning in our family.