Another Milestone: Full Day Kindergarten (sniff sniff!)

Ever since the first day of school in August, Moses has been asking to go to school full day.

But ever since Moses was born, I have DREADED full day kindergarten.

We actually chose our current town based in large part on the excellent schools and the fact that kindergarten is half day here. Then we opted for private school, with half day kindergarten and the option for full day.

After much deliberation, we decided that it is time Moses goes full day. The school has excellent art and music teachers, and he didn't get to have art or music class in the mornings. He thrives on school work and interaction with kids. Here at home, he ends up watching tv while the girls are napping and I am working.

We've had a countdown on the calendar for a couple of weeks- he was SO EXCITED when he saw the big red star on the calendar this morning. He was excited; I was sick.

BUT, I held it together. Only one time yesterday did I need to leave the room because I thought I was going to sob out loud!

Here is the happy full day boy, with his new Star Wars lunch box:


I think the girls sensed that something was "up" this morning. Hosanna met Moses at the door before he left, and leaned in for a hug:


Then as we were walking away from Moses' class this morning, ZuZu said, "I gonna miss my Moses." Somehow, I held it together!

Can't wait until 3:15!!!

First day of KINDERGARTEN!

I've been dreading this day for years. YEARS. Literally. You can ask my husband. Moses was one week old, and I was already crying about him getting so old, dreading kindergarten, etc. I've NEVER had peace about Moses going to full-day kindergarten. I abhor the idea of full-day kindergarten. I can't imagine going from three-mornings-a-week preschool to five-full-days-a-week kindergarten. So I have been dreading it.

I thought I wanted to get him into a certain school district when we move; and we will be in that school district and (God-willing) he will go there for high school. But thanks to my mom, we found the most wonderful Christian school- about 225 K-8th grade students. We got to pick half or full day; we picked half day, but can switch him to full day anytime we want (to get him used to going full days before 1st grade). AWESOME PLAN.

For the first time in years, I have felt peace about something going on in Moses' life. I am thanking God today for His provision of this school!

And so, I present the first day of school pictures!

Just look at this big boy!


Someone really wants to go to school with her big brother...


Blurry, but SO. EXCITED.


Who is that young man walking into the school?!


A quick picture by the door...


I sneaked a pic while he was hanging up his book bag (the Hulk and Spiderman):


After a hug, he walked right in by himself!


I kinda felt like a negligent parent. Other parents were lingering in the room. A couple moms came out crying. I was beaming. And then we left.

But I did step in and take one quick picture of my boy sitting on the rug (he's on the far right- oh, and that's a Smart board there. How awesome is it that this kindergarten has Smart technology?!):


No tears from the Kindergartner or his parents! The only tears shed were by ZuZu, clinging to me because she wanted to go with us...


The best part of the day: "I got to play outside! On the playground!" K: "Is it called recess?" Moses: "YES!"