First day of school

I have been dreading this day all summer - the first day of school.  The girls started kindergarten today and I have been so anxious about it.  I have been worried they wouldn't like it, that they would be afraid to get on the bus, that they would be sad to be in different classrooms, that they would get too tired being at school all day.  But, it turns out, I didn't need to worry about them; they did great and loved it!  All the anxiety was about me letting go a little bit of my little girls.  And, in the end, even I did alright!

Emma and Ellie are going to all day kindergarten at Lake Marion Elementary in Lakeville.  And Jacob also started school today, at Small Wonders Preschool.  He is going 3 days a week,  in the mornings.  Every one was very excited this morning.  We got all ready to go and then went outside to take some pictures and wait for the bus.

Ellie ready for the first day of kindergarten

Emma on the first day of kindergarten

Jacob ready to start preschool

Watching for the bus

Waiting for the bus

Here it comes!

Emma is so excited to get on the bus!

Ellie is pretty happy about it, too!

There they go...

I was a little sad as I watched the bus drive down the road, but tried to remind myself of how happily and confidently they had marched up those bus steps and sat down.  When they got home they reported that they sat in seats near each other but not together.  And also that they loved the bus ride!  

Jacob and I then had to get in the car and drive to preschool.

Jacob outside Small Wonders Preschool

I was a little worried about drop off at preschool, since Jacob cried many times when we separated at ECFE class.  But I didn't need to worry!  He walked into class, hung up his school bag and started playing with a box of animals. He kissed me goodbye but it was clearly for me not him!  He didn't even look up from his toys when I left.  When I picked him up a couple hours later, Miss Sandy said he had been happy the whole time, played happily and made some friends!  Good job, Jacob!

The hat he made at school today

Jake and I went to the ice cream shop near his school for lunch.  It was fun to enjoy him without the chaos of 3 kids.

After taking a nice nap together (a nice benefit of the girls being in all day kindergarten), Jacob and I made cookies for an after school snack.  He loved being the only kid helping - he got to do everything!

And then we waited anxiously for the bus to bring the girls home!  They were 4 minutes late, and I didn't think I could stand it!

But they finally arrived and Jacob and I got to hear all about their day.  They both had a good time, liked their teachers and made a friend.  Neither could remember the new friend's name, but that is okay.    We did a little homework, ate dinner, and now all 3 are in bed.  Ellie was happy to hear before bed that she got to go to school tomorrow, too!

It was a good day in the Meschke house!  I was the only one who was nervous; all 3 kids loved school and none of them were anxious about it at all!  I am so proud to be their mom!