Simon's First Day of KINDERGARTEN!

Yesterday was Simon's first day of Kindergarten.

Kindergarten ... that word has a melodic, magical ring to it.

How much do you want to go to Kindergarten?

THIS MUCH!

This is in our front yard.

The school is just down the 'hill.'

You can see it from some part of the yard.

I've been a bit sentimental and was definitely misty-eyed yesterday morning .... and this afternoon when Simon gave me his artwork, etc.

Simon leaving the back porch at 7:40 and school starts in the gym at 7:50 for announcements!

We're blessed to be so close to the school!

Even though Matt can take him in the mornings and still be on time for work, it is nice to have the option of walking to pick him up when it is weather-permitting ... especially since we are a one-car family at present.

TRANSFORMERS!  More than meets the eye!  The autobots raise their battle to destroy the evil forces of the deceptacons.  TRANSFORMERS!

Walking to school on Simon's first day.

"Simon was walking to school.

He was very excited.

He wanted to see what it was like."

(This is Simon's caption in his own words.)

"You are very good, Simon," said Mom.  

(Simon's caption again)

And around the corner ...

(mommy's words)

A little bit more walking ....

This was a very special family event!

Matt was ready to just drop him off, no big deal.

Simon was ready, too.

Mommy was a little reticent, but she hid it well from Simon.

"Simon was happy to get in a line with friends."

-- Simon

His teacher is Ms.Brandt - a first year teacher so we'll be praying for her this year that her first year will be an encouragement to her in her career.

"Simon was saying 'I miss you' from school to Evie."  -- Simon

When Simon came home, he and Evie were super-hyper and INSANE giggling and being silly for almost an hour.  They really missed each other!

Evie and I walked to pick up Simon even though I realized later that we actually had the van .... It was almost 100 degrees, or maybe it was, so I made some smoothies for all of us and for a special first-day treat for Simon.  It was yummy with fresh watermelon, oranges, strawberries, frozen pineapple ....

Simon graduated to Mommy's smoothie, too.

Simon was THIRSTY!

His little container of milk in his lunch box wasn't opened.  He couldn't figure out how to open it, even though we had practiced, so he was really thirsty at the end of the day!  Poor guy!  His shorts were also unzipped and he DESPERATELY had to go to the bathroom -- he'll be adjusting to less bathroom-privileges like all kids eventually do!

I've told him that the first day he comes home with NO stains on his shirt that I will give him a green dollar.  This might not be until after Christmas ...

I packed Simon a meal in his lunchbox the weekend before, and we had taken it to Target with us for back-to-school shopping.  Then, we stopped in their 'cafeteria' for Simon to eat his meal and practice opening up everything himself ... I'm glad we practiced because he didn't know that certain things weren't trash, etc, and should be returned home ...

My sweet Kindergarten-All Star!