Day two of our back to school week was Maya's turn! Maya was in my Preschool class 3-5 days a week for the spring semester last year.  She did great, but was often shy, watched others, and was with me all day.  I've been very curious as to how she would do, alone,  on her big day!

She had been excited, and talked positively about all she thought they would do.  She was up and out of bed, excited and ready to go.  Much more wide awake than tired-eyed sister!

 Papa also had his 1st day today. 

 The girls and I headed to GCS, where we went to Maya's room, and dropped off her stuff before going to assembly. 

You can tell she is getting nervous here as she starts picking her nails!

About half way through assembly, my little one ran to me, and wasn't quite sure about being alone.  After many great hugs and snuggles, her class started to head back to their room.  She joined right in line, and I slowly snuck out the other door. Now, we all know this mama well enough to know that I hung around, lurking around the edge of the door, watching, listening and waiting to see if she was going to be okay (with tears streaming down my cheeks!) OF COURSE she was....

Maya had a great day.  She got a super cute report from her two sweet teachers, and seemed happy and excited about her adventures! Yeah for success!

Molly's 1st day of Kindergarten!

Molly has had mixed emotions about Kindergarten.   We had all summer, but didn't talk too much about what Kindergarten was going to be like- a little here and there, now and again.  At one point, when someone asked her if she was excited, she said..."ah, a little, but mostly nervous!" YIKES! We started excitedly prepping her for all the great things she had to look forward to, and how great she was going to be!
For days before the big day, life was a bit hectic.  She and her sis sassed and grouched at each other horribly.  I cried at the drop of the hat, feeling like I was losing my baby girl.  Really...all silliness as we coped with the big day that was around the corner.

Monday morning, she wakes, excited, and seemingly ready to start the school year!  She looks like such a big girl with her sweet dress.  I held back tears as Papa snapped off the traditional 1st day shots! Then off to school we went- Since Papa is half time this year, he was able to join us for an additional treat!

She looks so big, and yet little at the same time.  Such a sweet shot that to me captures her confidence and curiosity!

Molly in front of Georgetown Charter School's front doors

 Having a bit of time together before school starts, taking in all that is going around us!

 Holding on for dear life...me, not her!

 Papa describes this photo as- "One of these two is having a hard time letting go- NOT the one with the backpack on!"
And then off she goes with her class...as confident as can be! I worked really hard to keep the tears at bay until she was off.

 Papa, Maya and I went for a great hike and ran some errands, and then came back to meet Molly and her class (all the classes) for lunch at Foster's Place.  What a great spot for lunch. I couldn't wait to hug that sweet girl, and see how the morning had gone.  It was great, she was great, and had such a sweet smile on her face. 

Molly and Ms. Williams, her Kindergarten teacher

It was a wonderful 1st day.  Molly had a blast, and loves her new teacher.  She had great stories to tell about how great her classroom is, and the fun things that they are going to work on throughout the year. 

Molly's Kindergarten class

I am so happy for, and proud of my little girl.

Entering a new phase...

This summer has been a great one.  It was filled with all the things I love- family time, lots of laughter, adventures big and small, and quiet time at home.  It was just good... There have been other summers where I have felt too busy, too rushed to accomplish all that was on our family's plate.  This summer we did JUST what we wanted to do.  There were no feelings of obligation or "must." So as a result, everything we did, we truly seemed to enjoy at a pure level.

And now, here we are at a sort of gateway....life as we have known it up until now is going to shift.  My husband laughs and teases me for being emotional or silly- but I feel like this is a big thing we are about to embark upon.  The girls who are currently running around the house, getting out their morning crazies have had the same home base for their entire lives.  Even with Pre-school being introduced over the last few years, there was still more home time than anything else.  Still more days where we go on walks together with the dogs as the three of us, not only two.  More days where we do projects together, eat lunch together, and take turns reading books before nap and quiet time-together.  Starting Monday that changes.  It isn't bad.  It is great really....but it is SO different than how life has been for the last 5+ years. 

I had a hard time with Molly starting Pre-School. Anyone who went through it with us remembers how hard I cried; how hard it was on me.  She on the other hand was ready, excited, and faced her new reality with chin held high and excitement in her eyes.  I struggled with the idea that someone might know more about her day than I did.  That was hard for this mama who has spent her life caring and knowing about her every little detail. And Pre-School was only two mornings a week! Thank goodness this whole system has been built to help transition silly mothers like me!

Here we have arrived- Monday starts Molly's first day of full-day Kindergarten.  I know she is ready; I know it will be great for her.  I know this is a wonderful thing for all of us...I also know that it is a sort of major transition, and that I am equal parts excited and sad.  Bittersweet truly covers how I feel right now.  I will miss her- on a moment to moment basis.  I will miss the liveliness and giggles she spreads throughout our day.  Her questions, and constant sense of curiosity in the world around her.  And in some ways I am envious that someone else gets those gifts.  But I am also SO excited about the world that is going to open up in front of her eyes.  She loves her friends, and loves learning.  She already loves her classroom, because her sweet teacher has a dancing solar flower. 

So, here we go! One more phase in this world of motherhood- where we all to adapt to a new reality.  I know it is a good thing- the start of an amazing time.  But I am also allowing myself the bit of nostalgia that I need through the beginning of this transition.