The much anticipated first day of kindergarten has come and gone!
It is hard to believe that Sam has entered the 'formalized' education system. Ever since we moved here when Sam was two we have driven past our school or walked through it's campus knowing that Sam would attend here but it seemed so far away. To walk our boy there this morning with all the other 'big kids' was a bit surreal!
Sam didn't seem to worried about starting school this year although he was a little more sensitive at home in the days leading up to our big day. However, this morning seemed no different than any other morning as he got ready and he was eager to go when it was time to leave.
When we arrived at school Sam very easily went into his room, hung up his coat, said good morning to his teacher, told her he preferred Sam over Samuel and sat down by his friend Claire to read books while other students arrived. He seemed a touch nervous but definitely less than when I dropped him off at his preschool last year. After a quick kiss and hug and some whispered words of encouragement I was out the door and ready to commiserate with Drew and the other families we knew dropping their kids off.
We feel very fortunate that Moorlands is such a good school and even though his teacher is new to the school, she seems very sweet and organized. We also feel fortunate that Sam is going to school with a group of kids he knows. He sat with Claire from swimming, played and walked home with Carter, hung out with Dorian while waiting for pick up and said he also said hi to Albert who is on his soccer team. We are beyond thankful he entered the class today with so many familiar faces! However, what I am the most thankful for is that I could leave Sam knowing that no matter what, God was in control and was watching over him in his new class. I said many little prayers throughout the morning that Sam would be comfortable and confident and feel safe in his new surroundings. I know God watched over our little boy today.
Unlike last year when Cole cried when Sam left, this year Cole was thrilled. He was so excited to have some time alone and get to play with Sam's toys. Little monkey. We had some fun playing while Eliza napped and then made a quick Target run before coming home, playing outside for a bit and then heading over to pick up Sam.
Sam was pretty happy when he arrived home, and less stressed and tired than I expected. He said he had a good day and throughout the rest of the afternoon I badgered asked him many questions to get a feel for what happened in his first day at school. Some of the things I weaseled out of him included...
-They learned about raising their hands
-The did some votes about pets that people had a home
-He played with Carter at recess
-He didn't learn about his classroom jobs yet
-I packed him too much snack "Only one thing next time mom"
- There were some kids who weren't really good listeners but he was really good
-He kept going back to the same chair all day
-He had a good day
-He thinks his teacher is nice
Sam spent the rest of the day having some quiet time and playing with a new toy he picked out the day before (he had saved some birthday money for a new toy the day kindergarten started). After quiet time we hit the park and the boys raced all over the place. Sam requested pizza and ice cream for supper to celebrate and was pretty thrilled with all the special attention. Day one of kindergarten down...and a whole lot more to go!
The three munchkins. Sam looks so grown up next to the other two.
Our walk to school. Sam lead the way. Again I am beyond thankful that we can walk to our school - so much better for Sam than busing and the fresh air will be good for him to clear his head before school starts!
Welcome to Ms. Snoots class! His poor friend Claire was having a bit of a rough time so I sat Sam beside her (Sam and Claire do swimming lessons together). All of Claire's friends except Sam are in the PM class. Poor sweet girl looked much better at the end of the class.
Class pick up - Sam and his buddy Dorian were hanging out together. It was a little chaotic as they had to separate bused students from walkers. Sam stood nicely against the wall watching me for about 10 mins until they got to pairing the walkers with their parents. I am sure this will be come much more streamlined once everyone is used to the routine!
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