Laura's First Day of Kindergarten

My little girl's first day of school

You're probably asking yourself, "Why is kindergarten starting so late in the year?" The district installed new HVAC units into several schools and the project needed extra time for completion. As a result, Laura's first day of kindergarten begins on an unseasonably cool (48 degrees at the bus stop), breezy, and rainy Wednesday, September 10th, 2014.

She was awfully excited this morning to pose for pictures outside and show off her new backpack, shoes, and Frozen chain (attached to her backpack). 

A few minutes in, she had enough of pictures. The rain was wet, the cold was freezing her 'fingers off', and the wind was ruining her hair. We ran in the house, got her jacket and then took the short walk to the bus stop. 

At the bus stop there were about 8 kids that Laura didn't know, so she stood next to me. I could tell she was excited to go but with her, you never know. Her emotions and feelings sometimes change on the dime.

When the bus arrived, Laura walk to the line. Before she took her first step onto the bus, she turned around and said in a cheerful voice, "Goodbye Dad." 

Mom and I emailed each other throughout the day stating how much we're thinking about her and hope that everything is going OK.

At the end of the school day, Mom, Ryan and I waited for her at the bus stop. In fact, Justina and Miranda were waiting for her as well. The bus approached and Laura was the second person off and she walked to Mom and gave her a big hug. 

Laura showed signs of sadness, didn't want to talk to anyone on the walk home. We feared it didn't go well. After an hour at home, she opened up and talked about her day. Laura had a great day! She made a friend with classmate Zoe, learned about the library, ate most of her 'cold' lunch, and shared a couple of funny things that happened during the day (a joke she heard from the teacher and someone's unexpected toot!).

All in all, chapter one of day one in her 16 years of public education is now the books. I suppose we can title it 'A Great Beginning!' 

"Make sure you get my shoes"

A shot of the "Elsa" key chain on her backpack.

Had to stand in front of colorful flowers on a dreary day.

Too bad the tulips aren't around.

"THE WALK"

Crossroads of emotion. Both happy and sad.