1st Day of School 2013

On Monday, we started another school year.  Lauryn is in 2nd grade with Mrs. Hamzeh and Alex is in Kindergarten with Mrs. Peterson.  They are both excited about a new year (so is mommy), new teachers and new friends.  It's hard to believe that Alex is starting "real" school this year, although he was in preschool for what seemed like forever.  On the first day, he was definitely nervous, a side of him we rarely see.  Just 3 days in and he already has it all figured out.  On the first day, parents escort their children to their classrooms.  I was excited and nervous for both of them, but knew they would do great.  The second day is the first full day and drop off is normal, on the south playground.  As I drove away, after making sure Alex knew where to lineup, it dawned on me that the 2nd time around is a whole different story.  With Lauryn, I'm pretty sure I waited with her on the playground until the bell rang for at least half of the year, quite possibly the entire Kindergarten year.  When we pulled up this year, Lauryn reassured me in the car that "she could walk Alex up."  At first, I said "ok", but after a few seconds of thought, decided that I should see him on his way at least the first day.  What a difference from our first born.  This morning, the third day of school, I took Lauryn up on her offer.  They did great.  She walked him to his line to put his backpack down and they skipped off together to play before the first bell.  I've always thought that independence is one of the most important things you can teach your children.  With that alone, they will go far.  Here are a few pics of their first day.  Cheers to another school year.