H and the Big K

Yesterday was the day.

THE day.

The day my sweet little girl took a very large step.

She started Kindergarten.

And, to be truthful, I still cannot write that sentence without a lump in my throat.

It started off just a wee bit rocky, but even the "mix up" details were a Blessing for this mama's heart. See, she rides a bus, that has always been part of her routine and I am fine with that. But this was going to be a REAL bus, full of kids and just dropping her off in front of a big ol school. I gotta say, I was nervous. And I really struggled with whether or not to follow the bus and make sure she got where she was supposed to go - plus, I wanted pictures!

So, when, on the Friday before Spring Break, I still had not gotten any word on WHAT TIME that bus was going to pick her up, I called to inquire. The lady at the transportation office told me that the bus would be here by 9:25. But I KNEW that couldn't be right because Hubby and I had seen the class - in full swing - at 8:45 on our visit. I asked more questions, but she insisted that the class didn't start til 9:30. When I tried to call back to speak to a supervisor, they were closed for the break so I had to wait until yesterday. I finally got it straightened out (they had her scheduled for the wrong program and on the wrong bus ... hello! Make a mama nervous!), but it was too late for her to be picked up THAT day. Which means that I got to take her!

And I was just fine with that!!!!!

So, we loaded up the car and headed to the "big new school". You will have to take my word on this, because Hubby asked that I not publish pics of the front of the school, but it is H.U.G.E. Like, really HUGE! Two stories, ginormous cathedral ceiling in the lobby, kids EVERYWHERE, HUGE!

I have more pics than just these, but I didn't want to post pics of OTHER people's kids. I am sure you understand...

Here's how it went: We walked through the front doors with two bus loads of kids and both girls (Soph was along for the fun) just looked around in awe. Suddenly Sophie looked at me and said "MOM! I need a back pack! All the kids have a back pack!" And I realized that she thought that she was staying... uh oh.

But I wanted to focus on Hattie, so I asked her if she was OK and she smiled at me and said "this is fun!" Well, there ya go! We got to the class just as Mrs Pulk was opening the doors - perfect picture op!
Just wish I could've gotten them both to look at the camera at the same time! (Is that not the sweetest, happiest teacher face EVER?!?!?!)
She had been for a visit earlier, so she knew right where to go to find her desk and posed for a couple of pics for me. (Which, for her, is a big thing!) I thought she was starting to look a little nervous for a minute, but she composed herself and did great! When we left, we left a VERY happy girl behind.

Just wish I had taken a happy girl with me...
This is Sophie pouting because I would not let her stay.
(the jacket says it all!)

I am told she had a great day and did very well - only had one issue sitting still for reading. In her other class, they sit on chairs for stories, but in KINDERGARTEN, they sit on carpet squares!!! She will have to get used to that!

I am so stinkin proud of how far she has come - That girl is a trooper for sure!

(PS - this morning she was VERY excited to go to the new school.

And THAT tells me that she is gonna do just fine!)