First day of School!

Yesterday was Lance's first official day of school! He's been having mixed emotions about going to school--mostly a little excited with some reservations. 

This week was been build-up for Wednesday, his first day. Monday, his dad drove down from Fairfax to go with us to his Kindergarten Orientation.

Lance found his desk and met some new friends.

Me, Lance and Scott

Lance's teacher, Mrs. Thiede. She is very nice and has been teaching for three years.

Tuesday it was starting to dawn on Lance that he was actually going to start school and he was getting more nervous than excited. After talking to Lance about it, we decided to start a family tradition my family has had since I was in school. At the beginning of the school year, my dad would give each of the kids a father's blessing. I loved it because I felt like it gave me courage and strength for the year ahead. 

George was happy to give him a blessing Tuesday night before bed.

 I think it made Lance feel a little more comfortable, knowing that Heavenly Father is aware of him and will help him.

The night before. So excited!

We had to wake up early (Lance catches the bus at 7:10 a.m.). Lance was pretty groggy and kept telling me it was the middle of the night. After a yummy breakfast of Eggo waffles (his pick), we packed his lunch and is backpack. We were ready to go!

First day of school! Lance picked out his outfit.

We met our neighbors Killian and Kendall outside and walked together to the bus stop. Killian and Kendall are going into first grade this year so they knew the drill. It was nice for Lance to be with friends who could help him with questions.

Running to the bus stop. Do you think they're excited?

The bus came and before he got on, I snapped a picture. I love his face.

Lance and Killian and Kendall hopped onto the bus and drove away. Melissa offered to watch Jude for me so I could drive to the school to meet Lance there and walk him to his class. They were the last bus to pull up.

Love that last little jump.

All smiles.

He's so excited, he's pinching his arm. Funny kid. :)

Killian looking cool in his hoodie.

School--it's serious business.

Kendall

Walking together to the school.

Lance decided "flying" was better.

Veterans.

Walking into the school...

...and down the purple stairs to the kindergarten and first grade classrooms.

So excited to start his first day!

Big first graders.

Jude and I spent the day together at the park with friends and making cookies for the kids when they came home from school. I kept thinking about Lance and wondering how he was doing, if he liked school and was having fun. It's a long day for a 5-year-old. He doesn't get home until 3:20 p.m.! I do NOT like that at all. I'll admit I said more than one prayer for him that day.

3:20 rolled around, though, and it was time to get Lance from the bus. Jude was excited to see the bus again and kept saying, "bus! bus!". 

Lance got off the bus all smiles. When I asked him how school was, he said "it was awesome!" I was relieved!

Watching the bus leave. Lucy and Bennett came up to welcome Kendall home. It was fun for the kids to have a big welcome-home group waiting for them.

Thumbs up!

And of course it wouldn't be the first day of school without a tasty treat! Jude and I made chocolate chip cookies and I made some sweet milk, a family tradition since my mom was a little girl. It was a hit and a perfect way to welcome home the little scholars.

I had told Lance the day before he could pick out a special meal for dinner Wednesday night--you know, because it was a big day for him. What was the special meal he wanted? Ramon. Yes, Ramon. Okay, Lance. because it's you're special day I'll make you Ramon for dinner. What a funny kid! 

I can't believe my little guy is in school! Am I really that old? I feel like I've hit a milestone in my life... and I'm not sure I like it. I realized yesterday that Lance's teacher will now see him for more hours during the day than I will. I hate that idea. I'm excited for Lance and all the opportunities he'll have to make friends and learn important life lessons from interacting with so many different people from different backgrounds, but part of me wants to hold on just a little longer. I'm not ready for him to grow up. I think of the two of us, I will have a harder time than Lance with this transition in our lives.