Kaelin's First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Kaelin's first day of Kindergarten.  She goes to a full day district, so the bus picks her up around 8:20 and drops her off around 3:45.  It is a LONG day!

Last night before bed we were saying prayers and good night, she came to me last and said, "I'm gonna miss you tomorrow Mommy."  I might have gotten a little teary :).

This morning we woke around regular time, but she kept saying she was tired.  I think it was the change from a relaxed morning to a gotta get ready and out the door morning.  She was excited to go though, especially to ride the bus with her friend Abby from next door (who is in 2nd grade this year).  There is also a little girl 2 houses down, that started Kindergarten this year, named Emma (she also has a little sister Hailey's age, and a 6 week old baby brother).

We let her pick her back pack (Fancy Nancy) and lunch box (Hello Kitty - with the pink bow).  

She was very excited to take her lunch to school!

She has to wear this name tag for the next 2 weeks.  It also has her bus number and address on it.

Hailey, Abby and Kaelin making silly faces while waiting for the bus.

SO Excited!

Right before she left she said goodbye to everyone.  I gave her a kiss in her palm, and she kissed mine, so we would have them all day. (If you haven't read the children's book The Kissing Hand, you should - my mom sent me to college with it :) ).

This picture is of Abby and Kaelin on the bus and it seriously makes me cry! I did good (I think).  I didn't tear up until they pulled away, and then only for a minute.  

Hailey said she missed her big sister about 3 times today. I think the Kindergarten day is much longer for her than the preschool day.  We did try to break the day up with a trip to the library for some dvd/book borrowing and a Move & Groove class.  She was pretty impatient when she woke up from nap, she thought K would already be home (but she had another 45 minutes to wait).  

Today was a screening day for K, so she doesn't have school tomorrow.  Tomorrow afternoon we will get a call telling us who her teacher is, then Monday starts her first full week with her teacher for the year.  

I tried to get a picture of K getting off the bus but it didn't work out, maybe Monday.  As she got off the bus and I got a hug, she said it was a good but long day! She said repeatedly that she was tired and needed a rest this evening, but she was a trooper.  She told us about lunch, rest time, play time and recess, and about a girl she met named Abigail...oh and 'some other girl' :)  She liked her lunch, but didn't get enough time to eat it (maybe this will teach her to eat at meal time instead of playing/talking - but I doubt it). :)   All in all, she enjoyed her first day, and I think she will be excited to go back Monday.  We'll see how next week goes with the sleepiness :).  

I am sad to see her so grown up, but excited as well.  K is so social and smart, I know she will do good in school, and that she will LOVE it!  Hailey is also getting so big.  She is very excited to become a big sister herself soon and keeps telling me how she is going to help with her baby brother.

Tomorrow is another adventure for K.  Jecca and Uncle Chris gave Kaelin a certificate to get her first real manicure for her birthday.   Is it bad that I am jealous of my 5 year old?  

*Kaelin has always loved Jecca's long nails.  So - tomorrow, Jecca and Kaelin are off to the salon!  (and of course I will paint H's nails at home...because she asked, and because I think she is a bit young for a trip to the salon at 3).