First Day of Kindergarten

Kristen & Sarah had a fabulous first day of school. It went smoothly and I couldn't be happier. We are so fortunate to live in an exceptional school district and our school is one of the top 2 within the district. It is apparent that they do a great job and we are so excited about this upcoming year.

The girls woke up early and got dressed. We had first day of school outfits picked out, backpacks ready, and lunches packed. The school was crazy with all of the parents dropping off on the first day and it was busting with excitement. We showed Joe around the school since he hadn't been there before and then headed to their room. The parents do not go inside the room. They hug and kiss at the door, which is called the Goodbye Zone. As we were walking to their class, I could feel myself getting emotional and my eyes starting to tear up. Joe looked at me and told me that I better not let them see me cry, so I held it together. We said goodbye at the door, hugged them, kissed them, and wished them a great day. They both walked in with such confidence and they never even looked back at us. That made me feel a lot better and we headed to the library where they had coffee and donuts for the parents. I was completely fine until I got to my car. The teacher handed us a letter as we dropped them off and I read it once I got in my car. Here's what she wrote:

Dear Parents,
I wanted to let you know that I realize this is somewhat of a bittersweet day. You must be very proud that your child has accomplished all milestones leading to this one-their very first day of kindergarten! It is amazing, though, that this child taking their first tentative steps out into the world was once that little baby you held not too long ago.
I want you to feel reassured, though, that I understand all of these feelings as a mother, myself. I will take good care of your little one and, together, we will watch them grow and learn many wonderful things this year! You will be even more proud of them by the LAST day of kindergarten. I know you are thinking of us today and I wanted you to know that you will be in our thoughts, as well. Have a good day; you've done a good job!
Thank you,
Mrs. E

She also included the following, which was written by Jamie Solley:

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and a smile

As you entered my room today. 

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay. 

You've been with them for five years now

And have been a loving guide. 

But now, alas, the time has come

To leave them at my side.

Just know that as you drive away 

And tears down your cheeks may flow

I'll love them as I would my own

And help them learn and grow. 

For as a parent, I too, know 

How quickly the years do pass

And that one day it will also be my turn

To take my child to class

So please put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more

For I will love them and take them in 

When you leave them at my door. 

I cried all of the way to work! Their day was great and they are happy. Kristen said her favorite part was recess and Sarah's favorite part was lunch. :-)

The Night Before Kindergarten

This weekend has been packed full of things to get ready for school. I cannot believe my girls start Kindergarten in the morning! I'm full of emotion right now because this is the next phase in their lives and such a significant one at that. Their baby years are behind them and they are now big girls starting elementary school. I don't think a mother's heart can ever be ready for these milestones!

Last Thursday, their Kindergarten teacher came to our house for a visit. She visited the homes of each of her students and it was a nice way to meet her. I really don't want to post much information about their school so I'll refer to their teacher as Mrs. E.  Mrs. E has been teaching Kindergarten for 6 years and she has spent the past 5 years teaching at their elementary school. I think she will be perfect for Kristen & Sarah.

We started the day off on Friday by going to Einstein Brothers for breakfast. They love that place and so do I.

Then we were off to get "back to school" haircuts.

We then headed to the girls new school for open house. They got to see their classroom, check out where they will sit, and meet some of their new friends. Kristen & Sarah explored the entire room and seemed to love it. They also got to check out the art room, the cafeteria, and the library. They left very excited about starting school so I'm optimistic that it will be smooth tomorrow morning. 

We left the school and headed to our favorite sno cone place to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new era. 

The picture below if from Saturday while they were playing on the swing set. I'm pretty sure they are the most beautiful girls I've ever seen!

We went to church today and it was the Back To School Blessing. I have to admit that I cried throughout church. They do the Back To School Blessing every year but it was so strange to see our kids up at the front of the church with Pastor Joe praying over them. Wow....it's really happening....they are going to Kindergarten!!!

Kristen got a book for her birthday called The Night Before Kindergarten. It's very cute so I'm going to share it....

'Twas the night before Kindergarten, and as they prepared, kids were excited and a little bit scared.
They tossed and they turned about in their beds, while visions of school supplies danced in their heads.
Erasers and crayons and pencils galore were stuffed in their backpacks and set by the door.
Outfits were hung in the closets with care, knowing that kindergarten soon would be there.
In the morning it came-school starts today! Would the teacher be nice? Would they still get to play?
Faces were washed and teeth were brushed white; kids posed for pictures with eyes sparkling bright.
Parents packed snacks and kids hopped in cars as if they were boarding a spaceship to Mars.
Some kids brought blankets or their favorite stuffed bear; in hopes that they could nap like they did in daycare.
Their parents exclaimed, "You're big kids-wow! Let us hold your bears and blankies for now."
The parents were worried their children would cry if they left them at school with just a good-bye.
So they told their darlings "If you want, we can stay and make sure that everything will be A-okay."
The teacher then greeted each one with a smile, and invited the students to stay for a while.
The room was all filled with toys, books, and maps, but where were the beds for midmorning naps?
They colored and painted and played Simon Says, then tumbled and skipped and stood on their heads.
They sang silly songs from beginning to end, within just a minute, each kid had a friend.
The children were happy, they loved Ms. Sunrise! It was she who was in for a giant surprise.
When what to her wondering eyes should appear but sad moms and dads who were holding back tears!
Their noses-so sniffly! Their eyes-red and wet! This was the saddest good-bye Ms. Sunrise had seen yet!
She gathered the grown-ups on the magical rug then sent them away after one final hug.
The children all waved from the door of the school, "Don't cry, Mom and Dad, Kindergarten is cool!"

More Great Wolf Lodge Pictures

Great Wolf Lodge

We took Kristen & Sarah to the Great Wolf Lodge again this year to celebrate their birthday. I love doing their birthdays up in a big way since they will always have to share their special day. We all had a wonderful time. The Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place for kids and the girls seemed to have endless fun. Lots of memories were made!

5

I cannot believe my girls are 5. As I type this they are sound asleep upstairs and I can't help but feel incredibly blessed. It was not an easy process to get to this day five years ago both safe and healthy but by the grace of God we did. It can't believe these two little premature girls that were so small have grown into such exceptional girls. This birthday is truly a milestone. The baby years are behind us and we are about to start Kindergarten. This is the next phase in their life and it's exciting and emotional at the same time. I'm so proud to be their mother. My heart is full and happy.

I took a cookie cake to school today and not a single piece came home....must have been good.

They got a second treat after dinner tonight because we couldn't pass up singing happy birthday one more time. I stopped by Hey Cupcake for some birthday cupcakes to enjoy.

Ms. Nicole gave them crowns to wear at school today.

Happy Birthday to the two girls I love with all of my heart. I love you girls to the end of the rainbow!

5th Birthday Party - Pool Party

After the art projects, we had pizza and cake/cupcakes. This year Kristen wanted another strawberry cake and Sarah asked for an orange cake. After cake we changed into swimsuits and headed to the pool. The girls really enjoyed this. They loved being together and enjoying the pool. I'm glad we did both activities....K&S both said it was the best.day.ever.  I love these girls!

This wasn't the full group since some people had already left by the time we tried to get a group picture.

Their guests did include:
Olivia
Samantha
Addison
Elizabeth
Emma
Kristin
Sloane
Saachi
Nate
Evie
Thomas
Joshua
Madison
Alyssa
Sydney