We had some pretty excited kids this morning as breakfast was downed and lunches were packed. There were a few last minute questions from Hunter – made Steve and I realize kids are so trusting and resilient to situations. Hunter was trying to make sense of things the best he could in his mind, but in all reality he was just trusting in everything we told him.

Hallie was confident – she knew she had friends in her class.



Hunter was comfortable – didn’t know what was before him but totally okay with it.



Bennett was…Bennett – he was crying from the minute he woke up because everything we were doing meant that he wasn’t at preschool. He was adamant that we take him the minute he woke up and since that wasn’t happening he threw a fit for most the morning. 9 am couldn’t come fast enough for any of us! (We took his pictures after he returned home – hence the smiles!)

I love the excitement of taking our kids the first day (the only day we take them). There’s an energy unlike anything else. Its the first time they see friends since school got out. Everyone’s hair is done nice and they’re walking excitedly with brand new backpacks. The kindergarten lines have masses of parents surrounding them reassuring their kids it will be alright. Whereas the older kids stand alone discussing their summer vacations. It’s fun.

I snapped a quick picture of Hallie and her friend before returning to the kindergarten line to send Hunter off with hugs and smiles.

Hunter didn’t end up in class with his friends, but he assured me after that he was able to find them on the playground (Hallie also spent her recess with Hunter – how cute is she? I hope he enjoys it, it probably won’t last long!)

The bell rang and Hunter marched alongside all the 3ft littles into his classroom. No sign of fear or concern. Just excitement. Hallie has built up school to be the most wonderful thing and Hunter has bought it hook, line and sinker. His nature made it easy to smile and wave.

And after the elementary school hoopla it was finally Bennett’s turn. He attends the same preschool that Hunter did, so the minute we pulled up to the house he clapped and said, “My preschool”. No fear in that kid for sure.

I had big plans as I drove away with just one kid left in the car: Cleaning and organizing and cooking and playing with Cannon…aside from holding a teething child I didn’t really get to the list and before I knew it the kids were walking off the bus. We’ll try again tomorrow.

First day of pictures from previous years here and here.