Christian's Kindergarten Open House

Wow, what a crazy day this was.  The date was on August 21st and we were looking forward to this much anticipated day for a long time now.  Christian particularly was counting down the days, though he lost count often and so we ended up helping him count the days down over and over again. In fact, one thing I will never forget is the same question he asked me every night before bed, for months on end, "am I going to school tomorrow mommy?"  No Christian, not for such and such days. :)  The excitement was a bit contagious I have to admit.
  Anyway, so we were supposed to be to the school by 6:00 that evening so we could see the school, and meet his teacher and the kids that were to be in his class.  He ended up having lots of friends in his class this year so that worked out really great for all of us.  When we got there, he was so excited to see his name on the list under Mrs. Boward's class.  Ava had Mrs. Boward last year, so of course, he HAD to get her for his teacher.  When the kids saw Mrs. Boward, Ava and Christian both ran up and gave her HUGE hugs to say hi.  She handled it well, considering there were numerous kids around her and she had these two munchkins distracting her. :)  I am not sure if teachers are even allowed to give their kids a hug anymore, because of stupid rules, but they didn't really give her a choice. :)
The first part was of course the cafeteria and learning where to go through the line to get lunch and where to come out the other end.  They each get a number they carry for their entire school years, even through high school,  and they have to remember it so they can get lunches at school.  This was a great part to the kindergartners since they get a little fruit snack at the end of the cafeteria line as a treat for orientation.  Then they all get to sit down QUIETLY ;) at the cafeteria tables for a minute or two while they are given some rules and instructions.  Mrs. Boward also handed out the name tags for them so they would be able to get to their class in the mornings when they get off the bus.  Christian was excited because he remembered Ava having her name tag last year and he wanted one so bad.

After the cafeteria rules it was time to head off to the classroom.  Ava of course, was more than happy to lead Christian right where he was going.  Actually, though slightly annoying at times, Ava was so helpful and motherly that she informed Christian of EVERYTHING he needed to know before it was ever addressed by the teacher.  She showed him where the class was, where the bathroom was, where he should hang his book bag and where his desk was.  She told him what to do in the cafeteria line and you name it she told him or showed him.  She was being really helpful and we thought he did well just listening and soaking up her attention. :)  She was so happy that she could be of such assistance to these kids that had NO IDEA what to expect. :)  I do believe she has a massively direct calling on her life to be a teacher or mentor of some sort.  Below are some pictures of him at his desk and with his friend Anna at the cubbies for their bags.

And finally Mrs. Boward ended the night with a cute poem and bag of treats for each kid to take along home with them and a few words to encourage them to come ready to learn on Monday. :)

Last Day of Kindergarten

The LAST Day of Kindergarten was a glorious one!!! Ava was so excited and so ready for the summer off.  She had gotten to a point that she actually liked school for the most part, but she was ready for it to be over and to have a break.  It took us quite awhile to get to the point where we could get ready and get on the bus without crying, and look, there she is smiling away.  She wanted to wear her princess crown / tiara, and I didn't have the heart to say no.  Hey, it was the last day of school. . .what could I say?  :)  This year has been rough.  We had a great bus driver that would often call us and let us know that Ava was okay when she got off the bus at school, because she had been bawling when she got on the bus that morning. There were mornings Micah or I had to carry her up onto the bus and pry her arms off of us.  There were days we would get notes from the teacher saying she had a rough day and had been upset for the most part.  The sad part was, she was embarrassed to cry so much and be so sad, but she just couldn't help it.  It was silent but heart wrenching tears and we often cried too.  What a tough year. I think it was after Christmas until she finally announced to me one day, that she now LIKED school okay.  Looking back, even though we had wondered whether we should keep forcing her to go or home school her, I am really glad we stuck to it.  She is braver and more confidant in what she can do because she faced her fear and anxiety. I hated leaving every morning too, when I was little, but I did it and I am so proud of her for doing it too!  Mommy and Daddy and Christian are so proud of you sweet angel Ava Bean!!!