What a day!

I guess you could say today was Avery's actual first day of school since I got to leave her there by herself and they experienced a half-day. (Yesterday was just for an hour and the parents stayed for orientation.) Monday will finally be a full day.

Avery asked to ride the bus today and I almost let her, but didn't feel comfortable with it since she is so unfamiliar with where to go to class. Plus I already told the teacher I would pick her up today (though she will normally be a bus rider, beginning Monday).

As I dropped her off this morning, I was explaining the procedures to her as if she had ridden the bus and arrived at school. She seemed to pick up on everything and was quite comfortable with it all.

When picking her up at noon, I arrived/parked just as the bell rang. The busses were being loaded as I drug Aspen & Tristan out of the car to retrieve Avery. I searched up and down, checking the teacher's room a couple times (no teacher or students) and all lawn areas, then finally to the office in a hurried calm. I suspected they must have put her on the bus! It was true (poor teacher got the instructions mixed up). The principal assured me they would never let a kindergartener off the bus without someone to greet them. Well, that wasn't true. I started driving home, not knowing what to expect and as I pulled in the driveway, there was Avery on the front deck with a big smile on her face!

Phew. Avery said her teacher "let" her ride the bus so she just did and got off at the right spot and walked right home. She discovered the back sliding door unlocked (which is not typical, but lucky for today), took off her backpack and shoes and went to the front deck to wait until mom showed up. She didn't seem too concerned that I wasn't there at the bus stop or home, just empowered by this sudden grand opportunity for independence! And independent she is! Poor Aspen was likely the most worried of all of us- she kept saying "Oh no- Avery is lost!" I must admit-- though I kept a calm and was sure she'd be okay, it did make me worrisome!

FYI, Avery enjoyed showing me her "monkey face" that the teacher taught. Wish I could have been there fore that! I think she's got an excellent new teacher--very kind, organized, excited and respectable. Also, Avery told me she did the monkey bars all by herself- that's new!

First Day of School :)

This was a truly momentous day - Avery's first day of school EVER. She has officially begun the 17-some-odd years of education... Let the fun begin!! Happy days of Kindergarten, cutie girl!

School: Barranca Mesa Elementary, Los Alamos, NM
Teacher: Ms. Larson
Date: 8-14-14

Summer Lovin'

Oh, it's been a lovely summer! Had some great afternoon rains, kept the weather moderate. Spent almost every day at the pool! Took 2 sessions of swim lessons for the girls (4 wks total). Planted some grass and it's looking FABULOUS! (Spent lots of time pulling weeds). Tristan took his first steps a week ago (8/8/14 at 16 months)! We've been very blessed.