Dallin's First Day of First Grade

 

 September 5th brought our first day of school. Dallin is (gulp!) leaving us all day long this year. (well, at least until 2:30pm). We're super excited for his teacher, Mrs. Hembruch. We joined the mob at school the Friday before school started to see the class list. You can appreciate the diversity of where we live as evidenced in this class list!

Dallin is super excited. He is already reading very well. He finished FOUR Harry Potter books this summer. He's off to a great start.

This next shot is taken just moments before separation. Drop off for first grade is totally different than Kindergarten and I think I was more apprehensive than Dallin was (where do we go? you line up in the playground every morning? Where do we put backpacks?). I kept my sunglasses on to hide my misty eyes.

 

The first day was a success--they had PE! Dallin has quickly figured out how fun tether ball is ("my new favorite sport") and they're already learning how to type in their computer lab time. Dallin reminded me today that he is only four months away from his seventh birthday. SEVENTH birthday. Whoa. It doesn't help that he is growing so much taller right now and stronger! He climbes the rope we have hanging in our garage in three seconds. But really, can't Peter Pan come do an intervention?

 

Fortunately for me, here are my two playmates while Dallin is at school:

Nolan (14 months), Thad (barely 3)

Don't they look like fun!?

Do you like me?

During the past couple of months, one question has been asked more than most others. (no, not can I have more chocolate milk?)

My sweet three-year-old Thad often asks throughout the day, "Mom, do you like me?" After I quickly respond Yes! it's followed with "Mom, do you love me?" When I ask the question back to him we are all smiles and enjoy a quick hug. It's often the highlight of my day.

Yesterday after Thad knowingly defied my pleas not to pour his milk onto the ground, I briskly walked him to his bedroom to lay him on his bed in timeout. As I sopped up the milk which was quickly sliding under baseboards and soaking into carpet, Thad walked out of his room. With crocodile tears streaming down his face and in a somewhat hiccup-sort-of voice again asked me, "Mom, do you like me?"

With my heart softer than where it was a couple of minutes earlier, I smiled and embraced this passionate and active three-year-old.

Yes, Thad. I love you so much.

Here's Thad with his amazing lego tower he built! He's so proud!