“…of the Year…” Isn’t that what the TV commercial used to say? 

Well, we can’t believe it’s come already, but this morning was the first day of school. We managed to make it out the door with no cattle prods, raised voices, or (too many) poopy pouts, and were even a few minutes early!

With Josie walking her sisters to school on her own two feet now, there were no hands left for documenting “the walk”. So we’ll jump straight to the classrooms. Sophie is thrilled that she is in the same first grade class as her very close friend Ava (right behind her). They’ll be able to get used to the longer school day and greater responsibilities in class together! And hopefully not cause too much mischef in so doing.

“Hey! What are you looking at???? Don’t you have somewhere to go?”

Maddie, meanwhile, snuck off to her new second grade class on her own while we were getting Sophie set up. Proof once again as to how far our Madeleine has come with her confidence - I was pleasantly shocked to not see her anywhere! Josie and I then set off to at least wish her a nice day, and there she was, 3 classrooms and 2 corridors away, already sitting at her desk with a grin on her face. Here, I am almost positive Maddie is telling Josie secrets on how she can sneak away from mommy too. And that’s ALL I need!

As we hung out in the school cafeteria for a few minutes afterwards with the PTA, it once again struck me how much Josie has changed and grown and blossomed. She is so at home with herself and with us, she’s just about ready to go to school too!

“So what do you say, Mom? How about I start 5th grade…tomorrow? Please?”

Sorry, kid. You’ll have to settle for establishing your presence at school through Maddie copying your hairstyle (like this morning). We’re going to selfishly keep you to ourselves for another year! Just think of all the damage we could do!