The Finn Files: First Day of Kindergarten

The first day of kindergarten is one of those major milestone moments of childhood. One I must admit that I have been dreading all summer long. Not because I don't want him to go, but because of what it signifies . . . he's growing up. Now he will spend more time with his teachers than with me and that is just STRANGE. Because he has been my buddy and constant companion for more than 5 years. But isn't that what our job is as parents . . . to help our children grow up and achieve confidence and independence. So yes, I realize I am being selfish for wishing I could keep him with me just a little longer but I can't help it. But, enough about me . . . on to the first day of kindergarten!

We are lucky in that Finn will attend Sullivans Island Elementary School. In just one year, the new school building will be completed and will move back on the island. Then, he will have just a short two block commute to school, but until then, we go to the temporary location over in Mt. Pleasant. His teacher is Ms. Beall and she is wonderful. There are a total of 21 kids in his class (double what he's used to) so this will be a great opportunity to make new friends. School starts at 7:30 (YAWN) and gets out at 2:30. Mark and I take him in the mornings and he rides the school bus home. The school bus was a big deal this year. He BEGGED to ride it since only "big" kids ride the bus. I couldn't bear the thought of putting my "baby" on the bus so we compromised. He rides it home since the first stop is one block from our house and several kids from his class are also on his bus so he isn't alone. It actually turned out to be a win-win for both of us: he loves it and I don't have to wait in the ridiculously long car pool line! Still, I had to wear my sunglasses the first day I picked him up because I teared up when he got off the bus.

I am excited for Finn because I know he will have a great year and will have so much fun. He will learn and experience lots of new things and meet lots of wonderful friends.

The breakfast of champions

Saying a final goodbye to teddy and night-night

So proud of his Star Wars lunch box that he chose himself

Because he's 5 . . . silly pictures are a must!

I love this picture--his face says it all: excitement mixed with nerves and a touch of anxiety, which coincidentally was exactly how I was feeling too.

So proud of my big boy

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In the craziness of the first day of school, I didn't get a picture of him actually going into his classroom. Mark and I both walked him in and I managed to keep it together until I made it back to the safety of the car. The halls were packed with parents and kids and he squeezed my hand until we made it to his classroom. Once there, he saw his teacher and some of his friends and barely gave us a second glance. I knew he would be just fine.

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Getting off of the school bus--he said riding the bus was the best part of the whole day