Rachel's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Rachel had her very first day of Kindergarten today! She was so excited that it was finally time to go - I really didn't think she was going to sleep at all the night before due to excitement, but she went out like a light and slept all night. It was so cute, we read her book "Look Out Kindergarten, Here I come!" the night before (We've been reading it all week!) and she really wanted to take Mrs. Johnson an apple, just like the little mouse in the book. She was patient while I snapped a couple of quick pictures outside and we were on our way! Doug, Kate and I all walked in with her after seeing Noah on his way toward his class. When we first got there she found her cubby and put her bag and lunch bag in. She gave Mrs. Johnson her apple - who was delighted! :) After we said our goodbyes she quickly found a seat at the table with the other girls and began coloring a picture of a bird. Mrs Johnson handed me a rolled up pink paper tied with a red ribbon as we left the room and by the time we were back in the car, I was crying (of course). The pink paper was a poem from Mrs. Johnson. I have included it in the pictures so that I won't forget it. When we picked the kids up I loved how Noah walked her to the car and held her hand - both of them with huge grins on their faces. I cried again on the way home reading and looking at The Kissing Hand project she made me while at school (also included in the pictures). She said they read the book 'The Kissing Hand' and another about the first day of Kindergarten. She told me they colored a bird picture, played outside, had music and gym, ate lunch (in the lunchroom! She was excited about that!), made my kissing hand picture, that she fell off the swing and scraped her knee and made two new friends - Gracie and Allie. She said she had so much fun and that she couldn't wait to go back. She coudln't believe she wasn't going back until Monday - that it was too long to wait. I'm so glad she had such a good day. It makes my heart feel good to know she feels safe, happy and excited to start school. I also loved how for 20 minutes after they got home and were having a snack she and Noah chattered like crazy about her day. The first day of Kindergarten was definitely a success.