Makenna's First Day

The very first day of Kindergarten! This just-turned-6-yr-old has been more excited than I thought possible. And what she lacked in teeth, she made up for in confidence. Freshly pressed outfit. Brand-spanking-new backpack. Delicious lunch packed according to her wishes (salami sandwich, Cheetos, fresh blueberries, fruit snacks, and a Thermos full of water). And a little sister sobbing at the top of the stairs because she couldn't go with. They are, however, wearing "sister bracelets" that will make them think of one another throughout the day.

Time to go...


 Makenna and her little friend, Catalina from her Primary class, walked together to the bus stop in the morning. Both the moms were unashamedly snapping like Paparazzi.

Drew was the cutest dad at the bus stop, hugging his little girl and walking off quickly before we both lost it. I love this guy. He's a sensitive one.

 I love this girl more than I thought humanly possible. I love her enough to get dressed with make-up and hair done before 7:30 in the morning. That's a lot.

 Hand in hand, these two friends anxiously step on to the bus. Here you go, world. I've prepared her the best I can. Send her back safe and sound to me.

We were the family that helped her onto the bus and then raced into the car and beat the bus to the school so we could watch her walk off and go to class. Big camera around my neck and Dad juggling two little sisters, my big girl wasn't one ounce embarrassed. She smiled at us with the biggest grin I've ever seen.

 Addison, patiently waiting to see what comes next, not quite sure where she fits in.

 Pure excitement. Nothing more. We've been working up to this moment for 6 years and she's ready to jump in, headlong. Fewer Mom Moments have made me prouder.

 "Ohhhh, Mom. I can't give Makenna a hug," says little sister. "Oh yes you can! Run, before she walks in!"

 A hurried, albeit needed, hug.

 Fresh off the bus, 3:05pm. The 2 Kindergartners and the wannabe. Thumbs up from all three.

All smiles getting off the bus after school. Jabber jaws all the way home and all afternoon. And warm molasses cookies, my favorite school girl's favorite cookie. "Can I go back tomorrow, Mom?"  I couldn't have asked for a better reaction.

7:20 the next morning. Exactly 30 minutes before the bus arrives. I regretted having to wake her up, but I had to. School awaited. Being a Kindergartner is tough work.