Brinley's First Day of Kindergarten and Julianne's First Day of Preschool

August 15th 2013 was a big day for our family! Brinley had her first day of all day kindergarten and Julianne went to her first day of preschool. They were both all smiles and super excited! Greg and I of course had mixed emotions, but for the most part excited too. We were so lucky that Greg had the week off from school, so he was able to be there for the big event! 

A few days before school started all the teachers put these signs in front of each kindergarten student's  doors. It was so thoughtful of them and made Brinley really proud. 

 At the bus stop with all her boy buddies! She is most often the only girl, but she is so lucky to have these wonderful gentlemen. They are so sweet to her.

 Peter and Brinley

 Julianne all ready for school too!

 We followed the school bus and watched Brinley walk into her class room. Here she is with her class.

 Next was Julianne's turn! She was so brave. I expected her to freak out because she didn't know a single soul, but she went right in with a big smile!

 Mrs Lynn helping her find her cubbie.

 After we picked her up she was still all smiles!

 She played and played all afternoon and waited until it was time to go pick up Brinley.

 Her good friend Anna.

 Finally it was time to go get her off the bus! It felt like a long day!

 Brinley and Peter, arm in arm.

 So excited to see each other!

 That friday we had a back to school BBQ in the front yard! These are always a blast!

 Tim Gubler is one good chef!Cynthia too!

 Josh, Daniel, and Andrew

 My good friend Marie and I

 Isaac, Brinley, Anna and Sam

A few days  into school the newness wore off and Brinley started having a REALLY hard time wanting to go to school each day. She would cry every morning and was just not herself. She said it was to long of a day and she missed being at home.
It was really hard sending her to school in tears. Then we started doing things a little different.
 Each morning, I make sure she is ready to go 15 min prior to us walking out the door. During that time I read the girls stories out of the "friend" magazine and then we say payers. Its been so great since we started doing that and has become one of my favorite times of the day.
 Brinley started learning that we all have to do things that are hard and scary sometimes. I taught her that instead of thinking about the whole day at once and feeling that it was to long, that she should break up the day and get excited about the little things in between, like, morning recess, then lunch, then art or gym or music time depending on the day. If she could create small victories for herself through out the day then it will seem shorter and she can focus on the happy things in her day. She also learned to say prayers in her heart if ever she felt sad or scared. After just about a week or so, she was able to adjust and now she goes to school each day with a big smile on her face!