Kelton Starts School...

Well, it really does seem like just yesterday that I started this blog with the best intentions of keeping everyone up to date! As you can tell by the length of time in between posts, we've been busy enjoying life as time has been flying by : ) Kelton started Kindergarten today. It was an emotional day for all involved! Kelton began the day excited to use his new backpack and see what school is all about. Randal and I drove him to school this morning while my fabulous mom had a special day with just Camille. (Of course, tomorrow we'll have to figure out what to do about Camille's comment that "tomorrow CAMILLE goes to Kindergarten and grandma will take care of Kelton". Luckily, her cooperative preschool starts next week!) When we reached the school, Kelton bounded out of the car and up the hill to his classroom with his beloved backpack swinging side to side. Our earlier visits to the school paid off in that he seemed to feel quite comfortable putting his things away and entering the classroom. His teacher did a beautiful job of welcoming kids and keeping the parents in a brief supporting role! Kelton settled in and seemed to enjoy the day. I managed to leave the room with minimal tears as that sweet little boy (who I swear celebrated his second birthday about two days ago) blew me a kiss and signed "I love you" as we left the room. Oh, what Randal and I would have given to be a fly on the classroom wall today... I passed the time today with friends and was glad for the distraction! We listened to Kelton's new principal give a welcome speech and then headed out to soothe our sorrows with cupcakes and coffee followed by lunch and errands. Kelton has 5 of his preschool friends in his class and we feel so lucky to be starting the school journey with a fun, dedicated group of parents. Randal and I both came to greet Kelton at the end of the day. It was a lovely fall day in Seattle and, as we walked out into the sunshine with Kelton giggling about a new rhyme he had learned and promised to teach us, we followed his happy foot steps feeling as proud and happy as parents can be. Now, our challenge is to keep him well rested in the new school routine and for me to be patient with his desire to keep some (most?) of the details of his day to himself. I will be absolutely cherishing the moments before bed when Kelton wants to snuggle/talk in the coming months : ) I'm amazed at how a single day can so strongly signify the beginning of a new phase in life. We'll miss those leisurely preschool days and look forward to all the shared learning ahead! Thanks for reading... I hope the school year is off to a good start for everyone and we'll see if the fall brings me more time to consistently update this blog. Take good care and stay tuned!