First day of school...

So we survived the first day of school - actually we ROCKED the first day of school.
(I say "we" because it was Ryan and I's first day as parents of a kindergartner and well, we didn't completely ugly cry in front of anyone.)

Everyone was up bright and early to take the 100 obligatory pictures. 

To be honest, I took both versions because I'm a consistency girl and I'm not totally sold on having a chalk board in the kids' first day of school pictures forever. One on hand, it's cute and would be real funny to have him hold this as a 13 year-old teenager. On the other hand, it's one more thing I have to remember to do.

:) 

But isn't he just adorable?

And while there is no real break in "school" for the girls, Emmy was moving up to her new class and we wanted to make it special for them, too. 

Please note the silly faces - they are very into the silly faces. 

Then we all hopped into the car and headed to Radley's school! We even made it early (score!) but we did forget his lunchbox at home (oops!). 

I don't think his grin could have been any bigger if he tried.

Then the doors open and we made our way to his class and met some friends along the way. How amazing is it that these two literally met in the hospital - can't wait to see their story continue to grow and unfold. 

He was an old pro at this - he hung up his bag, gave his "homework" to Mrs. K, and found his name at his desk and started to work away. 

One more pic with our big man.... 

and a farewell kiss from baby sister... 

and we were off...and headed straight for the "Boo Hoo Breakfast" that the school was hosting for the kindergarten and first grade parents. 

And we ALL did it - with just a few little glistens here and there. 

And by the time we were finished with our bagels and coffee we saw their class practicing for lunch and then it hit me - he is in SCHOOL. Real school. And he is going to ROCK! And he is going to LOVE kindergarten! 

Then we were off - Ryan to go get that lunch we forgot and me to drop off our girls. 

Our own little Miss Sunshine moved up to the Sunshine room and she was thrilled!! And we are, too! Radley absolutely adores Mrs. Prafull and Ms. Paula and Emmy will, too! Can't believe our tiny tot is in PreK-3!

And for the next 6 hours, Ryan and I sent texts back and forth about what we thought Radley was doing. Did he eat his lunch? Was he listening? Did we think his shoes were going to say on at recess? etc... 

We met at the school to pick him up and as I pulled into the parking lot, I saw him. On the playground, smiling, laughing and having the time of his life. Just like I prayed that he would. And in moments like this, He sends us sweet gentle reminders that He had it all under control to begin with. Josh Radin's Beautiful Day came on the radio just as the chorus was playing... 

Oooh ooohh my my
I'm learning to fly
Hey hey what's that you're saying
Lets not forget we're alive

Gonna climb that hill behind my house
See what this place is all about
Cause from above it all
You can't help but say
It's gonna be a beautiful day
It's gonna be a beautiful day
But let me hear you say

And clearly I held it together (if by "holding it together" I mean that the car next to me could only barely hear my sobs). I also only slightly looked like a creeper when I pulled out my camera to take pictures of the kids walking back (I did hold back from using the 300mm lens because being arrested on the first day of school is probably frowned upon). 

And then we walked to the gym and picked up our big kid. 

Who even after 8 hours in kindergarten is still unable to keep his eyes open for a picture in the sun.

Ryan headed back to work, me and Rad grabbed a snack at Sonic and then headed home where I proceeded to make dinner while my big kid did homework. At his desk. In his room.

Like he is 20 years old.

(ps. Isn't that desk awesome! It was Ryan's grandfathers and we have big plans for it!)

We ended up our night at Spoons celebrating the BIG day and Uncle Pete's (ehm) 25th birthday!

Radley and his Uncle Pete - can you see the family resemblance? 

How I pray that Radley is as generous, kind, determined, honest, and hard working as his beloved Pete.

(but maybe he could get his school habits from me!)

;)