Our 1st First-Grader!

Time is seriously zooming by.  Eli started First Grade on August 9th. We attended Meet-the-Teacher Night a few days before school.  He was so happy to learn that his best pal, Beau Mcdonald, was in his class again!  His teacher is Mrs. Salsman and she has been terrific.  I have been very pleased that he's making great progress and learning and practicing important skills.  (No more movie-watching every week and ONE recess like he had in kindergarten.  Hated that!!)

Free sherbet before we met the teacher!

Ezra enjoyed lounging in the big round chairs.  :)

The kids were wound up and jumping off the rocks outside the school. 

Eli was looking forward to going back to school, but he was also nervous.  Being able to see old friends and his classroom helped a lot.  When we were in his class he said, 'Mom, I feel so at home here!"  (His teacher does have a loft in the room which might have reminded him of his bunkbed at home.  :)

Eli had a Father's Blessing the night before school started.  That night after he had gone to bed I came in to his room to find him practically sobbing!  Starting a new school year can be so overwhelming and a mixture of big feelings.  He was happy for school but he was also going to miss me and miss being home.  I am so grateful that my kids don't struggle with anxiety.  Come morning time he was ready to go!

First Day of 1st Grade!

Clara giving Eli hugs before he hops on the bus.  (Yep we are always in jammies at the bus pick-up.)

 The bus picks him up at 8:25 (school starts at 9:10). He gets back home at 3:50 (school ends at 3:42).

All smiles at the end of the day! He loves his bus driver, Miss Tammy, too. She is very kind and a good "Mother Bear" to her bus kids.

I welcomed Eli home with our traditional homemade frosted sugar cookies.  He always has lots to say and share! (And then immediately wants to relax with a show.  :))  We are so happy that he has a fantastic school and teacher and that he thrives in the school environment.