Dallin started Kindergarten today at Gattis Elementary School. He has a wonderful teacher named Miss Thompson and already has some friends in his class.
A couple of years ago, we didn't think public school would be an option. Even 1 year ago, I was leaning towards homeschooling him this year. However, he has progressed so much and grown up so much that I knew he was ready. After we checked out the school, I realized that the best thing for him right now would be the hardest thing for me. He was ready. The school is great, and I am blessed beyond reason to have him at the point that he will not only survive, but excel in a social school setting. However, the selfish side of me still does not want to believe that it is time to let him go.
He is so darling and helpful and sweet around the house. He tries so hard. I love him beyond words. It was hard to finally get him "human" just in time to send him away. The house feels very lonely without him. He was sooo excited to go to school. The smile on his face and the twinkle in his eye was priceless. He was a little nervous about school, but he was all set to go this morning. He woke up early, got dressed and announced that he was going to be "the coolest kid in school". Of course he will! Nana made sure he was set up with new Star Wars gear for school-back pack, lunch box, shirt, even Darth Vader shoes with a blinking death star. He felt like a million dollars. We made sure his lunch was packed with his favorites, his gluten free classroom snacks were ready, and we had finished his "kissing hand" to take on the first day of school to remind him of home.
Christopher and I were able to get the day off and be there to walk Dallin into his classroom on the first day. He was so excited to show daddy his "desk". He seemed cool as a cucumber, and very happy. Before we left, he made sure I gave him a big hug at his desk. I am so thankful that he still wants a hug from his mom :) We were in and out. We didn't want to prolong the goodbye and make him anxious. I managed to not shed even one tear in the school. I felt so hollow and sad leaving him behind. It was like leaving my heart. Once we were halfway to breakfast (we promised to take Kate out to "Cracker Bear"), I cried. Then when we got home, I found his ratty blanket he had left on my bed and I held it and cried some more. I am counting down the minutes till he comes home and wondering what he is doing every second. Today feels especially long.
Kate was sad to see Dallin go, but has decided that not having him around during the day is "great" and she can hardly wait to have more "Kate time". I am happy that she is taking it so well, and I think she will really mature this year being the "oldest" at home.
We are all excited to pick Dallin up from school today and hear all about it. We love you our big Kindergarten boy!
