First Day!

Catherine had her first day of first grade yesterday!

I still can't believe she's old enough to be in first grade but I'm trying not to dwell on that. Everyone keeps asking how I'm doing about sending her to school. Honestly, if I slow down and think about it, it makes me a little sad. I really love the innocence and simplicity of preschool and little years and I don't want to think about her growing up too quickly. But I am so busy that I really haven't had much time to slow down and think about it. I didn't even cry yesterday!

I know she will do great this year. She loves school and reading and math and art. She is made for the school setting and I know she will thrive. It is an adjustment for all of us for her to be gone during the day and for us to figure out getting her to and from school. Right now Jay's parents, Jay, and I are alternating who is taking her in the mornings so that I don't have to load all 5 kids into the car every morning at 7:30, especially on the days that I'll take Will to preschool at 8:30. She is going to start riding the bus home (hopefully next week) because I can't figure out a way to spend 45 mins sitting in the car line every afternoon while Anna and the babies need naps. We're still working all of that out.

Here's the cutie pie heading out for her first day. She really really loves her new backpack and lunchbox.

She is very excited about her teacher, Mrs. Huguet. We have heard wonderful things about her teacher and are expecting a great year. Catherine is part of the Learning Community at her school, which is a group of 1st-5th grade classes that can move students around for reading and math based on their skill level. They also do a lot of project-based learning for social studies and science. We think this will be a really good fit for her to keep her challenged.

Overall she had a great first day. She met some new friends and got to sit beside the two girls in her class that she already knew (one from dance and one from preschool). She said she did not like lunch because it was too busy and rushed. And she did not like waiting in the car line. She was very tired by the end of the day!

We made cookies once she got home to celebrate her first day. Here we go Catherine! You're growing up!!