First Day of First Grade

Last Monday was Gabe's first day of first grade. That's right....FIRST grade. Even though this is his first year of "all day" school, for some reason it was way less emotional for me than kindergaraten. I think it also helped that he was really excited about it, and that we really love his school and teacher. Even so, I am feeling a little emotional as I look at all this pictures of my big kid.


We started the year with some school shopping, which both of us were surprisingly excited about (I had a weird affection for office supplies as a child...truly). We didn't get to do it last year because his teacher provided all the supplies, so this was fun. We labeled everything and he carefully arranged things in his supply box.




We start each school year by seeing how much we've grown over the past year...and we've grown a lot! (Even though Caleb doesn't start preschool until next week, he wanted to get in on the action.)



Then it was outside for a few mandatory shots.




And then it was off to school.




Unloading his supplies into his desk....another first!






I think he was feeling a wee bit nervous (above).


He even has a locker! Sniff......



All ready to start the year!! They start each morning with a journal entry....date, weather, word of the day, picture.....can't wait to read it at the end of the year.




They pair them with 6th graders who serve as their "chapel" buddies for the year. It's sweet to see the older kids making the younger ones feel comfortable. Later in the week his buddy made him a little card.



The year is off to a good start and Gabe's really enjoying it. His teacher does weekly comments and this week she mentioned he's doing really well and that "Gabe is a friend to everyone" and a "great reader." We were so glad to hear those kind words. The full days are definitely wearing on him a bit; we've been a little whiny and sassy this week, but we'll adjust! So far, so good.