Back to School!

Today was Blake's first day of school! The first three days are half days, so we are already home and Blake is sound asleep after having a very busy (and early) morning. We are so blessed with a very social boy who tolerates changes and new environments very well. And one who loves to learn and go to school. He was a bit impatient as we realized there was no carpool line for drop off..even though the assistant principal made it VERY clear there would be, which meant we had to wait in a long line to sign in as visitors to get to his classroom. After a fall on the sidewalk resulting in a skinned-up knee and a few pouts for being made to wait, Blake was excited to put his things in his cubby, hang up his backpack and get started! I, too, had a few pouts for not being prepared to carry many things and Dane, wait in a line and walk Blake to class. I was the frustrated parent who didn't have a camera or make a fuss over the first day. I just wanted the carpool line and our usual routine!!! I'm sure the other parents thought several things about me, and probably not good things. So, after driving, waiting, dropping off and driving again - all of which totaled an hour and a half, Dane and I arrived at Falls Park for our Wednesday walk with friends :)

Oh, if only it was a happy ending. Blake had a great day, which is the PERFECT ending, but the carpool line (yet again) made me somewhat of a crazed maniac who wanted to jump out and knock on peoples' car windows to share my advice. Advice that I thought was VERY obvious and easy, and advice that was told to them at open house. There are signs, painted diamonds on the road directing you, and an obvious road/drive set-up that indicated drive here, don't drive there. So...after people driving through the grass of the school yard (thanks to those who did NOT follow directions), people giving others a few choices words and gestures, and a wait in a line for 45 minutes - yes, 45 minutes, I picked up my son. But, wait. I had to pull into a parking space to buckle him into his car seat because the teacher can put him in a seat, but not buckle him this year. Thanks to the school's attorney, I'm sure.

It must seem like all I have are complaints. I don't. Blake's new school is wonderful, his teachers are great, and I adore the assistant principal who is a yankee and has a great sense of humor. He means business. Which means since he is not from the south, he tells it like it is and there is no sugar-coating. That is a good quality when dealing with a bunch of parents of 3 and 4 year old children. I am excited for the year and to see Blake grow, learn and develop! I am also excited to watch some parents grow, learn and develop as they master the carpool line :) Enjoy the pictures on the new header of the blog page. He looked quite dapper for his big first day!