After a long week at school, a big bubble bath in Mommy's tub was in order!

So Proud!

Izzy had an amazing first week of VPK!! She loves her teachers and is so excited to go every day. When I told her that she wouldn't go tomorrow, she was so disappointed!  When I ask her what she liked most about school,  she said it was playing and dancing with her new friend Isabella - who shares (almost) her name and similar super curly, long, blonde hair. Today, she went to school early for a magic show and had pizza and snow cones. But, best of all, Friday is casual day, and she was able to show off one of her princess shirts! What a week! We couldn't possibly be more proud of our Izzy.

Izzy resting after her exciting week

Going on a walk with her class - holding hands with her new friend

Livi Time

Because Izzy started VPK this week,  Livi has been getting lots of one on one attention from Mommy and Daddy. Today we took her to the mall while Izzy was at school. We had her hold both of our hands while we walked. She looked up at us with surprise, grinned,  and excitedly babbled something only she understands. But, as Mommy, I got the gist of it. "I am holding both Mommy and Daddy's hands!!! I love the mall!!! Look at the playground Mommy!! Let's go play!  Look at the Nemo fish.  See, Mommy? Nemo fish!" Or something along those lines.

My sweet ones still in their jammies.

Just like Mommy

It is no secret that I love school! As a matter of fact, there have been very few semesters that I haven't been in some kind of a college course since graduating in 2004.

I am so proud to say that Isabelle loves school too!!! She looks forward to going everyday and is excited when I drop her off! I'm hoping this continues, and that she becomes a lifelong lover of learning like her mommy.

Two of these pictures were taken by her school. See if you can pick her out! When I saw the pictures on her school's Facebook page Isabelle excitedly started telling me all of her new friends names.

Izzy's First Day of School

Izzy at the end of the day

Brady greeting Isabelle

Izzy had no idea what she was in for today. She had heard us talk about school and how important and different it would be, but I am certain she couldn't completely comprehend where she was going and why. When she woke up this morning, she asked "What are we going to do today Mommy?" When I said she was going to go to school (in a very excited voice) she immediately said she was going to miss mommy and could I please come with her.  I tried to redirect her, but she wasn't completely fooled.  The entire morning it was easy to see that she was VERY excited, but she was also very nervous.  She was very stubborn about getting dressed and having her hair done.... so I was preparing myself for a hard goodbye.

Paga came over this morning to see his oldest granddaughter off to school.  We all prayed together, and then we loaded up in the car.

I was very nervous as we drove to her preschool.  I did not want her to cry -- because then I would start crying and it would end up being a huge scene.  In the car she actually confided, "I'm scared Mommy." But, before she could get herself worked up, we had arrived. We parked in the parking lot and made our way up to the sidewalk.  Isabelle perked up a little bit when she saw other kids enjoying their time on the playground.  

And then, THANK YOU LORD, she spotted her best friend, Brady.  He was so excited to see Izzy walking up to his school!  He ran to the fence and started talking excitedly about showing her around the school.  When we finally entered the building, (my eyes were brimming with tears at the thought of letting my little girl go) without a thought, Izzy dropped my hand and was making a bee line out to her friend! We actually had to stop her before she walked in to get our kisses goodbye.

But - this was as it should be. There was no time for tears. This girl was ready to see new things - meet new people - and run and jump and play with her best friend. 

Today Izzy learned about the color red, the letter A, how to respect her teacher, how to use safety scissors, and how having a best friend at your side can make a new experience a lot less scary.

We've opened a new chapter - and I am one proud Mama!

  

Tomorrow is a BIG day!

Izzy starts VPK tomorrow. I'm going to try to do all my crying tonight so I can keep my cool tomorrow!