And So it Begins...

Our family has officially entered the public school system, as Grant started kindergarten yesterday. He has been anxiously awaiting the day for a long time, as have I! He wore his backpack, did his chores (make bed, brush teeth, etc) as soon as he woke up and was ready to go. We got to the bus stop way too early, but all went off without a hitch. The night before, we gave Grant a "lucky penny" that each one of us kissed (I know, gross and dirty...the germs we allowed ourselves to be subject too...) and told him to keep it in his pocket. Then, if ever he got nervous throughout the day or bus ride, he could reach in his pocket, and touch it, knowing we love him and are with him! (cue the AWWWW's). I had tried to suggest to Grant he may like me to drive him on his first day, to which he replied, "No mom, I am going to ride the cheese wagon!" After he stepped on the bus, I told Dave, "Grab the baby, stick her in the car-I am following the bus!" He just shook his head and smiled and repeatedly asked me if I was crying (as if the tears streaming and welling up weren't an indication!). Dave got a kick out of it as I zoomed off to go through the route with Grant, unbeknownst to him. It is a long bus drive, I won't do that again. I wondered if I was over the top as I was the only one following the kids...but the second to last stop a few other moms joined in and we caravaned, easing my concern of being a wacked out mother!
Since Grant didn't know I was following him, I think he was a little startled when I yelled his name out my window and waved furiously like it was the last time I would ever see him! But, if you look closely, I think he is holding the penny!

He did great, got off at the right stop and loved every minute of it. He told me one kid cried the entire class, poor guy. Grant is all grown up, but he did run off the bus, straight to my arms and yelling "MOM!" It made me feel like he isn't too ashamed of me and my behavior, after all!