Brittany Swimming 2008

During school Britt gets to go by bus to the high school for swimming. In 2nd grade they go for 10 days, I was able to go and watch Britt on her last day. The pool has a raise/lower floor so they can raise for smaller kids which really helps with teaching kids how to swim. The last day was a "free swim" day so I didn't get to see much swimming but I did get to see her have fun with her friends!

Chasing Boys

This is how a conversation with my daughter Britt went after the 1st day of school:

Susie: So, what did you play at recess?

Britt: I chased boys (very matter-of-factly!?!)

Susie: What?

Britt: I chased boys.

Susie: Did they want to be chased? (grabbing straws at this point!)

Britt: Yes, Mommy. Tomorrow they are going to chase the girls. (then, just as matter-of-fact she walked away!)

I know that I played tag every day of elementary school or that is what my memory tells me, but when Brittany comes home telling that she chases the boys my heart skipped a beat. At this point she doesn't know what kissing tag is but I am sure we are not very far from that!!!!

1st Day of School August 2008

Clay started Kindergarten on 8.12.08. He was SOOO excited. Britt started 2nd grade. With Clay not having any attachment issues it went very smoothly. He loves going to school and being big like Brittany. Cutting the apron strings went a little easier than I thought. It was much easier to go on to work knowing that your children are where they feel comfortable. Here are some pics from the big 1st day. The last picture is Clay blowing me a kiss. The teachers had the kids line up and blow kisses to their Moms and Dads and say "Good Bye". I know it was their way of getting the parents to walk away but seriously, I could have walked him to the classroom!!! Maybe the apron strings were still a little attached!!! HA!

School Registration

Well, I did it! I signed Clay up for Kindergarten (as well as Britt for 2nd grade). He doesn't seem to be showing any anxiety BUT the other day while riding in the car he said to Britt...

Clay: Hey sis.
Britt: What?
Clay: I think I may be nervous about going to school.
Britt: Clay, it will be so much fun you won't want to come home!
(I was doing great listening, thinking wow what a nice big sister to reassure him, then she told him he won't want to come home to ME!!!! I never said a word just listened to their conversation)
Clay: Will I see you?
Britt: Sometimes but you will be busy anyway.
Then a song came on the radio and the "talk" was over!

It is crazy that both of my kids will be in all day school, but I do feel like Clay is ready and that makes it easier for me. I make it possible on the 1st day of school to take my kids to school. I have seen the tons of Moms crying as they drop their kids off and the tons of kids crying that they want their Mommies. I have always gone by the philosophy that kids look to you to see how they should react so I try to keep my emotions in check. With Britt I was a mess, I dropped her at her classroom and as I was walking away the lump in my throat got bigger and bigger. My dear friend Stacey called my cell phone just as I was getting into the car! Perfect timing!!!! I still shed some tears but I am pretty sure Stac shed some tears too! Always nice to have a friend to cry with!!! Love you Stac!
So as the 1st day of school approaches (Aug 12th) I will have to psych myself up again and hold my tears until my back is turned! For you Moms that haven't experienced this yet, I can honestly say "cutting the apron strings" hurts!!!