first day, first grade

We totally soaked up our last week of summer, and now here we find ourselves on a warm muggy first day of first grade!

And all I find myself thinking is, 'thank goodness it's not kindergarten!' Over and over again.  It was a rough first day last year sending my first little one out the door.  (Not to mention the raw emotions from having welcomed my little Lila just 3 days prior!)  And 'rough' is an understatement.

But this year, well, it's kind of fun.  There were lots of hiccups as we struggled back into the new routine this morning - of course, it's the first time in a month that Maria slept past 6:45 - but all in all we enjoyed the excitement that comes with a fresh new year.

I spent yesterday on the sewing machine making skirts and shorts (a new dress still to come) with a 6 year old by my side - her directing fabric choices and me doing lots of measuring on this growing girl of mine.  She's been looking forward to these hot pink shorts for most of the summer, and I'm glad I finally took the time to put them together (which really didn't take much time at all with this simple pattern.)  She's also been saving her new sparkly pink Crocs for most of the summer so they could be fresh and new for the first day!  Are you catching on to the theme here?  Pink it is these days...especially hot pink, for both of my big girls.

Along with her mission to let everyone know her favorite color (PINK!), she especially wanted everyone to know that she's an artist.  Thanks be to Target for having this cute little art shirt!

Her 2 best buddies are in her class (one at her very table!)  In the 'normal' world, best buddies in your class for the 2nd year in a row is a good thing; in the 'military' world, it's a plain miracle to have such consistency and comfort in this still new world of school.  And I couldn't ask for more than a teacher who has a scavenger hunt for the kiddos at Open House and Playdough at the tables on the first day.

I think it's going to be a good year.

p.s.  At 10 last night, annoyed at how my chalk sign was turning out, I finally discovered the secret trick of 'chalk art'...  It's called a chalk pen!  Who knew?  I will be purchasing one; even if I only use it twice a year!

p.p.s.  There was also hand art that same as last year, turned the tide of what started out as a grumpy morning.  Another rainbow and a request for '1st grade' to be written on her hand. :)