First day of school! (sniff-sniff)

Today was a big day for us. Caitlin started second grade and was so excited! Mikayla on the other hand had some mixed emotions. I too had mixed emotions. My baby started Kindergarten today!

A couple of weeks ago as we were shopping for their school supplies, Kaylie looked at me and said "mommy, I might have tears on my first day of school because I'm going to miss you." Ouch! I put on my brave face and told her how much she would love being at the big school and she would love her teacher! I knew I wouldn't be able to hold back the tears but I of course couldn't tell her that.

Thankfully, their school does a BBQ a few days before school starts for the kids to come and meet their teacher and see their room - this really helped Mikayla a lot!

So this morning, we got them all ready - a big breakfast in their tummy's, outfits on and hair all styled pretty and then outside for the photo shoot. This is a long standing tradition in the family. My mom took pictures of me every year in school - even when I was a senior in High School! Anyway, I love to look back at the pictures especially to see the way cool outfits I wore back in elementary school! Anyone else ever had a rainbow shirt where the rainbow started on one sleeve, went across the front and ended on the other sleeve?

Anyway, after the photo shoot, we loaded the car and off we went. We pull up at the school and I walked them over. Caitlin instantly ran off to chat with some friends but Kaylie stood by me. I was proud of her for being brave and not hanging on me.

Once the bell rang, all the kids lined up in their class line and did the Pledge of Allegiance. I couldn't make it through it - tears were already fighting their way out. Caitlin was doing great and so far so good with Kaylie. Once we were done I walked with Kaylie into her room, all the other parents were there too. The kids found their seats and the teacher asked one of the dads to pray for the kids. Every mom in the room lost it. We were all crying like babies by the end! Once things got started it was time for the parents to go. Mrs Tiber (the teacher) had a camera around her neck and she told us about how she loves to take photos and by the end of the year we all will get a CD of the pictures. She then said "Hey kids, since your parents are taking pictures of you, let's take some pictures of them." So she did and we all laughed. Then she said "okay kids, now let's all wave good bye to your parents." Once again we all laughed and knew our time was up. I went and gave Kaylie another little kiss and she said "I like my class mommy!" I put my sun glasses on to hide the tears and took a deep breath as I left the room. I can't believe my baby is in the "big" school now with her sister! Here are a few photo's of the special day! Wow - just writing about it brings the tears back out again. I'm such a cry baby about this!

Kaylie in her adorable outfit!

Caitlin looking as cute as ever!
Feeling so blessed that the kids are such good friends!
Caitlin helping Mikayla down the path
Nervous but smiling- way to go Kaylie!! Caitlin you are such an awesome big sister!
So how did their day go? The girls had a wonderful first day. Both girls could not stop talking about their day when I got home from work. They love their teachers and already have fun stories!