I Pledge Allegiance and Uncle Rob

Kensley's class is working each day on the Pledge. Today, Kensley was just as excited to go to school, but she was "not going to say the Pledge." I told her in no uncertain terms, "Yes, you are. That's part of Daddy's job and you are going to be respectful of it and do your part."
Little Miss went on to tell me that she can't do it "all," which allowed for compassion as well as a mini-lesson and reciting of the Pledge. I explained that school was like building a tower with blocks starting little by little to make a tall tower. I went on to say that she didn't have to know everything at once, but she did have to keep trying her best. Kensley was instantly relieved. School crisis #1 averted. Whew.
I was also reminded how Uncle Rob had a similar story in Kindergarten. He came home in tears at the end of the first week of school because he didn't know how to read... Bless their sweet little hearts. Maybe this is a sign that Kensley will have an inkling of perfectionism? Maybe???

Worth the Wait

Posting these pictures are loooong overdue, but I couldn't post them until all Mother's Day gifts were given, and by then, I'd forgotten! Here's Kensley in May at 2.5 years old.

School: Day 2

Kensley loves school. According to drop-off procedure, I should take Kensley in, drop off her bucket (they use these in lieu of backpacks), have her potty, wash her hands, and then accompany her to the playground. As we arrived for Kensley's second day of school, I opened the door to get her out of the car and Kensley looked at me and said, "I am going to be a sweet girl today." I told her I was proud of her and she gave me a sweet kiss. Immediately following, Kensley said, "OK bye, Mom," I told her that I needed to take her in a go potty, wash her hands, and watch her go to the playground. I (finally!) got Kensley unstrapped and as we got to the front entrance, she told me bye AGAIN! At this point, the mom and son arriving at the same time were laughing at her eagerness. Was she ever excited when we finished our routine and she got to go play on the playground. What a wonderful way to start the day! I sincerely hope she is always this eager to go to school.

"Bye, Mom! See You Later!"

That's all she said after a hurried smooch and our little Kensley was off to the world of school. It's preschool for our big girl and was she ever ready!!! Many of Kensley's friends have gone to preschool, which has given her an itch. Having a later birthday, I held her back so she could start with the kids with whom she'll be going to public school. Kensley's teacher seems very compassionate and super-excited to start the school year with the little ones and we are so happy for a positive start to Kensley's school experiences.
**I forgot to mention that upon entering her classroom, Kensley told her teacher, "This is my mom. She is here right now, but she isn't staying today." Ms. Marlo looked at me as if to explain and I did... "Yes, I am Mom, but I won't be staying today like I did for Open House." Kensley was clearly ready for this new indepdence.

Cramming it in

Our last few weeks of summer have been filled with visiting. We had The Zions come down for a visit and to let our kiddos get more than just a couple of hours together. It was fun to catch up with them and to see the kiddos in action.

Not long after The Zions left, Kensley, Libby, and I headed back up to ATL to see the grandparents before Kensley starts school this Tuesday. While we were there, we got to have my childhood friend, Pamela and her family over. Raleigh is 9 weeks (almost to the minute) younger than Kensley and it has been fun to watch them together the past few summers.

We also got to take a Mini trip over to Athens one night. Kensley loved seeing all of the "hotels" where Uga and his family reside. (She's referring to all of the different departments and their respective buildings.)

We are looking forward to school. Kensley had Open House at her school this past Friday and can't wait to go to school like all of her friends. Her teacher seems very, very compassionate and we look forward to all of the things she will learn this year.