Kindergarten?!

These two girls started school today. Brooke started Kindergarten. Just writing out that sentence is a bit surreal. It kinda doesn't feel *too* much different since she's staying at Montessori school for kindergarten. But when I say "I have a daughter in Kindergarten.."...its much tougher on this momma's heart. :(

It really is bittersweet. I can't believe BOTH my girls are getting to be so big and grown up. Kindergarten. I mean, really?!? **sigh**

Brenna started school for her first time every today. She was so big. She is officially the youngest one in the class at 2 years and 3 months old. The others are all 2 1/2 plus. But she acts as big as a three year old. We often forget just how "little" she is. It helps that she is completely potty trained. And it helps that she is an avid talker, carrying on full conversations easily...and a completely understandable talker at that. And its just a little bit crazy that she already knows all the letter names and sounds they all make, as well as numbers, shapes, etc. (yes, I'm shamelessly bragging on my kid here) So all those factors make her extremely ready for preschool. And it makes it easy to forget she is only just barely 2. In fact, I was reading a kindergarten readiness survey for public school not too long ago and she knows more at 2 than what the public schools require for entering kindergarten! However, that's also a little worrisome for when Brooke does go to public school next year (for first grade).

Anyway, I digress. So, the girls started school today. They were sooo excited to get to wear their coordinating back to school outfits, carry their new lunch boxes, but mostly get to GO to school. Ms Lydia was worried about some of the new younger kids, but seriously. It was almost a little insulting how easy Brenna let me leave. She didn't even bat an eye. I practically had to BEG to get a hug 'goodbye'.

And Brooke. Well, needless to say, Brooke thinks she is hot stuff this year, being the Kindergarten kid. There are 3 of them there this year in Kindergarten, but she is the only girl. Hot stuff I tell you. And she is even more thrilled to be taking her 'baby' sister to school with her and showing her around.

When I picked them up, I asked about their day. Brenna said she had most fun coloring and working with Ms Lydia helping her. Brooke said that Brenna didn't even use Brooke for help at all and really was mostly 'working' by herself today. She also told me that Brenna liked going down the slide on the playground. (big shocker there) Brooke said she mainly played with Grace all day (a sweet little 4 year old girl from last year) and mainly enjoyed playing outside, but she already brought home some pretty good writing papers today (the first day!). They were both exhausted (that's always a good sign) and took a nice looooong nap after school.

I can't wait to see what this school year will bring for both of them. I am expecting Brooke to continue to excel and Brenna to thrive under Ms Lydia. We are so excited for them to be there with her and they both love it so.