First Grade!

 Here she is -Cora Rose, the first-grader. 

She's proudly showing off her backpack - at her school, the kindergartners can take only a lunch bag, and they'd carry home their homework folder. Having a backpack is a big deal.

 Yes, like all parents, we think, "How did this happen?"

Cora was very excited for her first day on Tuesday.
We found out Monday night that she is in a class with the first-grade teacher all the parents love; plus Chris and Sophia are in the same class.

She woke up really early, around 6:20, and quickly remembered what day it was. She shouted "SCHOOL!!" and hurried down the hall, pumping her fist.

Our morning continued smoothly, and seeing old friends once we got to campus made it all the better.

 From left, we have Gianna (who was in Chris and Johnny's class last year); Sophia H., Cora and Sophia M.

 Here is Cora introducing herself to Mrs. Vasquez, who went down the line to speak to each child individually.

 Bye, Mom!

Unlike last year, we had no tears, no anxiety, only smiles as Cora went into her new classroom.

And then, Violet and I were off to the PTSA's annual welcome-back breakfast with our friend Shannon and Sarah.

A bit of housecleaning, grocery shopping, lunch and a quick nap for Violet, and it was time to head back to school.

Cora was just a little bit happy to see us.

Then, she was quite decidedly unhappy that I had walked to pick her up. It was warm, yes, but not too hot, in my mind. But, Cora had already had lunch recess outside, and she'd been standing it the sun as she waited for dismissal.

On Day 1, that was her main complaint about 1st Grade - it was too hot. (Kindergarteners got out at 11:35 last year, before our heat really takes off.)

 We had a sleeping Violet by the time we got home - adjusting her nap so much earlier so we can pick up Cora will be just that, a big adjustment.

And of course, being a Tuesday, we had ice cream as a special first-day treat.