Xandra's Last Day of Kindergarten

We've come to the end...

of Kindergarten. {sniff}

Apparently, I'm the only one who is a little emotional sentimental over this.

Class of 2024??!!!
We're counting down ALREADY??

There is no longer trepidation, like I'd seen that first day

And certainly no more thrill of seeing mom & dad waiting for her bus

Nope.

It's all old & routine now.

"Why are you taking my picture Mom?"
"You're embarassing me."

Just leave me with my memories of my little girl...

Cause this big kid is way too cool for me.

And way too grown up.

Excuse me... I think I have something in my eye...

Anyone have a tissue?

****************

I had a chance this morning to ask Xandra a few end-of-year questions about Kindergarten:

• What was your favorite class? 
• Writing numbers (math?)
• What was the best part of the school day? 
• Computer time & drawing rainbows
• Who were some of your friends? 
• Dillon (amusing because he bugged the heck out of her in the beginning of the school year), Catalina, & Neveah
• What was something you learned in Math? 
• Counting (she's known how to count for a while...)
• What was your favorite book you read by yourself? 
• Pete the Cat (I also love this book & plan to get more)
• What was your favorite activity after school? 
• Playing with the iPad 
• What do you look forward to for summer? 
• Playing!!!

The Big K & Backyard Play

Today was Xandra's big day. First day of Kindergarten (aka in Xandra-speak "Gigergarden") & the first bus ride (aside from our transportation in China). Once the bus left with her, I jumped in my car & drove to the school to meet her & help her to her classroom. I managed to hold it together while I was in front of her, but I lost it once I was back in my car on the way home. And yes... it was the ugly cry. Thank God nobody was taking pictures of me! 

 My big girl walking to the bus stop. 

(Thankfully, the bus pulls right up to the side of our house!)

She started out very bravely... 

Then she hesitated... She turned around & came back for one last hug.
**Look how tiny she looks next to the boy down the street!!**

And then she took her first big step. Literally. Look how big that step is!!

And a little over 3 hours later, our girl came home! Is that the the best expression or what?!

After dinner this evening, we couldn't pass up the awesome weather so we headed outside.

This boy lights up our world!  

I am loving Xandra's new haircut, but I think the shorter hairs at the front are bothering her a bit. I did have a barrette in there earlier, but as always, she took it out early in the day.

Ok, so this one isn't from our backyard evening, but how could I pass up this smile?? He's just adorable!!