"Hot Wheels"

This evening was our friend Sophy's fourth birthday party. And it was at the skating rink. We've never done the skating rink. Mommy enlisted Daddy's help for this one! Two little Ledet's on wheels! We started out trading our shoes for skates. Landon, you reminded me of Bambi on his new legs! You and Daddy practiced first on the carpet, and then you hit the skating rink floor. And you hit it again, and again, and again! I checked with the attendant and changed out your very loose wheels for some that were a little stiffer. Then, you did really great. You palled around with Maddison and Jaelyn. Y'all were pretending that you were putting on an Disney on Ice show. Shelby, you had an awesome time. But you wanted very little help. You looked so cute in your pink tutu trying to roller skate! Your wheels were pretty tight, so you were able to manage pretty well. Once y'all were set, Mommy and Daddy let loose. Mommy spent many hours on roller skates back in the eighties, and it had been many years since I'd had them on again. But just like riding a bike, we were back! And neither one of us fell one time. I'm sure we'll feel it in the morning, however!

"Fundraiser Fun"

In our first weeks at Stockwell, we were hit with our first fundraiser. You know, the wrapping paper, the gifty type items, the chocolate covered everything. We sold a little, but we really wanted to be able to participate in the two incentives: the Mega Bash party and the limo ride to Johnny's pizza. Healthquest made a donation to make that possible! You and about fifty stinky feet kids piled into the gym for a dance bouncy house party for about thirty minutes. You all had a lot of fun, and hey, you were out of class! The following day was the limousine ride. You had never ridden in a limo, so you were pretty excited! Overwhelmed but excited! We had two stretch Cadillac Escalade limos filled with dozens of little people eager to chow down on as much pizza as your little tummies would allow. When you got to Johnny's Pizza, you settled in and had about two pieces; pretty good for you. And then Daddy showed up to surprise us with our new car! A Cadillac SRX! We love it. Finally enough room to stretch out and haul more kids!

"Cheese-Wagon, Here We Come!"

Ok. It's been about a week that you've been in school, and you are ready to ride the bus! And come to find out, your bus driver is one of Mommy and Mush's childhood friends, Natalie. It's great to have people at your school keeping an eye out for you!

You had never been on a bus before, so you were pretty stoked, while at the same time very cool about it. We marched out several minutes early and waited. Chloe came out and we walked down to the bus stop, where we met up with Cain and Courtland. When the cheese started down our street, I could tell you were psyching yourself up for it. You boarded like such a big kid, and Natalie was in the driver's seat with a smile. You and Chloe took a seat near the middle together. And you were off.

Mommy was eagerly awaiting the 3:15 arrival of the bus this afternoon to hear all about your first ride. You bounded off, a little pink in the face, with a big smile. The bus was great, and you are ready to do it again!

"Ballerina Girl"

Oh Miss Shelby. Today was your first dance lesson. And let me just tell you, you were excited about it! When we registered, we purchased your leotard, tights, and slippers. JuJu added a couple of ribbons for the back so it would stay on your little shoulders. There was no quibble about me pulling your hair up in a bun (ha! you see how short it is), or wearing the clips or bow, because it was for your dance class. Sophy rode with us and you two looked so cute in your pink ballerina get-ups. And then we got to class. You marched right in and did everything that was asked of you. You tried so hard to do it exactly right. You looked precious! When class was over, you cried to stay longer. You had a wonderful time, and we can't wait until next week!

Free digital scrapbook made with Smilebox

"The First Day"

Today was the first day of Kindergarten! We were up bright and early, even though we had done everything the night before. We were ready! You looked so handsome in your khaki shorts and light blue polo all tucked in with a belt. We had to park a long way away; lots of other first day kindergartners too! You walked eagerly up to the front doors of Stockwell, stopping of course for a few photos. Once we got in the school, you started getting that deer in the headlights look. It was all so overwhelming, but we found your classroom and got your lunchbox put away and hung up your backpack. We found your desk, and got you situated with your little coloring project. I could tell you were very anxious, as I took a few proud shots of you sitting at your first real school desk. Your chin quivered a little, and I knew that was my sign to get out of dodge, before we were both sobbing. We stopped by the cafeteria for the moms' "Boo Hoo Breakfast" and Shelby, JuJu, and I had some juice and donuts. On our way out, we peeked in your room, and it looked like y'all were listening to a story. You looked more relaxed and were listening attentively. Amazingly there were no tears. That is until I got home and read this:

The First Day
I gave you a little wink and smile
As you entered the room today.
For I know how hard it is to leave
And know your child must stay.
You've been with him for five years now
And have been a loving guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave him at my side.
Just know that as you drive away
And tears down your cheeks may flow
I'll love him as I would my own
And help him learn and grow.
For as a parent, I too know
How quickly the years do pass
And that one day soon it will be my turn
To take my child to class.
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more
For I will love him and take him in
When you leave him at my door.

(View the pictures starting at him in front of the sign and go counter-clockwise)

This picture collage generated with Smilebox

"Kindergarten Eve"

This evening we've been scurrying around getting everything ready for your first day of Kindergarten in the morning. We did a dress rehearsal to make sure we had it all together, and my, do you look handsome in your uniform! We packed your Scooby Doo lunchbox with a heart shaped peanut butter sandwich, carrots and ranch, a yogurt smoothie, goldfish crackers, and a granola bar. Your backpack is ready, and we are set. When you were ready to crawl in to bed, Mrs. Theodos had given us a little packet of "Ready Confetti" to sprinkle around our bed. The story with it told us that it would help us relax so we could get a good night's sleep, and it would take away any jitters and have us ready to face our first day of Kindergarten. Although it was almost eleven o'clock, you drifted right off to dreamland.

"Open House"

Today was Open House night at your new school Landon! We gathered your school supplies and all loaded up to head to Stockwell. I know you were a little nervous, because Mommy was extremely nervous! We met your principal, Mrs. Schnell, who Poppie worked very closely with in his many years with Bossier schools. Then we headed down the kindergarten wing, and discovered that you were in Mrs. Theodus's class, along with Sante and Abby from your preschool, and Samantha from church! We were a little overwhelmed as we took it all in: the decorations, your desk, sorting school supplies, forms to fill out, and all the new friends you will make. Once we were finished in your classroom, Mommy took a walk down memory lane to her kindergarten teacher's room. Mrs. Green still teaches kindergarten almost thirty years later. When I told her who I was, the look on her face was priceless! She almost fell out when she saw all the familiar faces and a few new ones too. Then I got to see my childhood best friend, Tina, who teaches third grade down the way. We ordered our many t-shirts and even took one home tonight. Of course, you had to wear it to bed. I think much of the angst and worry may have lightened up (I know it did for me!). Knowing I have many people looking out for you helps me rest a little easier. Now just a few days before the start of KINDERGARTEN!