Sep 3, 2008

1st Day of Kindergarten

Rebecca and I have been nervous about this day for quite some time. I got all my tears out last week though, so by today, the actual start of school, I was fine and didn't even get misty. Rebecca was still acting pretty shy and nervous when I left but seemed to have adjusted by the time I picked her up.
In Germany, on your first day of school your parents fill a "school cone" up with treats. The children take them to school. They are usually pretty big, almost as big as the kids themselves. It is a cute tradition. Rebecca saw a picture of them in a German book we have about starting school. So last week she said: "Mom, the night before school starts, when I'm sleeping, will you make one of those cones for me?"
So last night, mommy the school fairy made a "school cone", daddy supplied the favorite treats (Oreos, Starbursts, lollipops and marshmallows) and Rebecca and Joseph enjoyed the outcome.

Before school got out I ran over to the grocery store and bought 3 dozen helium balloons. I made little cards that said: Happy 1st Day of Kindergarten. I pulled them, literally, through the wind to pick up Rebecca from school. Most of the parents were there early. I handed each parent a balloon for their little kindergartener. I think some people thought they were just being handed out through the school. Some parents didn't seem to speak English, some asked to trade colors, but all the kids were thrilled. Rebecca and one other little boy accidentally lost theirs, and one popped, but luckily, even though I guessed the number of balloons, I ended up with one for every one and one extra. What a happy balloon day!



Waking up to find the "school cone"



Ready for school!



I'm nervous but trying to look excited



Listening to the teacher for the very first time



Mommy with 36 balloons



Rebecca on the playground



Rebecca and Mr. Lapiad



Rebecca's seat



I did it!!!



What a great yellow (and pink) balloon day!



Telling Daddy all about it....

5 comments:

Arnold LvE said...

nice gesture sis.

Susan Broberg said...

That is sooo sweet. I am totally stealing that balloon idea when Emma goes to kindergarten. Even though Emma and I are used to her going to "school" now (as a daycare/preschool kid) - kindergarten is a totally different ballgame - a huge step in these little lives (and for their parents too). I've loved reading your blog...and I've cried through most of it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, observations and feelings. And the pictures are precious...I can't believe how your kids are growing!
Love you!
Susan
The Broberg Family

Lauren said...

What a great way to make school a celebration and how kind of you to include the others. I love your blog, but it makes us miss you all and California. Ahhhh, the memories.

Rebecca said...

How sweet that was! I love that you included all the kids:) Maybe I will steal your idea someday!

Juliann said...

I love it!! What a fun & fabulous idea!! At first I couldn't figure out why Rebecca would need 3 dozen balloons--??? Oh, right, you're sharing. The most basic Kindergarten principle. Anyhow, I thought it was such a precious and wonderful idea!...and I might have to steal it in 4 years!

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I'm a woman who is trying to do her best each day of her life. I laugh, cry, make mistakes, create, make messes and clean. I love life and learning and staying in touch with family and friends. Every year I get to know myself better and how best to use my own strengths and weaknesses to navigate my path.