Isabelle's big day

Now that it's over, I have to say that this day was easier than I imagined it would be.

Say "Kindergarten"!

We drove to school....



And waited in the cafeteria to be called.



Then we walked down to the gym to be sorted (kind of like The Sorting in Harry Potter) into groups. Today was all about screening...speech pathology, hearing, etc. There are 5 kindergarten classes: Four typical classes and one "higher" class, for the kids who are more advanced and need to be challenged. Can you guess which one I want Isabelle to be in? I like that they don't try to make everyone fit into the same hole.



We had to sit for a little bit until we were called back to the classrooms, so I let Isabelle take pictures to give her something to do.



Then we walked back to one of the classrooms...
My little girl, walking away from me.



Look how nicely she is sitting there, waiting for instructions. Most of the other kids were talking loud, and jumping around. Not my girl. Ready and waiting for the day to begin.

Then Lorelei and I said goodbye and gave Isabelle kisses and hugs. Isabelle was completely undaunted. I said to Lorelei as we walked out, "Huh. I think it would be nice if someone cried when I said goodbye."

So then I had hours. To watch the clock and refold the kitchen towels.
And watch the birds:



Bald is beautiful. Look at that ear opening! It's as big as his eye.



This juvenile house finch seems to be missing a few flight feathers. I was worried until I saw it fly fairly steadily away.

And more waiting....
And then it was time to go to the top of the street and wait for the bus. (Our street ends in a cul-de-sac and buses can't turn around in it) We left the house really early...like 30 minutes too early.



There it is!



There SHE is!

Isabelle was very ready to get into the house. See the pink speck? She ran ahead of us down the entire street and got into the house way before we were even close.

We will go in on Friday and see what classroom she will be in and meet her new teacher. Then Monday, she goes off on the bus all by herself. I am so tired...I spent the day trying to stay busy and not think about my little one in a big, scary school all by herself. But I really didn't have anything to worry about. She said she liked it.
But what happens when she goes off to college?