More First Years

The front gate of the school has a wee hole in it so the kids can check out what's going on before they enter (or to see who's outside the gate if they are on the inside). This being Danny's first day (and the first time he would set foot inside), he was very curious about what was there.

Of course, he marched right in, like it was his 100th day there. I guess the significance of the day was only known to us. All Danny knew is that he wanted to go to school and hang out with friends.

As previously mentioned, there are snacks. (This photo is from Day 2.) The snacks were Kashi cereal, multi-grain crackers, orange slices, strawberries, and celery (which no one ate). You serve yourself with tongs, although Danny frequently attempted to use the tongs as eating utensils.

At 3:30, it is time to go outside. And since he doesn't quite have the pedaling part down, he's more than happy to get a lift from someone else in the class.

Before going back in, Nancy (the other teacher) does some sort of Engine Engine Number 9 Eenie Meenie Miney Mo sort of thing to have the kids go back inside. Danny finds this game quite exciting and is more than happy to sit still until it is his turn.

Of course, he is more excited when he gets "paid" his $2. He ran past me, but stopped to announce "We're going back inside!" before heading back into the classroom.

Where they enjoy another snack, which they call a "cracker" which is really a rice crake with cream cheese on it.

Then the kids play or read until their parents come to pick them up. Danny is usually quite tired at the end of the day. One evening, he was asleep by 6:30. But usually, he is ready to read and cuddle around 7:30.

First Day of School!

It's been so long - once again - sorry! Danny started school two weeks ago, and here are some photos from his first day!

Getting ready...

Out the door...

God, my hair is going gray...

Please, please stand still for a photo...

One last double-drink in the water table before Danny becomes big!

The school is great - 9 kids, two teachers, great outdoor space...

...good healthy snacks...

... and a pretty balanced approach - you don't get kicked out for having Lightening McQueen on your shoes, but very encouraging of a more simple existence and a lot of teaching kids how to be good citizens in the world.

We stayed on the "Mommy Bench" for the first three days, so Danny could check in if he needed to. I felt like I was watching his brain literally grow that first day, especially during Circle Time, where they basically have to learn how to sit (for Danny, for the first time ever).

Like smoke was coming out of his ears. "I want to go outside!" Danny would say, and start to go. "Outside is closed, Danny, we're inside right now," his teacher would respond. And Danny's head would explode. But he got it, he did. It's hard not to be pretty emotional watching your kid, whom you've nurtured and probably gone out of your way a liiiiitle bit too much to protect, out in the big bad world. And it's actually pretty great.

Within a week, he was only stopping by when he happened to notice us, and this past Friday, we dropped him off just like a kid who'd been there forever.

Here he is with his teacher Soledad...

And here he was this week during music time. Rock and Roll!