When Phoebe was going to bed last night, she turned on her alarm clock for tomorrow morning. When I told her she didn’t need to since she doesn’t have school tomorrow (she only attends Monday - Thursday), it was like the world was ending. She was sobbing and terribly upset about having to stay home and NOT go to school!

I wonder how long this will last before she doesn’t want to go at all!?!?!

Phoebe had her orientation yesterday and was so very much looking forward to today. She wasn’t able to settle down to get to sleep early last night, but Ray did get her up on time today. She had her breakfast, got dressed and brushed her teeth. I fixed her hair up and then gave her the rundown on her lunch box contents.

When she was all ready, we walked out to the end of our driveway (aka the bus stop) to wait for the bus.

She’s growing up so fast.

She waited excitedly for the bus to come…

Then, finally it came! Luckily, I was able to snag a few hugs and kisses before it showed up, which was a good thing because she was so excited that she nearly ran away from me…

…to get on that bus for her very first time riding to school on a school bus! That’s a lot of faith and trust to put into someone you don’t really know (the driver).

Meanwhile, I got some things done at the house, dropped off library books, met a friend for coffee, picked up Alex and ran her to a couple of stores (in a downpour) before returning her to school for basketball practice, and then went home.

In time for this:

and this:

My baby has returned! She is now a fully-fledged busing Kindergartener!

She bounded off the bus and gave me a huge hug and a giant grin then turned around and waved to the bus driver. I asked her how her first day at kindergarten was and she said, “it was so SWEET!”

I’m thrilled she had a great time. She loved riding the bus. She loved all the new things she got to do, like eat lunch at school and play on the bigger kids playground!

Alex’s first day back to school was yesterday. She had a regular, full day complete with basketball practice shortly afterwards.

The lame Mom that I was, I forgot to snap a photo of her before school, so here she is afterwards, not all too pleased at having her photo taken, especially with her sister in it:

However, I did get one with a…what’s that called again? Oh! Right! with a smile!

She said her day went well. There are a few exceptions, however. First, her locker location is four down from her locker last year. AND, it is in the hall with all the sixth graders! (Oh! The Horror!!!) There was a locker shortage though, so at least she got her own locker, right?! Secondly, since they added the sixth graders to the school, they made the lunches be just one grade level, so now instead of two grades spread over three lunches…well, it’s just packed.

Basketball practice started yesterday too. Oh my, is she sore today.

And, why, yes! She did wear long pants AND a sweat jacket to school all day in 90 degree heat (our schools are not air conditioned!)!!!