Starting Kindergarten..... for the last time

So we are on the cusp of Fall and Summer is but a fading memory. Did you go to the Beach? Did you Laugh? Were you Lazy? Did you have Fun? Did you fall in Love? Did you Play? Did you play Hard? Did you go on an Adventure? Did you Hike or Bike or Float or Fly? Did you capture the Memory? We always think we are going to remember just how beautiful our children looked with the sun setting behind them as they run on the beach saying "please Mom can't we just stay a little longer!" When in our mind we are shouting "please, can't you stay little.....just a little longer!" 

This phrase ran over and over and over in my mind a few weeks ago when I took my youngest to Kindergarten. This was the third time for me to "start" Kindergarten and it was just as hard this time as the first and second! I love kindergarten teachers, they are so sweet natured and willing to hug anyone including me for getting all teary eyed. 

Even now 4 weeks into the school year I got a little choked up today as I watch her big brother gently guide her into school from the car pool line. It made me feel peaceful knowing that her big brother steps into the guiding role when we are not around. With his older brother in Jr. High, JCP becomes the wise one, the leader, the oldest sibling at his school. A role that fits him like a glove!

Kamran (the hubby and Toy Maker) and I finally graduated from Pre School after 12 years and it is hard to believe that all my children are in "Big School" now. That is a huge milestone for us as a couple. No more diapers, car seats, johnny jump ups, baby food, pull ups, high chairs, bibs..... no more baby cooing, babbling, drooling, first smiles, pudgy legs, first steps, first tooth......I know there are many, many more "first" to come, first spend the night party, first real friend, first date, first kiss, first broken heart. I know there will be more adventures, more laughing, more loving, and a lot more milestones to hurdle! I hope I'll be able to find a sweet kindergarten teacher to wipe away my tears...

I took this photo when K. was learning to walk, now she is starting Kindergarten! 

This is baby K. at 2 years old. 

And 2 years later....What a difference! 

I took this photo this summer right after she graduated from Preschool! 

I took this photo in September right after Kindergarten started, I call it Little Chef! 

And our first "Post Kindergarten first"... She lost her first tooth!