The Russells (and then there were four): 1st Day of Preschool

The first day of preschool could not have gone any better!! I went in to wake up the twins this morning by saying, "Who is ready for school." Tayden jumped up and said, "I ready for kool." Brooklyn quickly followed and said, "I'm so excited mommy!" She was cold and said, "I'm shaking like a leaf. I'm shaking like a red bird." They ate a little breakfast at their big kid table and then we got dressed and gathered all of our gear.

We arrived at the church and made our way inside. They wanted to carry everything by themselves, which was so precious. We signed the kids in, and then waited in the lobby for the doors to open. When it was time we made our way to the Bakery classroom and the twins walked straight in the room. We had to bring them back out to put all of their things in the right place. Backpacks go in their baskets, diapers in a basket, lunch boxes in a basket, napmats in a basket, and then take home folders in a separate spot. As Tim and I got everything situated the twins happily played in the classroom, paying us no attention. When it was time for us to go, we went in the room to say our goodbyes. Brooklyn gave me a hug and said, "Bye mommy." I headed for Tayden and he realized I was leaving and started to cry. I came very close to losing it in that moment!!!! I told him I would be back soon and he quickly stopped crying and went back to the table to play with Mr. Potato Head. We lingered in the hallway for a few minutes, watching them from the window. It was a crazy feeling to leave the two most important people in our lives in the care of someone that we hardly know, but we definitely had a peace about it.

Tim called me as soon as he picked them up with a full report. When he arrived to get them, one of the teachers was holding Tayden. She said he had cried 2-3 times, which isn't too bad! Brooklyn used the big potty 3 times! Tayden did take a nap, but Brooklyn opted not to take one. She fell asleep as soon as she got in the car. Tim gave them a snack and then put them both down for a nap. Tayden slept for about an hour, but Brooklyn was knocked out for 2 1/2 hours. I tried to wake her up after 2 hours, but she didn't even stir. She was pooped!!! Tayden and I read some books while waiting for Sleeping Beauty to wake up. He found a red straw and told me it was the bow for his violin and that a violin and a guitar have strings. Where does he come up with this stuff? Yesterday he starting telling me his birthday was in February - he is definitely a sponge! The teachers sent home a report on all that they did - read Clifford's First Day of School, played on the playground, played with balls at PE, made handprints, had snack and lunch, had circle time, and counted to 10.

I have asked them 100 questions and sometimes they provided answers. I have gathered that they did love school, their hands got messy with red paint and they used a wipe to clean them, they said their prayers, they made some new friends, the room was dark at naptime, they played with purple balls, they rode a bike and a car outside, and they want to go back soon. I am so glad that they enjoyed school!!! I thought of them constantly throughout the day, wondering what they were doing, and if they were having a good time. It is going to be a great year!!!