Our first First Day of School of the year is in the books!
Mike and I blasted Kool and the Gang’s Celebration to wake her up, and she hopped out of bed dancing (James is not a morning person and was super-pissed). She talked all the way through breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and doing hair. She couldn’t wait to get to school, to see her friends, to have a desk, to eat her lunch. She was vibrating, it was very cute.
After she was dressed, she posed for a few pictures:
James, who had finally recovered from his rude awakening, wanted to be in pictures, too.
He also really wanted to wear his own “pack mack,” since Annie was wearing hers.
We were the first ones to her classroom, which really illustrates how anxious Annabel was to get to school.
She anxiously waited for her friends to arrive, and when they did there was a LOT of squealing and hugging. Then it was time to go into the classroom!
After the teachers welcomed everyone and went over a few things, it was time to go. That’s when James LOST IT. “No! My Annie! Want my Annie, noooo!” He was so upset to leave without her. It was so cute and so sad.
We were finally able to calm him when we took him to pick out his own lunch box for school. That cheered him up and got him excited (the cake pop I bought him probably didn’t hurt, either).
Throughout the day, James would look up and say, “Go get my Annie?” He was overjoyed when it was finally time. “YAY! My Annie! Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” When the gates to the school opened, a stampede of younger brothers and sisters ran towards the classrooms that held their siblings. James clapped and said, “Oh, my Annie, yay!” when he saw her.
It was another solid stream of words as we left the school. It was the best day ever, and she loves her friends and her teachers and, “I just love school so much, I wish I could go every day, even weekends and during summer!” Dang.
We surprised Annie with some celebratory ice cream:
The rest of the day, James barely left Annie’s side. He drove her a little crazy, but she secretly appreciated his displays of love and devotion (she also realized he would fetch her things).
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the sad scene at drop-off doesn’t repeat itself the rest of the week (but packing my pockets with tissues).
Two weeks until James stars preschool! I don’t know if we’ll make it, LOL.
Kristen says:
1. I was a school-lover like Annie and can fully relate to her excitement and enthusiasm for school. That’s awesome. Hope she has a fantastic year!
2. I laughed so hard at “James is not a morning person and was super pissed.”
DefendUSA says:
A stylin’ first grader! Woot!
Nellie says:
So, so precious and your girl is growing up so fast! I love how much James just adores his sister and the cute cake pop remnants around his mouth while shopping for his lunch box. Your children truly brighten my day – they are so adorable in every way.
Annabel reminds me of myself – I LOVED everything about grammar school and if they let me live there, I would have!
Dena says:
Where did you get James’ “pack Mack”? It’s adorable!
Heather says:
It was a gift from his grandma, but it’s by State! I think they sell them on Amazon.
Jackson says:
As a former 2nd grade teacher in southern CA (Newport Beach) I have to say that this brought back incredible memories. Here’s to a great school year for Annie and for James.
Megan says:
I always got super excited for the first day, too, and I remember I loved first grade, way more than kindergarten. If only that “I wish I could go on weekends!” feeling had stayed through high school…
I love Annie’s backpack. These kids are SO much more sophisticated than we were. I think I had a brightly-colored plastic backpack through third grade.
Heather, did you curl Annie’s hair? I remember it was very curly when she was a toddler, but I thought she had pretty straight hair now. It looks beautiful.
Heather says:
Yes, I curled it, per her request! You’re right, it’s pretty straight now, but it really holds a curl well.
Becca says:
This post is adorable. It makes me want to go back and look at Annie’s other ‘first day’ photos! She’s such a big kid now!
Kristen says:
I’m 28 weeks pregnant with my first baby, and this just made me cry at my desk. :). It’s so sweet how much they love each other.
Pattie says:
I love how much James loves Annie, and how much Annie loves school. Here’s to a great school year for her, and for James once he starts.
Toni says:
Oh my, she looks so grown up! Our kids called them “pack pacs”!
Lenora says:
So much sweetness in this post! Annie, you look great, I especially love the hair! I’m glad you like school so much, that is a great thing! I am with James on the morning thing, totally not a fan!!
Lisa says:
My granddaughter started kindergarten last week. She really, really wanted to go to school (very excited) but very sad to leave her little sister behind (6 month old). So kind of the same situation only in reverse, lol. First thing she does when she gets home is give Violet a big hug and a kiss.
Rian says:
I see you’ve found our new favorite ice cream spot. Their version of rocky road is amazing!
Heather says:
Isn’t that place so great?! We go there all the time, I love it!
AuntieMip says:
Heather, she is just beautiful! I know it isn’t PC to speak of physical attributes. I know that what is in her heart, her beautiful spirit are what is most important. But damn, this girl is beautiful!!!
kathi g says:
I believe this may be my favorite post to date! In the words of Cha-Nandler Bong, could it BE any cuter? Annie! Her enthusiasm is so delicious! And then you add in James. The lows, the highs, the sadness, the ice cream. Perfection!
Annalisa says:
Hahaha, it must be a 3 year old thing. My 3 year old cried too, when he realized he wasn’t going to Kindergarten with his sister.
Of course, it was compounded by the fact that he’s the size of a 4 year old, loquacious, and takes his “packpack” full of toys everywhere, so for a few seconds one of the school aides was convinced *he* was going to Kindergarten too. So he’s like “No! I’m gonna go with my sister!” when she was ushered inside.
twingles says:
Oh, I remember those days, I know everyone says it but please enjoy it. No one ever believes their child will turn into a teenager who can’t be rousted out of bed. Everyone is wrong lol. School starts Monday for us and I’m dreading waking my almost 16 year old up at 6:30 a.m. (which is pushing it). She’s adorable – and so is James – hope the good times continue to roll.
stacy says:
Heather,
Where did you get the labels for Annie’s water bottle? Thanks in advance!
Heather says:
Her teachers actually gave that to her! But they are individual letter stickers.