The Big Yellow Bus

Although yesterday was the first day of school for most kids, Griffin's real first day is today. In our district the Kindergarteners go only for a couple of hours on the first Wednesday, and instead of taking the bus they are driven to school by their parents. Yesterday Griffin and I got to meet his teachers and see his room, and there was an orientation meeting for the parents while the kids spent a little time in their classrooms. Then after a trip through the cafeteria line we got to go home and wait for Grant to finish his day. Griffin likes his teachers, his bestest best friend from preschool is in his class, and in general he seems comfortable with the whole thing. I congratulated myself on getting through the whole process tear-free.

Oh, but today. Today is the real first day. The first day on that big yellow bus. The first day of him trying to find his classroom. The first day that he'll be there for the whole six or so hours. The day that he takes those first steps toward independence. It was not a tear-free day. There were a couple tears early this morning, before Griffin was even up. And a few more after he was on the bus, as I walked back into this big, empty, quiet house. Too quiet. So I've turned on some music and cranked up the volume.

And I'm counting the minutes until 3:30.




Of course there were pictures...


Waiting for the bus.


Such a big first step for my little boy.


Almost to the top...


A quick look back at Mom.