The day has arrived (finally!!)

Yesterday Brice started First Grade, which means, among other things, that he is in school all day. ALL DAY. Like, from 9am to 3:30pm. I have been waiting feverishly for this day since shortly after Harry was born. And the screaming, fighting, fussing began. Brice is a child who craves knowledge and structure and interaction and immediate rewards for following rules. Kindergarten, with its short hours and phonics lessons, was a major disappointment for him. And this summer he was all stressed out about starting school. He's a bit of a worrier and often a worst-case scenario kind of kid (don't know who he got that from; ahem...) So, I wasn't really sure how he'd fare. We visited the teacher the day before and while he seemed to like her, he answered all her questions while standing behind me, trying to stay out of sight. 

In the morning, we all walked to school together. His friend Corey from Kindergarten was also there, so they stood in line together and waited for the bell. We waited too and waved good-bye as he marched into school with his head down. I would have said something encouraging, but I was in tears, as was Seth. We were quite a pair. Thankfully Brice didn't notice. I picked him up at 3:30, unsure of what I was going to face, but as soon as he jumped in the van he announced, "school is amazing!!"Then he regaled me with tales of the lunchroom, the gym class rules, all the kids in his class, how cool his teacher is, etc. And of course, I teared up. Today when I picked him up, I heard him say under his breath, "I can't believe I get to be in first grade." Look out world!!

Yesterday, he had to fill out a little questionnaire. Here are a few of his answers:

What are looking forward to learning? Why reptiles can climb up walls without hanging onto anything.

What is your favorite number? A googol (seriously)

What is your favorite game? Chess

Who is your favorite musical artist? The player piano at the Peabody.

What are your goals? Learn to juggle, learn to whistle, and eat fire (???)

Good Luck, Mrs. Miller!!

A little love note to start the year off right.

Ready to launch!

Walking to school in the already 90 degree heat.

Brice and his friend Corey.

Standing in line. It took all my restraint to not grab him and cover him in kisses. He would have been mortified.

Whatever you do, DON'T smile!!