A Whole Year Gone By

I can't believe it. Here we are. The end of kindergarten. My little girl is moving up in the world. Up to being a big first grader. It feels like yesterday I was walking her up to school for her first day of kindergarten. Her hand clasped tightly to mine. Both of us wondering what the day, weeks, and even months ahead would entail:

She entered her classroom with so much excitement, enthusiasm, and a little bit (okay, maybe a lot) of nervousness for the start of something new:

It definitely wasn't an easy road at first. There were tears, many tears, and frustration and heartache but each day got a little bit better. Allison become more and more comfortable with her surroundings as the year went by. I think by the end she actually looked forward to going. To seeing her teacher, Mrs. Lynn, and all of the new friends she had made throughout the year. She had so many great experiences during her first year of elementary school and I was constantly amazed by the knowledge she was absorbing day after day. I realized she has a love for learning. Every night, while putting her to bed, she would talk to me about what she learned that day with the enthusiasm of a young child who is figuring out the world one detail at a time. She'd often teach me things that I either never learned, or simply forgot. And this is just the start. Here she is this morning, on her last day of kindergarten.


Although she still won't walk into school without a classmate by her side, I know she's certainly come a long way these past ten months. I think we're both looking forward to what first grade has to offer. Probably more homework, more projects and new friends to be made. I have a feeling it's going to be a tough start again, and it will probably be that way for the next few years because she is just like me. But we'll get through it. And then there's Daniel...he starts school for the first time in August. Wish me luck.