Getting ready for first grade...

Can anyone remember last year when my baby girl was this little tiny thing and was giddy with excitement at the thought of entering kindergarten? Well look at her now.

There is really something rather transformational about being 6 years old. Physically she's changing and starting to look older. Maturity-wise, she older and more confident and directive about what she wants to do, how she wants to look, and how she will do stuff. It's really incredible to see the difference of just a year.

Today was the meet your teacher and see your classroom day.

Outside of the school. Sniffle, sniffle, last year I remember this same pose.

This year Jungle John was there to greet students. He has basically a traveling zoo he takes around. Ben is petting this 6 year old alligator. This dude has spent so much time with wild animals that he actually demonstrated how he's the world record holder for having the most hissing cockroaches in his mouth for the longest time. Seriously. I doubt he has much of a social life....

Outside of room 109!!!

She got to pick out a book to take home, since she came in.

The list of students!!! Addie was so nervous to see who from Ms. Melgarejo's class would be with her. It turns out there are 7 students from last year in her class this year, so she knows most of the kids.

Afterwards they gave out dippin' dots ice cream too.
So she has Ms. Fitzgerald as her teacher. She seems super nice and immediately was like "You are Addie!! I've heard you sing before!" She taught 3rd grade at the school for the past four years. She's supposed to be good at challenging high academic achievers, so that's great too.

One thing that's so wonderful about her school is that every single teacher or staff person we saw knew her name and gave her a huge hug. I know they don't know every kid like that, and that not all children are interested in engaging with adults, but I love the fact that Addie has that relationship with all of those people. I feel like there's always someone there looking out for her and she won't be led astray. As a mother, it feels great.