The first day of school is always so great. The girls had laid out their outfits (including Dessie although preschool doesn’t start for a week) and even chosen hair bows to match. (Note: Leggings and jeggings are very “in” this year along with neon colors, polka dots and stripes, a nod to the 80s.) Ella woke up extra early and had finished unloading the dishwasher and practiced her piano by breakfast time. She was very excited. The first day jitters did not stop the girls from wanting to arrive at school early. With new backpacks and favorite school outfits on, they were so excited to see their friends again. Even Kayla, our little turtle, had her shoes on and silverware put away in time for early drop-off. We had a hot breakfast, read scriptures and got everyone to school by 7:30 (start time is 7:50.) I don’t know why we can’t keep it up! By Friday, I insisted that Kayla wear her school clothes to bed to get our little turtle downstairs a little faster. Anyway, the kids LOVED their first day of school. Ella reported that she was thrilled to find herself in Gracie's class. Kayla was seated next to Easton (apparently her BFF). Our only complaint was that their backpacks felt heavier (probably because of the iPads). I ended up going to Target that very evening to buy Kayla a rolling backpack. I intend to let the kids walk home occasionally. I had to be sure that Kayla could manage the walk solo. Another piece of evidence to show how much they are growing up! Dessie was a little sad to be left behind this year and (while pointing at the school) said: “This will be my school next week.” She is a little fuzzy on the concept of time and the words used to describe it.
If Kayla does not emerge from her bedroom soon after Ella in the morning, there is a good chance that she has gotten “sidetracked.” Often we will discover her reading a book, or playing a game with Dessie, or counting the number of rubber bands on the floor. To be honest, this behavior is often inconvenient when we are trying to get to school on time, but it is also a sign of how incredibly imaginative she can be. She is so easily distracted by her own creativity that she is not “allowed” to wear pajamas on a school night (to streamline our morning routine). Stephen has learned a trick however. If we ask her to “please move like a turtle,” for some reason, this encourages her to move a LOT faster. She enjoys being contrary in this way. However, in all other cases, she is eager to please, quick to smile and happy to share with others. She is a joy in our family and fills a special role of peacemaker sandwiched between two charismatic siblings.
Kayla is in first grade this year. I can’t believe that my soft-spoken girl is getting so big. She joined Mrs. Bratton’s class (while only quietly lamenting not being in Mrs. Redden’s kindergarten class anymore). After her first day, she says that her favorite thing about first grade is “recess and sitting by Easton.” First graders are expected to read for 20 minutes each day. Any daily task can be a challenge for Kayla, but she is continually progressing and we reward her with stickers each time she completes a chore. Also, in first grade, writing is featured more prominently. Unfortunately, Kayla’s handwriting is still atrocious (that left-handed thing is tricky!), but with all of the homework practice they send home each week, we are hoping to see something legible emerge! I love this picture because her mischievous smile suggests that she has a secret she will not share.
At eight years of age, Ella is our go-getter. Daily she wakes up on her own, makes her bed, gets the other two girls going, unloads the dishwasher and often starts her piano before her parents even emerge from their bedrooms. On the first day of third grade, she had already completed her original book for Dolphin Publishing and was ready to turn it in. Her third grade teacher this year is Ms. Head. According to Ella: “She is really nice. I like that she decorates her classroom like a movie theater with popcorn and everything.” Third graders already have so much more to manage independently. She has started monthly book reports and multiplication and division. She says she loves third grade because “two of my favorite friends, Gracie and Lani, are in my class. And I love to play Fishy Mountain with empty tissue boxes with them.” Third grade is really bringing out her imagination and creativity. She is truly a girl with a bright future!
Ella’s teacher, Ms. Head, gave her this cute poem and a bag of glitter at the meet and greet. She was thrilled that her teacher is so fun and creative. (Of course, her mom is not a huge fan of glitter in the bed, so she conveniently misplaced the bag of glitter the night before school started.) It’s bound to be a great year for our third grader!
The night before school is exciting and fun.
There are always so many things to be done.
Your clothes are ready, your backpack is too.
Your classroom is full of fun things you will do.
Lots of questions go through your mind,
All types of thoughts of every kind.
But sometimes we all get the jitters down deep
And that makes it hard to fall fast asleep.
So I’ve made this magic confetti for you,
Full of promises for the whole year through.
On Sunday night when you lay down your head,
Just sprinkle some under your pillow in bed.
The confetti will help you sleep through the night
And wake up in the morning fresh and bright.
I’ll sprinkle the confetti under my pillow, too
Because I am so super excited to see you!
Sweet Dreams!
We started a new semester of dance at Sacred Ground Dance. This year, I was able to sign Dessie and Kayla up for the same class. Plus, Ella is in the class immediately following. Less driving, hooray! The only downside of the new schedule is that Kayla and Dessie share shoes and so I had to invest in an extra pair for Kayla. Boo. Oh well! After the first lesson, it was clear that Dessie and Kayla are very GOOD friends. Too good. After a little parent chat with the teacher, they will be split up in the dance line for the rest of the year. All three girls are anxious to learn the splits this year. Their teacher assures them that it is definitely possible. I don’t know. I can’t even touch my fingers to the ground! Good luck girlies!
Ella helped Kayla write the tooth fairy a letter after losing her first tooth....Sigh! So the tooth fairy wrote her back this note.
Dearest Kayla,
Congratulations on losing your first tooth during your first week of school in first grade! You were so courageous to pull it out yourself. It is truly a beautiful tooth—you must brush every day. I am so proud of you. You are such a brave girl!
I think you look very cute with your missing tooth. I can’t wait to come back for your other teeth! I love to visit Texas. It is one of my favorite places in the world—and I do travel everywhere! I hope you enjoy the money I am leaving you. Don’t spend it all in one place!
Be sure to keep your teeth shiny and clean. If you brush your teeth very good every morning and night, they will have a magical shine to them.
Thank you for your wonderful letter. You are very kind for giving it to me, and Ella is very kind for helping you write it. Hugs and kisses to all of the sweet Reber girls. I am sure I will be visiting soon. I saw more than one wiggly tooth in the family tonight! Love!
The Tooth Fairy
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