How do dinosaurs go to school?

Dismissed

Ready to go!

Maeve enjoying our last 'summer' night

From the 'backpack fairy'

Blowing out the 'first day of school' candle

We have been reading the classic children's book "How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?" the past week. Grandma S. gave it to Jackson along with the Dr. Seuss book "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" to mark his entry into the world of formal education (I think preschool counts). Jackson has been requesting these every night at bedtime, his curiosity increasing about his first day of school. Last week, anticipation peaked as we attended the orientations (one for parents, one for kids) at his new school. And last night we had a proper celebration . . . the 'backpack fairy' came to visit Jackson, leaving treats and more classic reads about going to school -- "The Kindness Quilt" and "Illama, Illama Misses Mama." (Yes, this one was more for this mama.) 

So how did our little dinosaur go to school this morning? With a HUGE smile on his face. No worries about waking him up (the 8:30 a.m. start is a little early for our sleepy-in-the-morning household); Jackson woke himself up. "I heard the alarms going off, Papa," he said. Oatmeal gone in a hurry and clothes off too (usually we would prefer to stay in our 'fire truck jammies' all day). No protests to getting dressed, or to the mandatory first-day picture in front of the house. "I'm going to school today!" Jackson shouted across the street at our nine-year old neighbor as we took the photo. 

Drew drove with us to drop Jackson off at school. It really was one of those perfect fall days (even though it is August) so it made going to school feel perfect. Jackson's pace quickened as he saw all the other little kids walking into the building. We hung up his backpack on his hook and put on his name tag. And then there she was, his kind and cheery teacher standing at the door of the classroom. It was time; she was ready, were we? I got a kiss and a huge hug (the best hug ever), and Drew got a high five. And then the teacher said, "That's it. We're going to have a great class and a great year." The door shut. Drew couldn't help himself from peeking inside. I, of course, had tears. Those proud, happy tears parents get when they see their children growing up, knowing the experiences they will have will open up their minds and hearts even more. 

So we made it. Our first's first day of school. We love you, Jackson. As the book says, "Good work. Good work, little dinosaur." We've got an exciting journey ahead!