Buckner Field Trip

The first graders had been collecting new shoes and socks to donate to Buckner International. We went to their facility to learn how the organization is helping children worldwide receive new shoes. The kids helped prepare the shoes by lacing them, putting a rubber band around them and writing a note to the recipient of the new shoes.  The kids had a great time working hard so that children could receive some much-needed shoes. 

The kids got to experience what it would feel like if they were one of the many children who have to walk to school without shoes. They experienced three types of grounds that are found around the world. It did not feel good!

First Day of School

The girls woke up on their own before their alarm clock went off. They were so excited!

They love their new backpacks and lunch boxes that Halbogi bought for them.

 

A little sassy pose. 

Kyle wanted some camera time too! The girls gave him a big hug -- boy are they going to miss each other!

It was finally time to head to school. Notice both girls had to carry their own backpacks. Daddy has a rule that he only carries Kindergarteners' backpacks. There are no kindergarteners here!

A quick picture on the Mockingbird bench before heading into school. 

Again, Kyle wanted some camera time. He asked for a picture with Daddy. 

We dropped off Makena in her classroom. She was greeted by her teacher, Miss O'hearn. This is Miss O'hearn's first year of teaching! 

Then we dropped off Karis at Mrs. Ruth's classroom. 

It was a great feeling knowing that both girls were excited for their first day. We left feeling good about dropping them off. On the way out, Kyle got a donut from the Kindergarten Boo Hoo breakfast. It pays to know the PTO president who snuck him in to get one!

And then we walked home and spent the rest of the day with this guy! Two more weeks before he starts Pre-K. 

Getting Ready for a New School Year

Leading up to the first day of school, there is always a lot of talk in our house about the first day of school outfits, nail polish, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. This year was no different. However, in the midst of the excitement, I wanted to check in on the girls to see how they were feeling about the first day of school and if they were nervous at all. Last year, Karis was nervous to start the new school year and of course, Makena was too. So on Sunday afternoon. I asked Karis, "So, how are you feeling about tomorrow?" She looked up from her book and said, "What's tomorrow?"  I guess I didn't need to worry about her being nervous!

Before I took the girls to get their annual hair cuts at the salon, we talked about what each girl wanted. Makena definitely wanted to keep her hair long and get bangs. Karis wanted her hair short like mine. 

Karis got her hair cut first and after seeing how cute it was, Makena wanted the same thing! I had to convince Makena to keep her hair a a little longer since she has a lot more hair than Karis that's thicker and curlier.  She was a bit sad, but in the end, they were both happy with their new cut. 

That night, we went to school for Meet the Teacher night. The girls met their teachers, saw their new classrooms and some old friends. These are two of Makena's good friends from her class last year. 

After the girls saw all their new school supplies, they're excitement reached a whole new level! The next day and every day after, Makena kept saying, "I want school to start tomorrow!"

Character Award

Karis received the American Citizenship Award for outstanding character. We are so proud of her!

 

A hug from her principal, Mrs. Mitchell. This was her last year at MKB. 

 

Some of the other 1st graders who also received various awards. 

First Grade Recycling Program

The first graders did a unt on recycling. They finished it off with a performance about recycling (thus the green shirts!). They learned about the importance of recycling and reusing and how to incorporate it in our daily lives. Karis was bummed she didn't get a speaking part but she did great in the performance!

 

And when I asked her if she had fun she said she did because the best part was playing in the gym afterwards. 

 

First Day of School

The girls were enjoying summer and it wasn't until Teacher Assignment day that they started to get excited for school. We were excited to find out that Makena got the same teacher that Karis had. When Makena found out, she hugged my leg and kept saying, "Yay, Ms. Carlton." Karis didn't know any of the first grade teachers so she didn't have a preference, but she wanted to be in the same class with her best friend. She was assigned to Ms. Taylor's class with her best friend! We couldn't be happier. 

We bought new dresses with matching nail polish. Nana bought them cute rings and Mommy and Daddy gave them a necklace to hold on to if they got sad or nervous at school. 

Makena was super excited -- "Mommy, can I go to school now? Please, mommy!" "Is the first day of school tomorrow?" "How many more days?"

Karis, on the other hand, was nervous and she kept saying she didn't want to go to school. She said she wished Makena was older so she could be like Makena and get a teacher she already knew. She wasn't sure about her teacher, especially since she loved her Kindergarten teacher so much. After we painted her nails and gave her the necklace, she started to get excited, but her stomach was still filled with butterflies.   

The girls woke up on Monday morning excited and ready to go. I didn't even get any complaints while taking pictures!

Daddy has a "I only carry Kindergarten backpacks to school"-rule so Karis carried her own backpack. She looked like such a big girl!

Makena was so excited to walk to school with sissy. 

A quick picture before heading inside.

We dropped off Makena first so Karis could give a quick hug to Ms. Carlton. The girls are right across the hall from each other. 

Saying good-bye to Makena was much easier than saying good-bye to Karis. Makena was excited and we knew she would be in great hands with her teacher. 

Then we took Karis to her classroom. 

After she put her stuff in the cubby, we said our good-byes.

They both had a great first day. Makena met a new friend, Kylie and ate lunch with her. I see God's humor in that Karis met a friend named Makena and Makena met a friend named Kylie! 

Even though Karis liked her teacher and had a great day, she still felt nervous that night. It looks as if it's going to take a few more days to completely get rid of the nerves and adjust to all the changes and new things about first grade. 

On the second day, Makena said she cried a little in the library while watching Veggie Tales because she missed mommy and daddy.  =(