Bonnie starts Kindergarten

Our firstborn has officially started kindergarten! It has felt like a huge milestone as I'm sure it is for all parents. 

The week before school started, we went to kindergarten orientation. Bonnie got to meet her teachers, see her classroom, play some games in the gym, and take a test drive on a school bus.

Officially a J. Blaine Blayton Elementary bumblebee! 

Learning all about bus safety.

'Signing day'

Bonnie's classroom

Bonnie seems to really like her teacher Mrs. Collins. 

With her assistant teacher, Ms. Jay.

The following Monday was her official first day of school. 

The bus stop was busy!

Getting on the bus for the first time.

That afternoon we picked her up and she was all smiles. 

I tried not to inundate her with 100 questions, but she humored me and told us just about everything she could. Which was impressive, given that last year every time I picked her up from preschool and asked her about her day, she gave me almost nothing. It was a great first day!

Since then, she has become good friends with another kindergarten girl at her bus stop. They aren't in the same class but they have recess together every day. 

Her energy level coming home hasn't seemed to change at all which has been the biggest surprise to us. She is still energized and ready to play the rest of the day.

She is enjoying making new friends and all the different activities in school (art, gym, music, computer class, library time). 

She often comes home brandishing a 'Hive Pride' sticker which students can receive for being seen doing something good or having good behavior. On the third day of school, she got off the bus and one of the 4th graders told us Bonnie's name was on the announcements because she was the first kindergartener to win a Hive Pride award, where she got to go up to the office and pick out a prize. 

Riser has missed Bonnie but has taken it all pretty well. He is very enthusiastic yelling goodbye to her and welcoming her home from the bus stop. Often seen sitting here watching her leave or waiting for her to come home.

We have missed her a lot but we are SO proud of her. We love watching her continue to thrive in school!

Swim lessons

The kids did swim lessons this year through Red Cross. It's always fun to see how they will do each summer. Bonnie swims pretty well at this point. She can go a decent distance but not yet the length of the pool. This summer it was fun to see her learn new strokes. She is working on getting across the pool, side breathing, and treading water. 

Riser this year has actually learned to swim short distances (as far as he can breath, then he needs to grab hold of something so he can come up for air). He also has started to love diving for toys. He is learning how to float on his back and keep his tongue in his mouth while blowing bubbles. 

VBS

The kids were very excited for VBS again this year. This year's theme: Egypt - Joseph's journey from prison to palace. 

Riser was excited to go on stage during one of the performances. 

Bonnie's favorite part was the crafts.

Riser liked the obstacle course - which he did about 20 times in a row.

And obviously the music is always a favorite for everyone at the end of the night.

Another great week - they've already been asking about when the next one is!