Orelia's First Day of School

 Orelia started school this week!

She is attending a Young Fives program offered by our city.  She is eligible for kindergarten this year, but we decided to give her an extra year to mature and grow before venturing into elementary school.

 We sought the advice of her teacher, my aunt, and people who had done Young Fives before, and once we let go of our assumptions and preconceived notions, it was an easy choice to send her to Young Fives.

 We have received lots of unsolicited advice as well (generally from the parents of Orelia's friends), but hopefully now that school has started everyone can just accept the course.

 Orelia was very excited for school to start, as the "fives" are the oldest kids on her preschool campus.  She's finally one of the big kids and allowed on the "fives" playground!

 She has never liked first day of school photos, however, and I absolutely love this outtake.

 I whipped this sign up five minutes before we left for school, and immediately regretted it since she kept hiding behind it.  She also insisted we bring it to school and give it to her new teacher, so that happened.

 Bennett was headed to gymnastics at the same time we were leaving for her open house, so I was able to get a snap of the two kids together.

 The kids of Young Fives each bring a flower to plant in the class garden on the first day, and then every day when they arrive they water their plant.  I love this sweet ritual.

 Orelia is so lucky to know lots of kids in the program, and spent the entire open house playing with her best friends.

 Sadly she doesn't know a single kid in her class, but is already making some friends.

 Yesterday was her open house, and today she had her first full day of drop off.

 She was a bit nervous and changed clothes several times before landing on a Wonder Woman tank and shorts (shockingly).  She of course had to accessorize with her new pair of gloves from her latest costume (and was wearing a sequined skirt and ruffle tank when I came to pick her up).

 She gave Bennett her sea lion toy a couple months ago, and has regretted it ever since.  Ha.  So I finally ordered her a new one, and she got to bring it to school today to keep her brave.

She did great on her first drop off day, gave me a huge hug at pick-up and was all smiles.  I'm so excited for Orelia to have a great year.  "I love Young Fives!" she said today at dinner.