Oh the places you'll go...

Do you ever stop and look at your kids and think about the myriad things they could become? The seemingly endless possibilities of what they will do in their lives, the places they will go, things they will learn, friends they will make, people they will love. It's mind-boggling, really. Maybe that's just me being overly dramatic but I really get overwhelmed sometimes by the raw potential that is a four year-old. They are limitless.

Our sweet Ethan started preschool last Thursday. I was a bit apprehensive, not because I thought he wasn't ready but because I know that he sometimes has trouble trying new things and being in new situations. Last Wednesday was the Open House where we got to meet his new teacher and see his classroom. He immediately found another boy in his class who likes Star Wars, so I knew Ethan would have at least one friend. His teacher, Molly, played cars with him and started to put together a dinosaur puzzle with him, until Ethan lost interest. She told him they would be learning about dinosaurs this year, which got him all excited. He played with the other kids, explored all the different stations and toys and generally had a blast. When it was time to go he got very sad and did not want to leave. I told him not to worry because he will get to come back A LOT!

The next morning we all got up and ate breakfast, and Ethan took it upon himself to act as my personal daytimer. "Mooooooom- we're gonna miss preschool! Go get dressed right now!!!!!" We piled in the car and drove the 20 minutes to his school, Hampshire Cooperative Nursery School, up in Hanover. The whole time there we sang songs and generally reveled in the excitement. When we got there, I parked the car and hauled the two kids out of the back seat. We walked up to the building and went inside, where his teacher was waiting at the door to greet him. I barely got even a "Bye, Mom!" as he raced past me into his classroom. No tears or separation anxieties here! I didn't even get teary-eyed! He was soooo ready for this. I only wish we could have sent him last year.

Three hours later I returned to pick him up. Once again, I parked the car and retrieved Sadie from the back seat, then made my way over to the walkway where all the kids were lined up to meet their parents. Ethan caught sight of me and immediately yelled "MOMMY!!!!!" and took off like a rocket toward me. His teacher had to hold him back so he wouldn't get run over! He gave me a huge hug and blissfully walked back to the car. I buckled him in and as we drove off asked him how his first day of school was. "It was GREAT!" Awww... how freaking cute is that?! "We played pirates out on the playground. They have a telescope there that we used to look for treasure, because pirates have to have treasure. But we didn't learn about dinosaurs." Ah, Ethan... there will be plenty of time for that.

Here are some pictures from this morning, his second day of school. He was just as excited to go to school today as he was last week! My little guy is so grown up!!!


Do we see a trend developing here with the arms-folded pose??

Oh, I also forgot to mention that we got Ethan's hair cut the day before school started last week and he did AWESOME!!! It was the first time he's ever gotten a hair cut without throwing a giant screaming fit. I was so proud of him! I made the stylist use scissors only, since the buzzer thingie is what freaks Ethan out. Doesn't he look adorable? He totally earned a Happy Meal that day.

This is outside the school. His building is actually behind me. Someday I will get a picture of that, too!

Congratulations, Ethan! You are so big and so smart and we can't wait to see what the future holds for you. Mom and Dad are so very proud of you!!!