First day of 2nd grade!

Our back to school tradition always starts the night before the first day of school. I make Emma a "Schultute" and she gets to open it right before bed.(Meaning: "school bag" ~ a paper cone filled with school supplies and treats.) Click here and here to see previous Schultutes.

Nate was just as excited as Emma although he had no idea what was going on!



Emma was so excited this morning. Here she is in her new outfit with her new school bag.


As we walked into the new elementary building this morning, we were surprised by a welcoming group ~ teenagers with signs and high fives and words of praise for the little kids. It was so touching I nearly cried, and we hadn't even gotten to her classroom yet.




I choked back tears as as we reached the classroom door.


Emma greeted her teacher, Mrs. Burns. (Whom we already knew as the previous assistant principal. She told Emma, "I am so glad you are in my class!" Yes, that makes a mother's heart calm.)


Emma placed her backpack in her locker...


...then sat at her big 2nd grade desk.


I reluctantly left Emma in her classroom and walked back to the car with Nate...tears welling in my eyes. I said," Well, its just you and me buddy. What are we gonna do today?" To which Nate excitedly replied, "Snacks!" I laughed and thanked God for this little boy who brings such joy into our lives. Right there in the parking lot, I committed Emma into God's hands as I know I will have to do countless times in my lifetime. Then I smiled as we pulled away knowing that Emma would have a fantastic first day of school.