And So It Begins...

Audrey's first day of kindergarten was Wednesday. Needless to say she was very, very excited. Now, she has been attending pre-school, pre-K, etc. for the past couple of years, but that doesn't really compare to kindergarten, does it? I mean we're talking kindergarten here... this is the big-time. Full day classes, eating lunch in the school cafeteria, her very own locker.

So, we drove Audrey to school Wednesday morning and went in with her since parents were allowed to stay with their children for a little while. First was announcements in the auditorium (more on this in a bit), then off to the classroom for our good-byes. Now, there were a couple of kids who were clinging to their parents legs holding on for dear life not wanting them to leave. Then there was Audrey... no tears... not even really looking at us, except maybe for a quick glance or two with an expression that seemed to ask when we were leaving. Little Miss Independent. All grown up (at least in her eyes) and ready to take on the world. 1 day down, 13 years and counting until college. And So It Begins...

(On a side note, we are now gladly taking donations for Audrey's [or Henry's for that matter] college fund.)

As I mentioned above the first order of business Wednesday morning was to head to the auditorium for announcements. There was the obligatory "let's be safe dropping off/picking up children" spiel, the kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Breedlove) introducing herself and then her covering some of the many fun things the kids will be doing this year. The final announcement was one that I wasn't quite expecting (at least not on Wednesday morning... the morning of the FIRST day... of kindergarten!).

A PTO rep stood up to introduce herself and explain about the PTO at the school and about the many wonderful things they have done for the school. OK, fine, so far so good. Then, of course, she started talking about fundraisers. Not unexpected, it is the PTO after all and fundraisers are their main source of income. However, she continued on and began talking about the first fundraiser of the year - what the kids would be selling, all the fun prizes the kids can earn, etc. And guess when it starts?

Let me pause for a moment and say that I am not naive. I knew that there would be a fundraiser or three before the school year was done. It's part of sending your kid to school. I get it.

Anyway, back to my previous question... guess when this fundraiser starts? To my (and probably every other parent's) delight it was starting that very same day. Woo Hoo!!! (note the hint of sarcasm) Audrey came home from school very excited about the fundraiser. The "Candy Man" visited her class to tell the kids even more about the fundraiser... or as Audrey says the "fun"raiser. (Two different sets of ears hearing two different things with vastly different meanings and connotations. Amazing!) And we'll get to do this at least a couple more times before the school year is over. And So It Begins...