Garytt's First Day of Kindergarten!

August 19 was Garytt's first official day as a Kindergartener! I can't believe it! Of course, we started with some pictures at home.


Even Westyn was pretty excited for Garytt's first day...or maybe just excited to hold a sign.


Brothers.

 
Garytt and Dad.


Garytt and Mom.


Heading into school.


It was actually fairly chilly that morning, so Garytt didn't want to get a picture in the courtyard on the way in...I snapped this one on his way in.


Once inside, he really didn't want any pictures. I don't know if we already took too many that morning or if he was just shy. He stood for one at the door and then he wouldn't take any more...but I did sneak a few with my phone. He is such a big boy! (Note: I was proud of myself for not shedding too many tears...this transition is harder on moms than kids for sure.)


I couldn't wait to see how Garytt's first day of school went. The school actually prefers for afternoon pickup to be in the car line where parents don't get out of their car. However, I like to wait for him in the courtyard, even now. I think it is easier for him to find me and I get an immediate sense of how his day went. Pick-up is quite chaotic and being in the courtyard makes me feel a little better about it.  His teacher has been completely understanding about my concerns at pick-up time and always makes sure he finds me...words can't express how much I appreciate that!

Here he comes!


After the courtyard cleared I did ask him to take a picture in front of the school since it was warmer...yet the sun was kind of in his eyes. His first day was a success!!

Garytt Prepares for Kindergarten

August 16 was the meet the teacher/orientation evening at North American Martyrs Catholic School.


The orientation started in the church, where Garytt found some light reading while we waited.


After hearing several speakers from the PTO, as well as Sr. Janelle (the Principal) and Fr. Connor, it was time to go find his classroom. He found his desk, backpack hook, and met his teacher. (He didn't want to get a picture with his teacher though...too cool for that I guess...ha!)


After that, we headed to the courtyard, where they had ice cream for the kids.


Grandma and Grandpa drove up to be a part of Garytt's meet the teacher night!


Garytt completed his first homework before school started. His teacher asked each of the students to make a drawing about what they did this summer. He was very diligent with his work and showed a moving truck and a guy putting things in the truck and then asked for help spelling Missouri and Nebraska and made an arrow. Not too bad for his first assignment!


August 18 was the last day of summer break for Garytt. So, we celebrated with a donut breakfast.


We followed that up with a $5 movie! The boys loved Inside Out and took a picture with the movie poster...Westyn is being Fear (who was kind of a silly guy) and Garytt is being Sadness.


It was all just too much fun.

Westyn's First Preschool

While in MO, Westyn was going to preschool four days a week for four hours. All the preschool programs that I could find here in Nebraska that weren't full daycare options, only allow 3 year olds to go to preschool two days a week for about 3 hours. So, we decided we would enroll Westyn in two different preschool programs.

One of the programs is at the Catholic school that Garytt attends and one was at Little Learners. I actually had the boys go a few times to the summer program at Little Learners together to help Westyn get used to the place.

Pretty soon it was time for the meet the teacher orientation. They had a little scavenger hunt to find their hooks, cubbies, etc.


A few days later, it was time for Westyn's first official day. This preschool started on the same schedule as the public schools, which was about a week earlier than the Catholic schools. Here are the obligatory first day of school pictures in the front yard.  (Of course, he wanted to wear blue!)


When we arrived, Westyn said he was a little nervous to go because Garytt wouldn't be there. Garytt gave Westyn his Fred dog because he is in a green shirt, which is Garytt's favorite color. Garytt said that way Westyn would remember Garytt while he was in school. How sweet!


On the way in...


And he made it to the classroom...


Westyn really enjoyed his class there. Unfortunately, I had some concerns about safety over the summer and was assured they weren't issues. But as it turned out, about a month and a half after preschool started, my mom helped me put some of their policies to the test and there are actually some major security concerns at this preschool. So, Westyn no longer attends this preschool.

Mom Lesson - trust your gut when it comes to child safety!  (And everyone needs an "Undercover Grandma"- thanks mom!)

We did find another preschool to take the place of this one called Christ Kids. It is a Lutheran preschool and it is fabulous. Unfortunately, I don't have any "first day of school" pictures from that school.