SMHSCDC Orientation

Eli will be starting preschool tomorrow at Starr's Mill High School Child Development Center. It's an awesome program ran out of the local high school where Eli and Keira will be returning to attend high school. I know, it makes for a lengthy acronym and title. :) We went for the orientation last Thursday night, and everything went as well as could be expected. Scott had his own Meet the Teacher that night, so he got to attend for about five minutes. It was fortunately enough time to watch the kids play for a few minutes and have a family photo snapped. I'm thinking that the high schooler who took our family shot had a better angle, since our copy cuts off Eli, and he was the star of the night.




Eli decided that this school was his favorite because of the giant indoor play structure in the middle of the room. Within a few minutes Eli had moved on to play with other things, but Keira was absolutely enamored. I think she'd be tempted to start preschool with him tomorrow if given the chance. Thankfully, both Grammie and Dendi attended the orientation. They were wonderful help with the kids after Scottie left so that I could remain as calm, sane and focused as possible. By the end of the night Eli had warmed up considerably to the idea of school and didn't want to leave. There were too many cool things to play with. He was also really excited to see his name on his cubby and an apple on the wall. He was excited to see that they printed his name on the yellow apple -- his favorite color!




Every day since the orientation he's asked me in an excited voice how many more days until school. But, tonight in the car, I think the nerves finally hit. He said that he was nervous about starting school on our way home from our celebratory "Before the First Day of School Ice Cream". I asked him why he was nervous. He said about being sad when Mommy has to leave. Scott and I both tried to make him feel better and excited about school. But, I don't blame him, I know that I'll probably cry after leaving too. After all, I even got choked up at the orientation. Fortunately, I have the best husband in the world, who got a sub for tomorrow. Diane agreed to come with me tomorrow and now we'll have enough eyes and hands to watch Keira (who will be trying valiantly to join in on the fun) and help ease Eli into his first day.