Aiden's 1st Day of "School"

Aiden missed the cutoff to start preschool this year by 3 weeks. I'm totally ok with that. I'm in no hurry for him to grow up and enter the world of school yet. I'd rather him be a bit older and wiser (and I just want my baby home with me) I did hear about this great program at the high school where Todd teaches and it happens to be run by an awesome lady that also works at Learning Adventures with me. She runs the vocational preschool at the high school and they have regular preschool during the day where the high school girls taking the class help to teach it. On Wednesday nights, she teaches a night class and needs kids there from 3-4:30 to do a mini preschool. She usually has kids that just miss the cutout for preschool. So I thought I'd give it a try with Aiden. He wants to go to school SOOO bad like his big brothers and I think he's ready for a little independence too. The nice thing is, I'll have an hour and a half each wednesday to spend with the older two boys doing something fun with them.



Today was the big first day. He has been so excited it's hilarious. He was a little upset that he didn't get to hop on the bus with the boys this morning though. But he was thrilled to pieces when we got a backpack out for him to use and he played with it all day. He wanted to pack a snack in it like he sees Noah do every day. He also wanted to pack toys in it but luckily he didn't throw a fit when I nixed that.



I decided to try some pictures. He's in that stage where he makes the goofy faces for me and his eyes are always shut.

So I got this shot.

This shot
And then by accident, caught this mischievous little smile which is Aiden through and through.
He had no problem with me leaving. In fact, he asked me if I was leaving, as if I couldn't take a hint or something. This is the kid that is like an extra appendage on me most days. This was good though, he's ready for fun and a new experience. He jumped right in and started playing.

He found the stuffed elephant and the Mr Potato Head.
He then headed over to the "campfire" and started cooking with the play food. That's where he was when I left.
That was easy, I had thought maybe drop off would be a little hard. So why was my heart hurting a little bit? My nose started to tickle and my eyes were getting a little wet. Kelly, it's just an hour and a half, you big wimp! So what if you've never left him alone with anyone but family before? Remember, he makes you crazy at least a few times per day, you should rejoice in this hour and a half. This is the kid that hangs on you constantly and always has to play with your hair. He said you could leave, no big deal. That's a good thing. *sigh* I was so over it by the time I got home though. :) So here I sit writing his blog, smiling at my big little guy, and then Drew, Noah and I are headed for the apple orchard for some cider and apples before going to pick him up to celebrate his first day.

UPDATED: Ok, I'm not proud or anything. :) His first day was great, he even had the important job of being the line leader. He told me that with a very serious look on his face. He was so cute when we picked him up and he had told his teacher that he was excited because his brothers were coming to get him. He made this awesome fire truck using shapes and made a jack o'lantern. I think he's destined for greatness! :) He's already ready to go back next Wednesday and I have a happy heart to see him so excited and talking so grown up about his "school", or pre-pre-school as Drew calls it!