The Last Day and the First Day

For Mariel's last day before school started she got to stay home with me.  We started out with a "big kid" breakfast of a cheese omelet and coffee milk.

Then she got to decide what we would do for the day.  She picked the zoo, with a very specific combination of birds, butterflies, and zebras.  She also got to try taking some pictures with my camera. 

 The Bird House at the zoo, like several of their structures, is a beautiful old building.  Depending on the mood of the toucans, it can also be exceptionally loud inside.  Monday was a loud day, and I think two of them may have been having an argument.

 When we walked out, we were surprised to see a peacock looking in.  I am not sure if he was teasing the birds inside or wishing he were one of them.

 Tuesday morning was the first day of school! 

It is hard to take an individual shot of anyone when there are younger siblings involved. Noella insisted that she should get to do her hair in a headband AND have her picture taken in front of the door with Mariel for the first day.

 Here is Mariel on her own:

 And the lunch, which she ate most of.  Their lunch time is so short, she said she ran out of time and ended up eating most of it at snack time in her classroom later.

 In front of the door, but with her backpack on:

 And then outside by the Avery sign.  At this point, I should mention, it was about 7am.  School does not start until 8:15 or 8:25, and you absolutely cannot be there until after 8...

 To kill some time, she drew this picture of herself on the first day of school:

 Finally, it was time to walk over to school with her friend, Simon.

 Students go to the gym for a morning meeting everyday.  Parents are forbidden from entering the gym; only kids and teachers and staff.  So, she and Simon held hands and marched themselves in. 

 She was so excited, she almost forgot to say good bye!  No tears from her, that is for sure.

And when I picked her up from the after school program, she asked if she could stay and play longer.  It sounds like the first day of school was a success!