Wings

Whew - it has really been a whirlwind week. Beyond the logistics of Michael's first days, we've been drowning in a sea of back-to-school paperwork (FYI making copies of all that stuff makes it loads easier for the next year and is helpful if the paperwork gets lost!). Today was Harper's kindergarten orientation and her first day, finally, will be tomorrow.

Harper was a little shy with the teacher when we walked into the classroom, but quickly spotted a friend and was then at ease. I was proud of how she dutifully sat and worked on her coloring pages while the principal, PTO parents, counselors, nurse, and teacher addressed the parents. When she finished both papers and drew pictures on the backs she sort of looked up at me and shrugged, and then continued to sit politely. Harper's kindergarten class is large, 25 children, and I think being able to concentrate/behave amidst distraction is going to be fairly important for a successful year!

We had about two and a half hours to spend before we needed to pick Michael up from school so Harper and I headed over to the arboretum to visit the butterfly house.

It was lovely to have some time alone with my girl. While we technically can have some alone time while Michael naps each day I often feel like I have tasks that need to be accomplished during those times. Being out together, just the two of us, is a special treat.

We went to visit the butterflies today because it is something we've enjoyed often in the past. It didn't occur to me until I was uploading these photos that spending time among the butterflies was the perfect activity to share as we are about to send Harper off to school.

We've had many first days of school before, three, four if you count the mid-year switch. But this one, this one feels a little different...






Off she goes.