Hudson's 1st day of 1st grade!

My sweet boy had his first day of 1st grade on Monday.  As always, it was a sad day to see our summer come to an end, but a great beginning to what looks to be another wonderful school year.  We had Hudson's meet the teacher on Thursday of last week, and we could not have left his school more excited.  I have never had a better first impression of someone as I did Hudson's teacher.  She is a doll, so enthusiastic, so experienced, SO organized (which I love), and so full of joy.  She hugged our entire family and greeted Hudson with a huge welcome and sweet, sweet words.  My favorite thing she said was, "I have been waiting all summer to finally meet you."---way to make someone feel special!  What an answer to prayer she is, and I could not be more thankful for her already.

About to load the family up to meet Huddy's teacher!

My excited 1st grader---said he was excited and nervous to go back to school.

We found his desk right a way.  He thinks it's so cool that his supplies actually go INSIDE of his desk.  Ahhh it's the little things in life isn't it??

Huddy and his teacher.  We love her so much and it's only day 2!

 Monday morning I woke up super early to make Hudson his first day of school breakfast, make his lunch, and get our family of 5 dressed and out the door by 7:15.  We like to walk him to his class on the first day of school even if it's a wild and crazy (and sweaty) experience.  Huddy was so calm and collected.  He was so confident walking to class and did not seem the least bit nervous.  I was so proud of him and his confidence.  Mrs. B met him at the door gave him a huge hug and even kissed his forehead (have I mentioned how much I love this lady??)?.  He put his stuff away and got busy on his morning work.  We gave our last hugs and told him to let his light shine bright---and off we went.  Matt and I walked backwards slooooowly thinking he'd look back at us and wave or want another hug (which we would have gladly gone back for), & he never did.  It really did my heart good to see him so ready for school, so calm, and excited.

I wasn't emotional like last year dropping of Huddy UNTIL I saw those sweet Kinder parents leaving the hall across from ours wiping those eyes.  My eyes immediately started burning with tears and I had such compassion for them...it's a BIG moment as a parent leaving your kindergartner for the first time.  Then I saw my free-spirited Harper-girl just skipping away in front of us and I stopped right then and there in my mind and gave thanks for this bonus year with her.  Time with them goes so fast---too fast.  I am thankful for her summer bday, and thankful for the choice of when to send her to Kindergarten.  I am going to soak this year up with her---no doubt about it.  Another moment of tears came when we were walking back to the car and we let Holty down to walk.  And off he went just tottering around being so stinking cute...and in all honesty I could shut my eyes and picture that baby boy being Hudson....ahh time goes so fast.  What a gift it is to be their mother and to experience a love so great that you could never adequately put into words.

I love this picture---Hud seems a tad embarrassed, but Harper wouldn't let go---and it's worth noting he did not push her away either.

A recap of the morning.

The 1st day of 1st grade was MUCH easier than the 1st day of Kinder.  I was a hot mess last year just watching the clock and just aching to know how his VERY first day of school went.  Yesterday was better---I still watched the clock, but I was better about keeping myself busy.  I was so excited to pick him up and hear about his day.  Nothing beats that 1st day of AFTER school big smile.  It's like you can finally exhale that breath you have been holding all day.  He loved his day, loved his teacher, said his class is great, and was excited to go back tomorrow.  Thank you Lord for taking such good care of my baby.  When Matt got home he was so excited to see Hudson and hear about his day.  Matt asked Harper if she had such a fun day by herself with mommy and Holty----Harper said, "No---it was such a sad day because we missed Bubba so much."  So so so sweet.  I love my tender hearted girl.  Even though we missed our boy like crazy and are having to go through the learning curve of a new school schedule, I am happy to send him off everyday to such a great school with a wonderful teacher.

It was a 2 thumbs up kind of day!!!