Smith Family Weblog

When we arrived at school this afternoon, we found Ava making her way across the monkey bars on the playground. (And, if the blisters on her hands are any indication, that’s where she spent both of her recesses as well as her time in the after school program. She was quick to tell us she finally made it all the way across and back—something she’s been working on all summer, and now, something she’ll be able to do every day.)

Once we finally got past that bit of news, Ava explained that her first day went pretty well.  She had lunch with Lia and Maile, preschool friends who started Kindergarten at Quail Run today too. She had P.E. class, art, reading, and a few other lessons.

She’s already finished her homework, and she’s looking forward to going back tomorrow!

Ava headed off to Quail Run for first grade today! After a few tears last night, she was happy and excited (and pretty grown up) this morning.

We arrived to school with plenty of time for some photos, and then we connected with a few new friends before Ava headed off to her class.

We’ll let you know how it went!

Must come to an end.

After more three and a half years at Lawrence Montessori, Ava is ready to move on. To celebrate her last day of Kindergarten, she brought cupcakes to share with her classmates, and hand-decorated coffee cups to give to her teachers and assistants. She was a bit sad this morning, but she’s very much looking forward to tomorrow!

Ava with Purviz, her first preschool teacher and the owner of Lawrence Montessori School:

Ava with Ji-Young, her Kindergarten teacher:

Onward!

When Katie and I were little, Gramma Great would help us make paper chains to count down the days before Christmas. About a month ago, we made one for Ava to help her keep track of the start date for first grade. After this morning, there’s only three left!

I came home from running errands on Saturday to find these helpful signs posted around the house:

They say, “Wet floor—thank you for not stepping in it.”

My favorite part (aside from the freshly mopped floor, of course) is the smile on the woman’s face as she lays in the puddle. Though she clearly ignored this kind warning, she seems pretty happy. I bet it’s because she knows her floors are clean.