Thursday was the day.
Little man’s school offers a staggered start for Kindergarteners, so we chose for his first day to be Thursday. That way, he would have two consecutive days before the weekend, to kind of get into the swing of things.
On Wednesday, I decided we would do our back-to-school pictures. I knew we would be rushing around like lunatics on Thursday, and I didn’t want to be stressed over it. I found a nice little pathway, and set little man up with a chalkboard sign and some apples.
This kid was born ready for school.
Of course, no photo shoot is complete without some silliness. The promise of getting to goof around is what keeps him focused for me.
Twenty-four hours later, it was the real thing.
We picked up his friend and headed off to school.
Fortunately, we were the first ones there, so we got to hang around for a few minutes to see him get settled in to his classroom and chat with his teacher.
Seriously. The thumbs ups are getting out of control.
So far, we love his teacher, and I am so excited to start my duties as Room Mom. I have a Pinterest addiction that needs direction, and I am pretty excited to put it to good use.
After little man got his belongings situated, he bounded over to us, gave us hugs and kisses and headed off to start his first day.
I didn’t cry. I was close, but I stayed strong.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s hard. Even though he’s been in preschool, it was so much smaller and less official. This, though. This is the real deal. But it’s also his time. He’s so independent and so proud and I just can’t be sad about that. Instead, I’m excited for him as he embarks on this new journey, and for all the opportunities it will bring.
In the meantime, Mr PugRunner and I went to breakfast. There is a place that recently came to my attention that specializes in biscuits: Maple Street Biscuit Company. And, quite frankly, I have yet to meet a biscuit I didn’t like.
Mr PugRunner ordered the Five and Dime (biscuit with fried chicken breast, bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried egg and the most delicious sawmill gravy I have ever tasted) and I went with the Sticky Maple (fried chicken breast, bacon on a biscuit with a drizzle of maple syrup).
Check out the size of this piece of chicken.
It was definitely a knife and fork kind of sandwich, and there was no way I could finish the whole thing. However, the chicken was perfectly fried, juicy but not greasy, and the bacon was crisp. The maple syrup added just a touch of sweetness, reminiscent of chicken and waffles. It was delicious.
We split an order of the breakfast potatoes: perfectly crisped potatoes with peppers and onions, cubed ham and cheddar cheese. I, personally, could have done without the ham, but it was yummy all the same.
We will definitely be back. Next time, I want to try it for lunch.
It was nice to have a little morning date. And it served as a bit of a distraction as I waited for the time to pick up little man.
Longest. Day. Ever.
At the appointed time, the bus rolled up and little man came down the stairs, pretty much grinning from ear to ear. The highlights, for him, were the bus ride and buying his lunch in the cafeteria (we reviewed the menu and he will be allowed to purchase once or twice a week, choosing his favorite meals). They got to tour the school, visit each of the different resources (like art, music and PE), and get instructions on their new routine. He met some new friends and played on the new playground.
In fact, the only negative was the fact that we had a tornado warning in the area, and during the day, the students had to head into the hallway and sit with their heads between their knees. He was a little nervous about that, but his teacher did a good job of making them feel secure and we talked about it before he went to bed, and it didn’t seem to bother him any more.
He was absolutely exhausted, but we were so happy to see him so excited.
I think it’s going to be an amazing school year.
If you have a little one, how was his or her first day back to school?
How about if you are a teacher?
What’s your favorite back to school memory?
So glad that it went well for your little dude! My kids don’t go back until next Wednesday so we still have about a week and a half before they return but they’re both looking forward to it. I’ve got a third grader (top of the school, it’s 1-3) and a Pre-K kiddo (Pre-K and K are in the same building). They can’t wait to go back which makes it significantly easier for me to be jazzed up too!
Love your pictures so much. I need a good camera! š
Mer recently posted…More āChick on Chickā action: The Jess Chronicles
Aw! That’s so sweet! It definitely makes it easier when they are excited. Hope their first day is every bit as wonderful as little man’s!
So glad it went well, both for you and for the little man! That’s so exciting š I used to LOVE the first day of school. IT was always so fun to see your new classroom and to see which friends were in your classes. I’m in grad school, and that’s still my favorite part of the new school year!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…A Whirlwind Weekend
I always loved the first day, too. There’s just so much excitement and it’s all so awesome!
so happy it all went well, those pics are just super adorable!! I love the thumbs up pics!!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…Getting In the Ring With Triple H & Stephanie McMahon for #MilkWins! (One on One Interview!)
That’s his new favorite pose. Makes me laugh every time!
Can we ground them for growing up too fast? Weren’t they JUST in our bellies like a month ago??
Those thumbs are killing me!
Kristin @ A Mom on the Run recently posted…Five Things Friday
I don’t think grounding them would do any good! They were just so small!
The thumbs are out of control.
OMG! That biscuit!
It’s the start of school around here today, but since we homeschool, The Boss is still sound asleep š Taking full advantage! Those pictures are just too stinkin cute! I really need to pinch those cheeks!
Suzan recently posted…Oh My Chimichanga!
“That biscuit” is right. I could live there. Eating all the biscuits.
Little man has never been much for sleeping in. Sigh. But yes, we get a lot of requests for cheek pinches. I’m going to miss them when he grows out of them.
My daughter, my youngest went to kindergarten Wednesday last week. I cried. of course I cried last year when my son went to kindergarten too. such a big milestone. Neither of mine went to preschool.
Love those great pictures of your son, hope he is loving kindergarten!
Christy @My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted…Cake and steak.. living right
Aw, it is an extra big milestone when they haven’t gone to preschool. I hope they have a great year!
runswithpugs recently posted…first day of kindergarten
OMG Maple Street Biscuit Company!! They have two locations now: San Marco and Jax Beach. I got the Farmer last time. Chicken, bacon, cheese, biscuit, APPLE BUTTER!! So good.
Jenn H recently posted…Race Recap: Tour de Pain
I came thisclose to ordering that one, but I don’t really love cheese on my chicken so I backed out at the last minute. Next time, I’m going for it!
runswithpugs recently posted…first day of kindergarten
You are so good to take the pictures the day before!!! I am usually a sweaty mess and shove the kids outside for a quick pic. What a fail. Your pictures are LOVELY!
Happy happy memories!
Aimee recently posted…The Beauty Balance
I’m a complete, overplanned lunatic. We had the free day and I didn’t want to mess up his morning by making him pose and cooperate when he had so much else going on. It worked out great and I will probably do it again going forward.
What a cutie! š
I miss biscuits. š
I kind of missed the first day of kindergarten with my daughter because she was still in daycare and they took her. And we were still overseas and the school was like a block away from daycare. But 1st grade? Yeah, I was out of Air Force by then, and watched her get on the bus the first time, and may or may not have shed a tear. Same the following year when my son started kindergarten. Same the next year when we moved back to the states and they went to public school. Same when they each started middle school and high school. And this year we begin homeschooling. *sigh*
DragonLady recently posted…Maniacal Monday #20
You should make biscuits! Not so hard and fresh made are the best!
Aw, what beautiful memories. <3 I hope homeschooling is a huge success for you!
So cute!!! Love your back to school pictures š He looks PUMPED for school!! And wow, breakfast of champions I see!!
Pumped is not the word! He is absolutely ecstatic!
It was one of the yummiest breakfasts ever!
Your back to school pictures look beyond amazing. I am sure other parents would pay you to do the same for them.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Pita Pizzas
Aw, thank you! That is so sweet of you to say. <3
My 4th grader started yesterday and my Kindergartner starts on Thursday.
They are excited!
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…Mondayās Motivation
He is ADORABLE! Your photos are so nice, too.
I am way behind on posts! But what adorable pictures! He looked so excited! And as a teacher, I see that it’s usually harder for the parents than the kiddos!!
Andrea recently posted…Advice Needed–Foot Pain
Thank you, Andrea! It was really way harder for us than him. But he’s so happy. Hope you have a great year with your class!