1st Grade!!!

Back to Meadow Elementary we go! School started on Tuesday the 20th, and Maddie got the best teacher in the world, Mrs. Terry! She is also my visiting teacher and just about the sweetest lady on the planet.

After the open house the night before, Maddie was super excited about going back to school. She has her own desk, a lady bug lunchbox, and fun new school clothes. Could life get any better?

Maddie thinks it's pretty great that her classroom has it's own door outside! They line up here to meet Mrs. Terry in the morning. It really pulled at my heart strings to see her being so brave, going to line up with the class even though she didn't know many people and was a little nervous.

Picking her up the first day was the best. She ran at me full throttle and gave me the biggest bear hug ever, and wouldn't let go. She was half excited and proud, and half relieved to see me after a long day. Her grin said it all--it was FUN! Her favorite part was eating lunch with her best friend like the big kids.
 

Little Ella Bella has missed her sister, but we've been pretty distracted by cousins coming to visit. In any case, it's always fun to see Maddie again at the end of the day!

Maddie is also in the 1st grade soccer league for girls this fall. Last year it was co-ed, but this year they divided them up.

 She has gotten some good kicks and likes playing with her friends.

When did this girl grow up? I blinked and she was big.