Today has been a strange day. It got off-track a bit from the start, as I walked Jory down to his first day of school during breakfast. Grandma came early to stay with the kids. It was also quite odd not having our four big kids here today (Cody, Jory, Colby and Aiden). However, things happened today that I just wasn't expecting.

Because we didn't have our "leaders" here today, I knew things would be different. Anytime there is a change in enrollment, there is a change in the dynamics of the group. I was expecting the group to seem a bit more "lost", but instead it was the complete opposite. When we went outside this morning, they paired up very differently than normal, and had some great imaginative play going on. Towards the end of our outside time, Brooklyn had found a ladybug and the kids all formed a circle sitting on the patio and watched it crawl around.

During Circle Time, we talked a bit about what our school-age friends might be doing. Our indoor free play time was also different than expected. I spent most of it observing, and came up with some ideas on how to set up for next week.

One of my favorite moments this morning was when I put on a CD and almost everyone joined in to dance. Not sure who started it, but suddenly everyone had a stuffed toy to dance with!

Yesterday was a very difficult day for me, as Colby and Aiden were heading off to kindergarten. They have both been with us since they were 1-year-olds. We had a great day of celebration, though, even though Bev shed a few tears. Ok, I'll be honest, a lot of tears. Here's a couple photos from the day:

Water balloons!

I grilled burgers, and we ate lunch in our swimsuits. 

Sorry, forgot to take pictures during the Banana Split phase of the party day. That is traditionally our Back-to-School treat.

Our kindergarteners:

Have a blast in school, guys! Your teachers are very lucky to be getting such great kids in their classes!

 But we'll miss you like crazy.