In our home this week, it’s pretty much been ALL about the LAST DAY of school. (Which was Wednesday). Samuel wore the same clothes on the last day of school that he wore last August for the first day. And of course I got a few pictures. For Photo Friday, please indulge me with my “first day, last day” pictures!

First Day of School:

Last Day of School:

The clothes are the same, although there is quite a bit of fading after 9 months of wearing them. The shoes are the same, although it’s a new pair, a size larger. The smile is the same, although maybe a little leaner. The boy is the same…. oh, but no he is not!

Samuel has grown SO much during this first year of school. It’s really quite amazing what they teach kids in Kindergarten these days. He knows how to read, he can add simple figures, he sings at least 100 more songs now than he did last August. Confidence-wise, I’d say he’s grown ten inches. On the second to last day of school, we went to their Kindergarten program. Over 100 kindergarteners singing us a few songs. And our son? He was the one doing the MOST AWESOME air guitar solo during the “School Is Cool” song. The kid… he has some moves! (And he’ll be happy to tell you all about it sometime too!)

Besides all the increased confidence and new moves, his focus is better… his writing is better… his speech is better. He’s still got some hurdles to overcome (especially in the focus department), but he is meeting each challenge with the innocence of youth, and he isn’t aware yet that there are areas in which he might fail. I’m not going to think about what first grade might bring in that way. For now, we’re just going to enjoy our summer break.

We’re going to read together, and sing together, and teach lil Allan funny dances together. (And maybe an air guitar solo or two).

Oh, and next week, Samuel and I are going to FLY together! We’re heading off to see some family and friends in Nebraska for a few days. Just him and me, on an airplane, in two airports – flying a few states away. Even a few months ago, I might have been concerned about how it would go, how he would do, would I need a leash to keep him by my side? But now? With my big FIRST GRADER accompanying me? After watching him accomplish and finish Kindergarten in STYLE…. yeah, we’re gonna be JUST FINE.