Today was Brayden and Landon's first day of school here in Belgium. I can't believe we have entered the school years at my house. Really, it's unbelievable to me, and almost seems like it was a one time thing and tomorrow I'll have my little boys with me all day again. After all, I need something to complain about...Charlotte is just too easy. School here in Belgium starts at 2 1/2 years old and kids go from 8:30a - 3:30p. For Brayden, it was a no brainer as he would be in kindergarten in the States, but I have struggled a bit with Landon going to school ALL DAY. The school is very structured and they even have naptime or "sieste" for Landon's grade every afternoon. It kind of makes me think of Kindergarten Cop where everyone (including The Governator) drinks their milk and takes a nap. I've thought that the structure would be great for Landon, but I just still have had a hard time thinking that he is going to be gone all day. I have the option of picking him up at noon if I so desire, but Landon wants to go to school all day so for now we are playing it by ear. Despite all of my anxieties (including new school, no friends, lack of communication ability, etc.), the boys did great today. They seemed to be fearless and embraced school. Brayden told me that his teacher even spoke a little English to him and that seemed very cool. When I dropped Landon off in his classroom, he was the most calm I have ever seen him in my life. It was probably due in part to the fact that some other kid in his class was bawling his eyes out and screaming at the top of his lungs. Landon looked at me and said, "Is that kid crying because he doesn't want to go to school?" Not wanting him to think anyone wouldn't want to be at school I said, "No, I think he bonked his head." They both made it to the bathroom today, ate their lunch, Landon napped, Brayden made friends, they are excited to go again tomorrow - overall I would call it a success. So for now I am going to make the most of my time with Charlotte and see this school-years thing as a little gift. Charlotte obviously views it as such as she played with every single one of the boys' toys today while they were gone. I was a little worried that she wouldn't put Brayden's transformers (one of her very favorite toys) away before we went to get the boys from school, but she seemed to understand the rules - play while you can, when you can - and didn't touch them again the rest of the day. When Brayden rushed home and picked up his transformers, I think I even caught a little wink from Charlotte as to say, "It's our little secret mom" and as far as I'm concerned there are many more of those to come. Now for the goods...the quintessential "first day of school" picture that will follow them the rest of their lives:
11 comments:
2 1/2 is so little to start school! i wonder if he will be way ahead when you guys get back to the states.
i loved the story about charlotte and her sneakiness. she is so cute.
Love it. Love the "first day of school" shot, and I love it that everything went so smooth for you. Congrats on being a "school-age mom". :)
I am so happy to hear about your awesome experience. I feel some European nostalgia when you talk about the little shops. Enjoy things to the fullest!
OMG!!! School already and to think I am having a hard time with Henry going for just 2 hours a day. I can just see Charlottes little wink, you know she totally was too.... Love ya
How cute is that? Oh how I love those little boys of yours and the picture of Charlotte with the carrot is to die for. I love reading your adventures it makes me feel like I am there. We've started saving to come visit next year!!
Wow, thanks for sharing your first day of school adventures! I am glad everything went smoothly!! Brayden and Landon look SO CUTE!
Very cute picture!! What a great first day of school. Awesome!
oh my goodness! School for both of them!! How exciting! Your boys aren't so little anymore!! They are too cute...they look super excited about going to school! I love reading your blog...what fun adventures you are having! :)
oh you are the best mom. letting the princess play with the beloved transformers, covering up another boy's woes, and missing the boys...love it. and i am loving going to school ALL day at 2 1/2 years - i might need to look into that. :> your boys are strong spirits and will do so amazing there in the "unknown" - look at their parental units! you never cease to amaze me. so happy all is well...is it cliche to say that i miss you?
that's crazy... they start so early... but he will just learn that much more.
whoa! what great adventures...now while your kids learn the language you can practice with them and charolette will just pick it up...what perfect timing for all of this! have fun with charolette and your secrets :D
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