Dear Simon,
Tags:Yesterday we all went together to the Open House to meet your teacher and visit your new classroom. You were so excited you could hardly stand it. At first we weren't sure if you were just excited that we were coming with you to school or that you were going back and were going to be able to see all your friends and favorite teachers again.
Seeing you all jazzed up was the most fantastic gift - you hugged every single teacher from last year and went up to each of your friends to say hi. Watching you interact with each of them was one of my favorite moments of the day.
We visited your new classroom and met your new teachers. You found your table (with your name already on it) and your cubby and went right to work investigating your new classroom. You saw lots of words on the wall and found a good break area with so many books and puzzles. Together we read all the names of all the students in your class and talked about the opportunity to make new friends.
We also visited the other First Grade classrooms across the hall and found many of your friends from Kindergarten. We saw Nathaniel, Alexis, Analise, and Ben, along with a bunch of other kids you remembered from last year.
We checked out the gym and the cafeteria and talked about how this year you will walk to class with the First Graders, rather than the Kindergartners, which means you will have to wait just a bit longer before being dismissed. You are a school-lunch kid and are very excited about getting back into your lunchtime routine in the cafeteria (especially your favorite nachos).
I just kept looking at your Dad and smiling so very wide as you went from one thing to the next.
After we had thoroughly checked everything out we went to have pizza for lunch at one of your favorite spots to celebrate going back to school (and your excitement).
Today is a big day for you and we couldn't be more proud to see you moving forward! Have fun, take deep breaths and a break if you need one, and most of all remember that we love you very, very much.
Mom & Dad
Perfect for Today: A great read for back to school, parenting, and being brave: Like Mother, Like Superhero.
Also, just a reminder that there is still time to enter the giveaway today for Taking Flight (until 5pm Pacific).


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60 comments
Congrats Simon! I hope this is your best year yet!
:) www.peglegstarfish.com
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Hooray! . . . and *sniff sniff*
I can relate . . .
very sweet.
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Ali:
I've got to remember this when I eventually have kids!
As a teacher, I appreciate all the wonderful words you offered about the educators who are at your son's school.
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Sounds like the perfect day for Simon and both you and Chris. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.
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Confession: I was *star struck* yesterday when I saw you and your State Rep at the pizza joint! I didn't want to intrude on your day and say "HEY!! I'M SUCH A FAN, BUT A BIG DORK, TOO!!" So anyways, there ya have it...
Congratulations to your little guy for starting 1st grade. That's awesome!! (and what school is that??? It looks brand spankin new. NICE!)
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So sweet! Have fun on your first day Simon. Thanks for sharing this special moment with us. It no doubt gave me chills.
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What a sweet note to your son...brought tears to my eyes! Also, I got my copy of Sharing Your Story today and I love it! Just wanted you to know. =)
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I think I am too late! But I really hope to get a copy of this book as soon as I am able too!!! Love the letter to Simon!
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Today was my first day of school too. :) I started teaching 5th grade and I know all those exciting moments when students (no matter the age) are excitedly getting settled and awaiting a promising school year. I wish Simon and your family all the luck in the world as he starts his first year in school. I tell my students to never let their teacher get in the way of their learning. A student's learning never ends. Good Luck!
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Baby girl,
So excited for Simon, Chris and you!
Rest. Eat chocolate. Be good to your sweet, sweet self.
Lisa
XXXX
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Oh Ali, that's such a WONDERFUL post. I am so happy for you. I can feel the pride in your heart... it's such a GREAT feeling, isn't it?
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Thank you for being an amazing mom!! You are an example to be followed!!
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I'm tearing up...what a sweet wonderful boy you have*!*
Lots of wonderful changes happening in your life~enjoy every marvelous moment*!*
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So fun to read! I have a grandson who is in 1st grade this year so I can so relate! He isn't too into being at school longer this year!
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this is so beautiful... Yay for Simon :)
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What a wonderful picture of Simon and a heartwarming letter. My daughter started kindergarten on Tuesday and it's been a great experience. Hope Simon has a great year!
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It sounds like he is doing so well! You must be so proud of him.
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What a sweet and loving letter to Simon a la DOOCE! I hope this year brings wonderful memories to your family. Congrats!
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Our children are the same age, and started first grade on the same day.
I wrote a letter, too.
http://fromichelle.blogspot.com/2008/09/dear-addie.html
It sure was hard.
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Our children are the same age, and started first grade on the same day.
I wrote a letter, too.
http://fromichelle.blogspot.com/2008/09/dear-addie.html
It sure was hard.
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