Jake’s 1st Day of 1st Grade

My little boy joined the ranks of grade school kids.

It’s a challenge to see your little boy off for the first time. He’s growing up and it comes out more and more every day.

The morning was a little rushed (Tara and I both needed to be in the office) so we passed on the photos at Grandma’s house and went straight to breakfast at the NJ Cafe. The NJ has become a tradition for us recently. Tara worked there in High School, there’s a picture of Aunt Jean on the wall, the Dorothy’s used to have breakfast there together… there’s a lot of good memories for Tara.

After breakfast we went to school and got him settled in. Mr D was outside giving high-fives and lots of kids and teachers came to say hello. I could tell our little guy was nervous. He had overheard Emily talking earlier about being nervous about starting High School and it kind of sunk into him too. That quickly melted away. Pretty soon, mom and dad weren’t much of a thought and he settled into his desk (talk about mixed-emotions).

We snagged this picture of Ms. Wight and her two students before we left.

The day ended with the kids watching a little of President Obama’s address to the nations schoolchildren. It was quite good and we talked a little about the importance of hard work and how their job is to learn as much as they can so that they can be productive members of society.

1st Grade Orientation

Today was Jake’s orientation for 1st Grade.  I decided since Emma had such a big deal, it might be nice for a little father/son time.  He’s been very stressed about school this year and very concerned that he wouldn’t get the very teacher that he ended up with.

The morning started out with a chocolate iced doughnut at Bread Art in Bayport (AKA the ‘Tasty Pastry Bakery Shop’).

Jacob is the 4th generation to attend Andersen Elementary.  Remarkably, Mrs. Wight was Tara’s 2nd grade teacher… well, it’s remarkable to me.  Jake and Tara and totally un-phased.  I would have moved him to a different city if he had my 2nd grade teacher.

The morning was beautiful. There was mist over all the trees.

This is the view in front of our house.

Jacob was very pleased to find out that his desk opens and has a secret compartment.

He had written a note to Mrs. Wight that Tara accidentally left with in her car. So, instead he gave her 15 cents… which (of course) floored me.

The best part is when he told Mrs. Wight that he “didn’t want to have her, but now feels better and likes her”.

I think this is going to be a great year for my little man.