today was it.  this morning adie became a kindergardener.  and as emotionally charged as i expected to be for her, it was overshadowed by the fact that today was ayla's first day of pre-school.  my sweet, sweet ayla.  adie is strength and courage.  she is sunshine and believes that she can do anything, that she can conquer anything, that she can climb anything.  ayla is hawaii:  sunshine one moment and a tumultuous thunderstorm the next.  her heart is pure and full of joy - but it seems the world can overwhelm her so easily.   it was difficult leaving her at the door this morning in the safety of her new classroom.  i wanted to tap her  teacher ever so gently on the shoulder - asking her to take special care.  but i did not.  her sister is in the classroom next door and reassured her as i dropped them off, "ayla, i am right next door - don't be scared.  i am right here." she hugged her and ran into her class with unadulterated glee.  ayla literally tip toed into hers... 

wishing you and yours and beautiful back-to-school season.  we are celebrating tonight with apple & honey glazed ribs, oven fries and make-your-own banana splits with yaya and zayde {grandma and grandpa}.

xoox~jla

Comments

[Jen]

I think a special back-to-school meal is very much a great idea. Your Ayla is like my Matt. And your definition was so perfect. I will remember that next time he throws my swim goggles off a cliff.

[Shanon]

Oooh, such tenderness. I hope they both had great days and know how special they are.

[jla]

thank you sweet girls... xoox

jen - i need to email you about a book a friend gave me - i am reading it now - so much insight into my little ayla eve...

[MsGourmet]

My little darling is almost finished kindergarten and will start school next Febuary (we're in Australia)! I can't believe how fast the year has gone - cheerish each day with your girls :)

[180]

That is so sweet! Our children must be the same ages. :) Only my second is a boy and he starts preschool tomorrow.

[TH]

Your daughters are so beautiful.

[loren weltsch]

so well written! my daughter starts pre-school tomorrow and my son started kindergarten last week. thanks for sharing your story!

[Kelly]

I'd love to hear a book name too. I see so much of this in Cora. Mine are opposite though with my younger the brave soul and our older the cautious one. I hope they are enjoying school.

[joslyn]

what sweet sweet sisters...my girls have similar dispositions and relationship.

it's lovely.

[jla]

kelly - i can't tell you how happy i was to see you there! i am never good at the whole group mom thing - so a friendly, familiar face made my day! see you soon! xoox

[Debbie]

so much excitement in your household..ahh I remember those days,im only 40 but last kids a sophomore in HS,,makes me sad really.
Enjoy it all and take it in slow and breath deep!!Hope they have great first days!!

[My @ tha Hotness]

Oh that is so sweet. I use to cry every year when my son went back to school. When he got to the 5th grade he finally said, "Mom, are you going to cry this time?" lol. The change so much from year to year.

[AshleyL.]

So much beauty in this picture! Well, captured :)

[Christine]

Hi, I just found your beautiful blog and wanted to tell you how much I enjoy it. I absolutely love that you compared your youngest daughter's personality to Hawaii. What a great analogy. I look forward to reading more!

[Jan's camera]

What a sweet story. Her sister reassuring her. That is beautiful and heartwarming.