Eliot's First Day of Preschool, 2012

School is back in session, and we have a very happy little camper!  Here are some favorite photos of our preschooler Eliot:

Our decision to have Eliot attend preschool one more year has been nothing but confirmed by the awesome experiences he has already had at "Ms. Jen's" preschool.  His new teacher is, as Eliot says, "Awesome!"  She is the perfect balance between pushing the kids academically and being an absolute teddy bear of a sweetheart.  As an example, Eliot came home from his first day with his own copy of the book, "The Kissing Hand," all about a nervous little raccoon's first day of school, along with a little baggie of Hershey kisses, a picture of him wearing a raccoon costume, and a few raccoon-themed activities they had worked on that day.  So cute and so detail-oriented.  I can already tell just from the few days we've experienced with Ms. Jen that she puts her heart and soul into teaching, which is more than I could hope for and an absolute answer to my prayers.  I think with Ms. Jen as Eliot's preschool teacher and the awesome music class we've got him signed up for, this year will be the perfect preparation for Eliot starting Kindergarten next year.

Thank heavens for amazing teachers!  As someone with an education degree, I have a pretty good understanding of how much work and energy goes into doing a good job of it.  I have an added appreciation for those angel people who have the stamina to teach young ones!  It is not a skill I feel I'm naturally blessed with, so I count on those angels in my village to help me raise my young ones.

The only tough thing about Eliot's preschool experience?  His little bro misses him terribly when he's gone!  Zach inevitably gets bored and looks at me with eyes that undoubtedly communicate, "So you're really all I've got, huh?"  These boys love each other to pieces and miss each other when they're away!  I do admit it has been nice to have some one-on-one time with Zach.  Last year during preschool Z was always napping, but now that he's older, I get to have time with Zach while he's awake.  I feel somewhat awkward getting down and playing with a little toddler, though ... it's been a few years, and I've realized I'm a little rusty!