Max has been, and will probably always be, my most difficult child, but we have decided what make him the most difficult is that he is most like me in attitude and reactions to situations. This is why we seem to butt heads daily. That being said, I'm going to miss him so damn much next year. That first week my emotions are going a mess every morning when he gets on that bus, or I drop him off.
We headed into the school and there were a couple of fire trucks parked for children to climb in. He did not want anything to do with the fire freighters or truck and politely (score 1 point for me!) said, "No thank you" when asked to climb in. Inside the school we started the scavenger hunt of stations. Max met the gym, music, and art teachers and other various school staff. I noticed a timid exterior and tight grip on my hand as we wound our way through. I filled out paperwork and he sat securely at my side, staring at all the other five year olds, but not brave enough to say anything to them.
As we were rounding the end corner a small group was heading out for the bus ride. We jumped in line to board the big yellow bus. Max was smiling, but asked in a nervous tone, "you're going to ride with me, right? Please stay with me." I noticed the bus didn't seem to change much. It was like stepping in a time machine about 15+ years ago. I was amazed that the technology didn't seem to change. This didn't seem to bother Max as we bumped along on the non existent suspension. The height of the bus made Max smile as he stared out the window. The seat swollowed him up and I realized how little he still was. My hand found his and we held on. I even planted a few kisses on his cheek and he leaned into me. I was thankful to take him.
Back at the school we were finished with the mandatory paperwork and had visited most things, it was time to head home. There sat the big red fire engine upon our exit. The firefighters were kind and encouraging as Max checked things out. He even sat inside the truck. This is huge, as we have visited many and never have any of my children wanted to sit inside (yes, they were the only children in all the groups we were with that didn't sit inside, weirdo's that I love). I even got a picture!
He's all registered and in May has his assessment. Despite my motherly reservations about him being gone all day, every week, I do have confidence he will flourish and really enjoy Kindergarten. Now, if I can only gather my emotions and prepare for his first day! Back at home we got all dressed up and headed out to a wedding up near Lansing for Tom's cousin. The drive was simple and children quiet due to the comfortableness of our minivan (I actually love it and all it's pretty, shiny extras. Hello, doors that open with a push of a button!!). The wedding was small and beautiful and filled with lots of Roehrig's. We smiled and laughed, visiting with family we haven't seen in a long time. Dancing time came and my four couldn't stop moving to the beat. Max was out there busting some very interesting moves.
Zane decided to make himself a rather cute addition to the festivities. He walked around as if he owned the place, striking up conversations with random people and then he would find a pretty lady. He latched himself onto her and would sit with her for awhile. Then, with monster claws out, would run up to a table and growl at them, laugh, and run away. He amused a lot of people!
8:30pm rolled around and we decided to head home. None of the children wanted to leave, much to our surprise they just want to dance. We let them stay for a bit and stood back, admiring our brood. They were cute, and Tom and I couldn't help but smile and hold hands and lean into each other, and enjoy this moment.
We made it home close to 11pm and no one was asleep, shockingly and of course they did not sleep in the next following morning either. Even with lack of sleep and cranky children the next day, the wedding was really enjoyable for all six of us.
Weekend over, Monday was Noelle's big music concert. The theme was 60's (This explains the Wordless Wednesday picture) and all the songs were very recognizable. The Sutton Elementary 1st & 2nd graders sang, Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hello Goodbye, Here Comes The Sun, by The Beatles, Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones, Green Tambourine by The Lemon Pipers, Daydream Believer by The Monkees, and a few other's. Noelle's school is blessed with an incredible and very engaging music teacher. The knowledge about composers and music Noelle has gained over the last two years has truly amazed me.
The concert was incredible and all the children participating were seen loving music and singing their little hearts out. I'm still down a camera (maybe the Easter Bunny will be bringing me one, hint, hint!) so the pictures I did capture (in between chasing down Zane as he ran through the theater) turned out with a lack of quality, unfortunately. But here is a video of the group singing Proud Mary.
And a few pictures:
