Cami Starts Kindergarten!

 My big 5 year old started Kindergarten! On Monday, September 8, 2014, Cami embarked on her first journey to REAL school. This ain't preschool anymore- this is the real deal! No turning back! School every day for the rest of our lives, it seems like. She was more than ready and excited.

 We decided, with Cami, that she would attend Westland Elementary School, instead of our neighborhood school. Westland is where her Uncle Abe teaches 1st grade in the ALPS (advanced learning placement) program. He suggested we take her there, and highly recommended her kindergarten teacher. So after much thought and indecision, we decided that would be the best move. The fact that she doesn't have any one her age from our ward or neighborhood, also starting kindergarten, played a part in it too. Westland is about a 13 minute drive from our house, but it's not a bad commute. And it works out great that school starts at 8:15 am, because Jake takes her at 8 on his way to work. (Thank goodness!)

Cami and Lexi, ready for school. (Lexi started her joy school type preschool that day, too) Like their matching bike shirts?

 Ready to go get in line! Anxious and a little nervous.

 Look at all those cute kindergarteners! They all made a poster to bring for the first day.

 We made it just in the knick of time for Cami to join the end of the line, walking into the kindergarten classroom. They line up every day and wait for their teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Schaefer, to come out and greet them and take them inside.

Look how big that backpack is on my little baby!

No turnin back.

 And of course, Cami LOVED her first day. She walked out excitedly, with a blue star sticker (called a super star) on her forehead, and lots of fun stories to tell. Her teacher is amazing, and makes everything fun and exciting. I couldn't be more pleased with the way things turned out. There are 20 kids in Cami's class, she sits at a table with 2 of her "boyfriends", reads at a Level R, and loves going to school!

Here are the girls enjoying a free McDonald's breakfast for all school students. Cami shared with her cute lil sister.

 And our little family had a Back to School Feast the night before Cami's first day. We had zucchini boats, carrot fries, and brownies for dessert. Cami wanted to be the priness of the table.

 I got the idea of a feast from my role model, Stephanie Nielson (Nie Nie), and I think we'll keep the tradition alive every year when school starts!

 And here is Cami's poster, highlighting her and all the fun facts about her. This week she actually got chosen to be the Star of the Week, and Principal's Pride, so she gets to explain her poster to her class and take something for Show & Tell. She's going to take her stuffed bear blankie, LuLu. :)

 Congratulations, my dear sweet Cambria! You're a real schoolgirl now, and we are so proud of you!