Landon started kindergarten last week! Never have I ever looked at a kindergarten student and thought, “wow, he is so old” until it was my own child going off to kindergarten. Part of me sees him as the 4-pound preemie in an incubator, part of me sees the 6-year-old boy he is and sometimes I see the adult he’ll one day be.

Landon attends the same elementary school Uncle Greg and I did. Another unbelievable moment: sending my child to my elementary school. It looks so similar and is surreal to walk the halls as a parent rather than a student now.

We’re fortunate enough to be in an extended day program in an otherwise half-day district. Landon is one of only 10 children in his classroom and one of four from his preschool class. He thrives in smaller settings and I’m so glad he went into a new school with familiar faces.

He also gets to ride the big yellow bus to and from school. The bus stop is super closer and his neighbor friend also rides the bus. Many parents speak so highly of our bus driver and she opens those doors each morning with a smile and friendly greeting and makes sure he gets off when he’s supposed to each day. Bryce and I walk Landon to the bus each morning; I’m pretty certain Bryce would get right on and go to school, too, if I let him.

Landon’s already come home with papers where he’s coloring well, tracing letters and numbers and drawing pictures to describe the worksheet. For example, one worksheet prompted him to write and draw his favorite way to read. He drew a picture of him reading on bed with some of his favorite stuffed animals, then traced the word “together” and did such a good job of staying in the letter forms.

His extended day program also gives him five extra subjects: art, Spanish, gym, music and circ.