Geoffrey is officially in school!

Okay.  So I think I had an easier time with Maddie's first-day-of-school post on Monday than I will with this one.  And I honestly believe that is because she is now in her fourth year of being in the education system -- and one of those years was in a completely foreign country!!  Needless to say, our independent little girl is quite the "pro" at starting new things, school being at the top of the list.

But I digress.  This post is not about Maddie, but about our charming little man, Geoffrey Patrick.   Geoffrey started his schooling career today, as a student at the La Verne Parent Participation Preschool, which is a co-op close by.  We first toured the school last February, and this child has been asking us weekly (sometimes daily), if it is August yet and his turn to go to school!  So as we've been approaching today, for months, Geoffrey's excitement has grown until he was nearly bursting this morning with anticipation.

He scampered down the stairs this morning in hopes of discovering the chalkboard might say something about his big day.  It did not disappoint!

I asked Geoffrey this morning, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  He barely hesitated, as he exclaimed, "A seaplane pilot!  As long as I can take passengers.  Can you and Daddy be my passengers?"
When describing Geoffrey on paper to his teachers who have yet to get to know him, it was not hard for me to write many endearing traits that he has -- yes, I'm biased, but I also feel like we've got a pretty special kid here, with amazing qualities.  Our 3 1/2 year old is kind, gentle, friendly, smart, considerate, empathetic, compliant, helpful, silly, curious and articulate.  And he always loves to cuddle.

As we were driving to school, he asked me one time, if it was going to be a long time before I picked him up, or a short time.  I told him it was 3 hours, and I will be picking him up at lunch time.  I looked back at him, seeing him stare out his window, and my heartstrings burst as I quickly asked, "Are you okay?"  He snapped out of his glance and immediately smiled, and said, "Yup!"  This boy is ready.

We went to the back of the school and played in the yard, as more families began to arrive.  Geoffrey already had his plan before we even left our house: he was going to drive in one of the cars, to which he was going to name "blue van" (because of our new blue van).  He made himself right at home.

Geoffrey is in Room 2 this year, with his teacher, Miss Kristen.  She has already made a few comments about how cute and articulate he is.  I just gave her a knowing smile.

The school is adorable, small, and perfect for a child's first schooling experience.  I know I'm going to be picking up one dirty, sweaty, happy little guy in just a little while.  I can't wait!

And this is how I left him.  After he gave me big hugs and kisses, he smiled and went back to playing with the construction machine he had discovered.  Oh, to be in preschool again!

Geoffrey Patrick, your daddy and I are SO very proud of the person you are becoming.  We pray that you only continue to love others with your gentle spirit, and never lose your curiosity to discover.  Welcome to preschool, buddy!!  Its going to be a fabulous year!!