First Grade

Nathan started first grade today -- and I didn't get to go! I was prepared to escort him to the classroom, help him deliver his school supplies, meet the teacher (we haven't had a "back to school night"), turn in his lunch money, arrange his bus transportation for after school care, and so on. You know -- all the things "hover moms" are supposed to do. Well, this morning he got so excited about riding the bus (you might remember this from last year) that he didn't want me to take him. So off he went, with his "one-strapper" backpack full of supplies. I waved goodbye. I'm proud to have such an independent child, but I'm sad not to be more a part of of first day activities.

Here are some photos I did manage to take before he ran off...

Jumping Waves at Kure Beach, NC

Digging a hole at the beach

Grandma and Papa at the Beach

USS Wilmington Battleship

Nathan and I have joined cousins & grandma & papa for a week at the beach. We're at Kure Beach, south of Wilmington NC. We arrived yesterday, driving 5 hours from Athens, OH to Winston-Salem, NC (where we spent the night) then another five hours to get here. Of course it's beautiful - what beach isn't? :)

Since our first day started off stormy (the weather, not attitudes...yet), we visited the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. It was amazing! Here's Nathan touching a sting ray and Elizabeth inside a very large lobster claw.

And yes, that's Grandma inside the alligator head!

Let's hope Susan keeps smiling all week long.