Hannah goes to school

Today was Hannah's first day of school. She was so excited - she's been looking forward to this for about, oh, three years. I bought her a new school bag and shoes a week or so ago (yes I know I'm not meant to be buying anything new, but it's her First Day of School). She wanted to pack her bag and lay out her clothes right there and then. I persuaded her to wait until Sunday (Monday was the Australia Day public holiday but we had a wedding job on so Super-papa was looking after the kids). She laid out Beth's old school uniform and then packed her bag, with many little containers of food - watermelon, dip and crackers, muesli bar, and so on. This morning she was up before 6 and all the other children followed soon after. They were not as excited to return to school, but still eager to see what the new year holds. Everyone was dressed, breakfasted, bags packed and ready by 7am! Except slacker mum who didn't even get in the shower until 730. Kids pushed me out the door just after 8 (we normally leave about 830) and so we got to school nice and early. Did the dropoffs, first Ryan who has a seemingly very organised and efficient female teacher (they do dancing for fitness twice a week, the horror!), next Beth, except her teacher, true to the form we came to expect when Ryan had him two years ago, was still running around like a mad thing getting organised, so she couldn't get in the classroom. So we took Hannah next, she was the first one in her class, just about busting out of her skin as she found her table with her name on it, put on her name badge, took out her fruit snack, found her tray and put her bag on the racks. All the things she's helped Bethany do so many times before, now she was doing it for herself! Her teacher seems lovely, I've heard very good reports. Unfortunately she has the infamous Bronson in her class, who was in Ella's class last year - hopefully this teacher will be better at controlling him. Then back up to Bethany's classroom, where it was smiles all round, as Sinead, Sammy, Lucy and assorted other friends appeared as well. Back down to Hannah's class (Hannah's is at the front of the school, Ryan and Beth close to each other and right at the back) where Hannah told me I had to wait for Nana, who'd put in a surprise appearance but was off visiting Ella (whose classroom is right up near Beth and Ryan). Hannah was still excited, diligently colouring in as directed by her teacher. Sophie was a bit out of sorts, she's desperate to be 5 and at school too. After many hugs and kisses we finally left, without a backwards glance from Hannah who was busy sitting on the floor listening to the teacher.
I did well too, considering my little helper is now off and away. I did have a little tear as I took the photo above, of her at the school entrance. She looks so little and so proud in that uniform. Considering she's starting school while still 4, and in a Reception/1 class, she is nowhere near the smallest child, in fact I'd say she's one of the biggest, not bad for the one we tend to think of as our little one. After school, she told me she'd had a great day and was happy to do it all again tomorrow. All the kids had a good day, although Ryan and Beth were a little less keen for the repeat performance.
So, hmm, only one left at home. They are relentlessly growing up. I still can't believe my little Hannah-bear is a school girl.

The photo below is of the children proudly displaying their school memory books, which Nana traditionally gives them for their fifth birthday. Hannah got hers a bit early as she is not 5 until March. It was hard to pick who was more excited about her book, Hannah or Ryan!