Guess I am proving to not be very good at keeping this blog up to date. Oh, well.
Last week was a natural disaster bonanza here! On Monday we had the earthquake (which I missed because I was driving). I got to campus and was confused as to why everyone was outside. I called the student I was supposed to meet with and when I mentioned that something must be going on, her response was: "Um, maybe it's the earthquake?" She was too sweet to point out my complete cluelessness.
Then we followed up the earthquake with the hurricane. Takoma Park was hit pretty hard by the storm - 11 trees down in town. We avoided damage, but still have a pretty wet yard. We've got some small branches down in the backyard, but no big problems. The worst part is we lost power for 24 hours - the day before school started for everyone.
Early Monday morning we got the robocall that Finn's school - Takoma Park Elementary (K-2) - had power and was open, but Merete's school - Piney Branch Elementary (3-5) - was closed. Merete was disappointed. Finn was excited to start Kindergarten, but a bit nervous to get on the bus on his own - he had been looking forward to riding in with Merete.
I wasn't able to be there since my classes started that morning as well. So Matt took photos and sent them to me. I kept my class updated on his progress. I suspect they either thought it was insanely cute or incredibly annoying. I explained to them the injustice of not being able to be there. I have been taking Finn to the bus stop for 4 years, and I don't get to go the day he FINALLY gets to get on the bus.
Finn was excited to be the first person in the bus line, as his backpack proves:
Here's Finn in line waiting for the bus:
Matt titled this photo, "The bus is here - Finn is not making eye contact with the bus":
Finn getting on the bus. Notice Merete standing, watching him. I think she was a bit jealous.
Finn on the bus:
When he got off the bus (I was there for that!), he was exhausted. He was practically silent. For those of you who have spent any time with him, you know that means he was worn out. As Susanna, a friend of ours said, "The only time I've seen Finn so quiet is when he's sick."
He reports he had great day, but didn't remember anything from it. Only his music class where he marched to a song. After crying that afternoon because he lost a turn at Operation, we put him to bed at 7:15. We didn't hear a thing from him until we woke him up the next day. He was eager to go back which I take as a good sign.
The next day was Merete's turn for her first day. She was ready to go. I think she felt a bit cheated that she had to wait. She has had her outfit all picked out and her backpack packed for the last week and a half. But now, she's an official 4th grader and reports that she has "the best 4th grade teacher ever."
I don't have any photos to show off my first day, but so far all my classes seem good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they stay that way!
