Rylee's First Day of School!

All ready to go! It was still so early and dark when we left for school that the flash on my camera went off when it was set to Auto. And this is when we left...which was about 35 minutes later than the bus would have picked her up (6:55). That is too early especially since school doesn't start until 7:50 so we are driving Rylee in the morning (carpooling with Axel) and she will ride the bus home in the afternoon.

Looking good with a big girl backpack!

Here comes the bus!

We could see Rylee and Axel waving enthusiastically as the driver pulled up.

Can you tell she was excited? We are so happy Rylee and Axel have become such good friends, are in the same class, can sit together in the bus and carpool. Sometimes things just work out like a dream!
Notice in the pictures after school Rylee is not wearing her backpack. About 30 seconds after I took the last picture I asked "Rylee where is your backpack?" She looked frantically back at the bus as it drove away. Needless to say, I spent the next 10 minutes chasing down the bus in my friend Jill's car. But the backpack was recovered and Rylee went on to tell me she had a great first day. She loves her teacher and we really couldn't be happier with out things have worked out so far! Still...I can't believe my baby girl is already a kindergartner. I got a little choked up after dropping her off and am again as I write this. Its not that I am sad...I am super excited for her! Its just crazy how fast they grow!

Presenting....

Our neighborhood kids and parents worked hard to pull off the 3rd annual neighborhood play. This was obviously our 1st year and we had no idea how big of a deal this was going to turn out to be. Rylee had a blast playing "Star bellied Sneetch #6" who had 3 speaking lines which she delivered loud and clear. We really loved being a part of the fun and look forward to participating again next year! Needless to say we are glad we moved to such a great neighborhood!
It was...complete with live music...

....Awesome stage props, backdrops, and costumes!

Star bellied sneetches having fun on the beaches!

Star bellied Sneetches having a frankfurter party.

The sneetches without stars upons "thars" singing the blues.

McMonkey Mcbean and his machine (to take off/put on stars)!

Two special members of the audience reading the program!

All of the sneetches are the best on the beaches! (Rylee's great new friend Axel who lives in the neighborhood and is in her kindergarten class!).

(Almost) the whole cast!

Take a bow!

If you found this post confusing check out "The Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss. It has a great message about kindness and equality. Then come back and revisit this post and you will better appreciate what a superb performance these kids pulled together in only 6 days of 2 hour practices!