Big Girl

Well, it's official. Carmella will be attending our neighborhood school, the one we had heard wonderful things about, the one we wanted to live by, the one we can walk to, the one our neighbors all go to and love. I should be happy; Paul is. But I was rooting for the Montessori option, and we didn't get in (it's a lottery system to get in... part of the St. Paul Public Schools). I am trying to make peace with it, and it's a slow process.

We had her kindergarten orientation tonight, and met the three K teachers and the principal. Everyone was kind and energetic and oozed love of children. The rooms were bright, light and filled with all good things. One even had a mini-carousel! (Used for a listening center.) Ella seemed eager, although a little overwhelmed I think, too. The building is old, but mostly charming. There's no art teacher, but they have PE, science and music. (My sister will fill that art gap nicely!) The library is a bit of a joke and the bathrooms are below-average, but overall, I think our kids will be happy here. Hopefully I will be, too. It'll be a part of our lives for the next ten years!!