We've had a week of "first days" around here.

First, Quinn had his first day of Kindergarten!

He was so excited leading up to the first day that he woke up at 4:50am the day of! Overall, I think school met his expectations. According to Quinn their first day involved: doing yoga, having recess, eating snack and eating lunch. He left out all the academic lessons in his description, but I'm assuming he did that, too!

Quinn's favorite parts of school involved the food (big surprise) and the free breakfast was the biggest highlight of all.

In St. Paul, all the kids get free breakfast regardless of income level. Every child goes through the breakfast line, and takes what they would like. They do this to (a) ensure that every kid eats before schools starts, and (b) avoid marginalizing the kids who qualify for free breakfast. Everyone waits in line, and everyone is offered food. I love this.

Quinn couldn't believe his eyes when he saw all the choices.

Here he is carefully typing in his student pin to receive his food.

And with the final product!

They take it back to their desk to eat while the teacher does attendance, etc. It's a nice warm-up to the day.

Here are a few more shots of the first day.

Walking into school

Fridge in the classroom :)

A shot of the class getting settled.

So far everything is going great! Quinn came home happy and tired, and ready to go back.

The girls also had their first day back to school today. In their case "school" is early child and family education (ECFE), which is run by St. Paul Public Schools. The girls and I have been going since they were just a few months old.

In the time since my last post Penelope has decided she now loves the camera, and is providing cheshire cat grins for every picture. Zahra was a bit more nervous about her first day - she's chewing on her hand here which is what she does when she's anxious.

No anxiety from Miss P!

Zahra warmed up after just a few seconds and got right to work.

The kids are busy and learning a lot this week. Can't wait to see what else they learn in school this year!

Finally, Quinn had his first piano lesson with his new teacher this week and we're very happy with the switch. He's playing little songs now (mary had a little lamb) - not from memory either, but from reading the notes. Hopefully I'll get some video of this soon.