Kindergarten

Kindergarten....CHECK!  Wow, Kayla's first year in school just zoomed right by!  And what a year it has been.  It started in Arizona and ended in Maryland!

~1st day of school~

She got off to a great start!

~1st spelling test, October '12~

And we had memorable moments like 'bring your parent to lunch day'!

She really did love her school in AZ.  And so did Garrett and I!  Her teacher was awesome and Kayla thrived under her direction.  

During Winter break we packed up and raced across the lovely U.S. and settled in Maryland in just about record time.  She started school again just a day or two after the end of break.    

~1st day of school in MD~

I was so nervous for her that first day.  I know what it's like to be 'the new kid' and it's not always pleasant.  But thankfully, most kindergartners are more excited about meeting someone new rather than hunkering down in cliques.  She hit the ground running and transitioned in beautifully.

During the Spring Kayla had her first report and class presentation on the Parrot Fish.  We practiced a lot at home :)

~Kayla and her teacher in MD~

I feel like we really lucked out.  Kayla had two Kindergarten teachers and BOTH were awesome!  Here in MD, Kayla continued to thrive and excel.  Here reading skills are far above 'kinder' level and she is so eager learn about math, science, social studies, etc.  Right now, learning is fun for her and I just pray she continues to have this passion for education!  Of course, not all her days in the classroom were rose colored ...... well actually ..... literally they were when she had to turn her behavior card to red ... but they were few and far between and we couldn't be more proud of her!

~Last day on school~

She came home the last day of school with these two awards!  So, congratulations and rewards were in order ... in the form of froyo and a trip to the bookstore to pick out her very first chapter books!

It's quite fitting that she picked out a book about dinosaurs!  She has loved them since .... as long as I can remember and for some time now she has said she wants to be a paleontologist when she grows up!  {just the fact that she knows what a paleontologist is should give you a clue how much she loves dinosaurs ;) }

Kayla!  Mom and dad are SOOO proud of you!  It has been such a fun year watching you grow and mature academically.  You are a smart and kind girl and will go so far in this world.  We will always be there for you, assisting and guiding you as you continue down your 'school days' path!  XOXOXOX