*celebration*

keahi started kindergarten this past week. an incredible milestone, indeed!

during the summer, i was probably more excited than she, and i constantly asked her, "can you believe you're going to be in kindergarten?" i was excited about the teachers and children she'd meet; about the things she'd learn; about the joy she'd experience everyday.

the first day of school did not disappoint. i saw a little discomfort, maybe even fear, as keahi mingled among the few kids who were in the gym. when more kids came in, i thought she'd cry because she was overwhelmed. mrs. huntzinger gave her a reassuring hug, and that was it. she was won over.

she waited for her classmates to arrive and then everyone went outside to see where they would normally line up for school. it was mayhem! kids with oversized backpacks; some crying (see the boy behind the girls) and some just elated to be there. our daughter was in the latter group, and i was filled with joy. i would have cried, but i kept snapping pictures.

the class bounded off to their room, and i watched them go. keahi skipped off and blew me a kiss. i melted and basked in the moment, letting it all settle, as my mom would advise.

god is good.