Preschool

When it comes to my kids and preschool it isn't one size fits all.  All my kids are different with varying needs.  Matt had preschool one year before kindergarten through the school district.  I wouldn't have bothered with it except he was not developing like his peers and we had him tested.  He was behind the average and qualified for the preschool program at White Pine.  It was a good thing for him. 
With Kaleb I never thought about preschool.  I knew that kindergarten would be a good enough transition for him and that he would do just fine and he did.  Ian is my shy child, unless you really get to know him.  A friend from church approached me about a preschool her son would be in.  She raved about the teacher who does it from her home.  It would only be twice a week for a few hours.  Tyson and I felt it would be perfect for Ian.  I had a feeling kindergarten would be a pretty difficult change for him.  I wasn't worried academically.  I just worried about him being in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by people he didn't know.  I felt it would be a scary and overwhelming for him. 
Ian was able to visit the preschool in Mrs. Patricia's home and then she came to our house a week before it started to read Ian a few books and give him a pencil and some stickers.  She does this with all the kids.  I think that helped him to feel a little more comfortable.  Mrs. Patricia's kids are all grown and you can tell she is an awesome grandma.  She was so good with Ian.  She is so kind and sweet and welcoming.  He loves her already. 
His first day was great and he was so excited, not apprehensive at all.  He totally left us in the dust when he went upstairs to the bonus room where the preschool is held. He also knows a few kids in the class from church so that helps.  The second day he kept asking me when it would be time to go to school.  I decided, since it was his first time starting school, I'd get him new shoes and a shirt.  What a treat that was for him!  He was so excited. :) Having older brothers it's mostly hand me downs for him.  He doesn't ever get to chose what he likes.  He was so happy to pick something out himself.
Preschool is just the perfect amount of time.  He is still with me the majority of the week so that makes it fun and not overwhelming and I don't have to fully let go yet.  I can't believe how fast time flies and that he'll be in kindergarten next year.  It is so bittersweet, all these milestones.

Getting ready to head off to his first day.  He is so cute!

He has arrived.

Mya, a little friend he already knows.

Sitting by his Kai, a friend from church.