Today Braden officially became a kindergartener. We had been trying to get him mentally ready for the past few weeks. He seemed fine when he picked out new shoes, picked out a new backpack and attended the school orientation last Thursday. Regarding that orientation, it was the third time Braden had been in the school, and he seemed eager to show us where his classroom was.

But this morning was tough. Braden tried to ignore the fact that the big day had finally come. He watched videos of Minecraft while eating breakfast, like he normally does, but was hesitant to brush his teeth and put on his shoes (typically the moments right before we leave). He didn’t want to put his backpack on, either, but eventually did so with reluctance.

Getting Braden out the door was another challenge. He sat on the floor and said he wanted to stay home. We finally got him outside and took some photos; as you can see, he was pretty upset. That anger carried forward as we almost had to drag him to the bus stop. There, he demanded to go home before sitting down and lightly crying.

When the bus came, he fought us. Brian tried to get him on until Braden asked for Kristin. She then had to carry him onto the bus and put him into a seat. The bus driver smiled at us, as he’s probably seen this same scene countless times.

Carson was upset, too, as he wanted to go with Braden. We’re worried how Carson is going to be at this preschool now that his big brother isn’t there, in addition to having a full day instead of a half-day.

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We didn’t mention this earlier this summer, but Braden did get accepted (won the lottery) to attend Verona’s charter school program, known as Verona Area International School (VAIS). He will be learning the normal curriculum, except half the day will be taught in Mandarin. He will be in the program through fifth grade, with kindergarten and first grade held at Stoner Prairie Elementary (where he would have gone anyway), and second through fifth grade at Savannah Oaks Middle School.

Since school lets out so early, we are putting Braden in a YMCA after-school program at the same school. The program allows us to pick him up as late as 6 p.m.

It’s a lot of changes for Braden, and we’re worried how he’s going to fare: will he make it to the bathroom on time? will he eat his lunch (we purchased the hot lunch)? will he make friends? will he remember his after-school snack in his backpack?

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