My Little Boy Grows Up

Ok, I've been putting off this post because I don't want to admit that my little boy is now a big Kindergartener! But, he keeps going back every day for a week and a half now (and I'm actually learning to like the 2 hours or so of one less talking child!) So, I decided it was time to allow him to grow up...at least a little bit!
He's got his backpack on and he is ready to walk out the front door! Can I really let him walk out?
The door to his classroom. Can I really let him walk in?
Cole managed to get both his best friend and his best friend that is a girl in his class. We don't know if that is good or bad! We hope his teacher is prepared.
After helping him put his backpack away, find his seat, get his nametag on, he was ready. Can I walk out the door now?
After I had Cole all situated, there was a funny moment. All of the moms (and a few dads) were standing around at the edge of the classroom, with all of the kids in their seats and the teacher trying to get some last minute stuff done. Cole's friend's dad leaned over to me and asked what we were all waiting for. I turned back to him and I said, "I'm not sure, this is my first time doing this, but I think we are all waiting for the teacher to reassure us that she is going to take good care of our kids and then tell us to get out!" He said, "Oh, I thought we were waiting for some presentation or something." And with that, he turned and walked out. I started laughing and followed him out, as did the rest of the reluctant mothers.
After a little over 2 hours (I already hate early out day and it's only the second week!), we rushed back to the school to make sure that we were there when they came out sure that they would run to their mothers for a big hug.
I was in such a hurry that I didn't even notice that Emily put on 2 different shoes, a brown one and a black one!
And of course, as he came out, he didn't even know why I was there to pick him up. His cousin picked him up and that's all he needed! I've since been informed that he does not need me to walk him home. He has friends and cousins that can do it!
Sad, doesn't he understand a mother's need to hold on for just a while longer?