Soooo ready for school

Abby is ready for school... we've had the schoolbus orientation, we've met her teacher Mrs. Rosnow, she's played in her classroom, we've labelled clothes & shoes, picked out a perfect backpack and matching lunchbox and bought her indoor shoes. A little paperwork to finish for Mummy and we're set for her first day, Tuesday September 16. My little girl is starting school. She's ready... I'm getting there :)
Abby and I both thought that we would have the opportunity to ride on the bus together for her very first ride (at the First Riders Program... the event around which we planned our summer vacation!) The kids and parents all watched a Winnie the Pooh safety video, listened to the OPP officer talk about safety, and then we went out for the bus ride. It was at this point that parents were strongly encouraged to allow the kids to ride on their own... big gulp...Abby had never been on a bus by herself. She had always been in her carseat/booster with the exception of a single city bus ride. Abby gave me a little hug and then marched up the steps and into the bus. In the 10 or so minutes that they were out on their ride, I checked my invisible watch dozens of times and tried to be okay with the fact that it was taking FOREVER! When the bus finally pulled around, Abby got off proudly. During their ride, they got off the bus, learned to cross the street safely, and then got back on. I was soooo proud of her!!
They had another bus parked on the lawn where parents and kids could check out the bus. Parents were encouraged to sit in the driver's seat to see what the drivers see as well as the dangerous areas or blind spots.
Such a big girl!!