Today is the first day of first grade for Benjamin.  He has been so excited about starting school for a long time now.  All weekend he's been saying "I wish it was Tuesday!"  So now Tuesday is here, his new backpack is packed and he walked into school with a spring in his step.  Montessori school separates kids into classes that each have three different grade levels in it.  So this year is his first year in "E1," which includes first, second and third grade students.  There are a lot of changes as he moves up this year including a new teacher, a locker of his own (last year he had just a cubby in the classroom) and homework.  Believe it or not, but he is most looking forward to the homework...for now anyway!

This weekend we met up with a bunch of Schmitts at a park in Cannon Falls (halfway between us and the Twin Cities).  Benjamin and Lucy both enjoyed playing with their cousins and exploring the park.  Here are some photos from the day: