Olivia's 1st day of Pre-School

Monday was O's first day of pre-school on base. The Child Development Center here has a Spanish Immersion Class for children ages 3-5 and we were lucky enough to just make the cut as O just turned 3 a month ago. The class is taught by local Spanish women and they will speak only Spanish to the kids. I am so excited as this is the time for O to learn a language and Justin and I know enough Spanish at this point to emphasize certain phrases and words at home. In other words, our Spanish knowledge is on par with a 3 year old. Only kidding...we may be at a 10 year old level.
We attended the parent meeting and were so impressed with everything they will be teaching the kids this year. It is treated as a year long program with the same holidays as the regular elementary and high school on base. And what is so great is that it is 5 days a week, 3 hours a day in the morning. More than the average pre-school! I am hoping that this type of pre-school will set her up for the schools back in the states when we leave here and possibly help her retain language easier as she grows older in school.
We made the first day a big deal for her and went out shopping last weekend for a dress and shoes for the big day and I spent extra time drying and brushing her hair. She was so excited and did so well her 1st day! I am so glad that I have used the CDC so much in the past for hourly care as O was fine being left at school while other kids in her class were screaming for their moms the whole time. There is something to be said for giving your child social opportunities in places outside the home before they actually head off to school. At least this was necessary for a kid like Olivia.

The morning of the big day. Dress-7,50 Euro. Shoes-9 Euro. Cute outfit and reasonably priced! I know how to bargain shop-it's one of my best attributes (in my not-so-humble opinion).

Showing off her new dress.


Okay Dad. I am getting bored now.


Waiting for her friend Drew to come over and take pictures together. They were so excited to be reunited together again in class!


She can not help herself from losing focus and checking everything going on in the street.


And here comes Drew for the pictures!


Of course, two 3 year old's can not pose perfectly together to catch the perfect shot.


Heading to her classroom.


Found her spot to start playing with play-doh while her other amigos arrived.

We are so proud of you Olivia! You have become quite the young little lady. We love you Bug!