My Peter Pan is Growing Up

Tomorrow our eldest boy, William (almost 4), starts junior kindergarten. Husband sent me an article titled Teach Him Gently which, judging by the title, caused me to tear up as I read it. 

William being a goof...

As adults, we know how cruel the world can be, and how that begins at school. I won't be there to protect my little prince. Some of his innocence will begin to shed.

Bo with the big eyes made even bigger by the Spider Man face paint. 

Tonight in the tub with brother Bo (2). 

Me: William, tomorrow is your first day of school.
William: (big smile).
Me: Are you excited?
William: Yeah-aaaah!
Bo: Catch the fluff!  (note: two bits of sock fluff were floating in the tub)
Me: What do you think you'll do at school?
William: I don't know.
Me: What do you want to do at school?
William: Uh, play? And have snacks there.
Me: Anything else?
Bo: Fluff! Catch it!
William: I don't know.
Me: What do you hope you're teacher is like?
William: Daddy said I have to help the teacher clean up.
Me: Do you like cleaning?
William: Yeah. [ No. ]
Me: Bo, are you excited for William to go to school?
Bo: Too. [ Me go too. ]
Me: What happens if you don't like school tomorrow?
William: I will.

Gotta love the optimism. We should all be more like that. 

Baby Joshua 5.5 months...big innocent blue eyes...William looked just like this when he was a baby. Wow, those 4 years have gone by super fast...