First day at kindergarten

The remaining few weeks of summer holiday passed and both her brothers and her mother returned back to the Netherlands. Just like that the new term had started and also Henry's first day at kindergarten. He was only three and a half years old but as he had reached the mile stones he needed to reach in preschool, he was allowed to attend kindergarten as a early student. Since their group considered themselves a family, they had decided that not only Sophia and George would be there for for this special day, but that his blood unrelated uncles and aunts would all be attending as well. So, for this day all the members of their friend group had woken up early and had gathered in front of his school. Ready to take their first mini-member to his first day at kindergarten.

This large party sending him off to school was something which brought much joy to Henry. Not only did it make him very special to be the only person there with so many people to cheer him on during this important day, he was also happy to be considered as such an important member of his parents' friend group. Having all these important people here to support him on such a scary and exciting day, made it all seem a lot less scary and gave him the confidence he needed to start on this new adventure. Under the cheers of their encouragement he went inside the large building and didn't leave until he was no longer in sight.

After the deed had been done, the adults all went to have a cup of coffee or tea. Under the enjoyment of a warm beverage they all congratulated Sophia and George on having their son having grownup so much already to be ready to attend kindergarten. "How does it feel to drop him off for his first day at school?" Both Sophia and George had a bit of a saddened smile on their faces as they replied. "It is kind of bitter sweet. I am proud that my boy was selected to attend kindergarten as an early student but I am a bit sad to see that he has already grown up this much. Soon he won't be needing me at all and I will just be a spectator of his life." Elizabeth squeezed Sophia's arm as she said, "You still have a long time before that. Even to this day we still need our parents from time to time. With parents like you guys, I am sure your children will want to stay with you for as long as they can."

Taking comfort in the words of their close friend, Sophia thanked her wordlessly by covering Elizabeth's hand with her own and George did the same by patting her on the shoulder. "That is Lizzy for you. Always knowing what to say." Nick then asked, "So, with child number one being almost four years old, are you guys considering when you will be planning for child number two?" At this question Sophia's cheeks immediately turned crimson and George let out a light hearted chuckle. "Well, it's funny you should bring it up but truth be told, we are already expecting child number two. It's still early but we took a test last week and it came out positive. So, with a bit of luck Henry will have a little brother or sister by the end of this college year." The whole group became instantly excited at hearing this news. One after the other getting up to give them a hug or a pat on the back.

Jenny said, "That is amazing you guys. Congratulations. This is just perfect. With four years between them it is not too much and not too little." Elizabeth was quick to agree as she said, "Exactly! You will have one child away at school for half days when the second one gets here. Juggling two kids at home full time seems quite tough and something I wish upon no one." Jenny rolled her eyes as she took a deep breath. "Tell me about it. I have my hands full with the first one. I can't imagine having two of such troublemakers at home with me." All of them started to laugh as Jason put his arm around her in comfort. "He still won't speak hmm?" Harry asked. "No. He is being as stubborn as ever. If he wasn't my child I would have long since been tempted to give up or resort to violence."

After another few minutes of talking and congratulating both Sophia and George one last time, the eight of them were forced to part as they had to go about the rest of their days. They were all very busy young individuals and had already taken quite some time off to be able to be there for Henry on his first day at kindergarten. "Thank you guys for taking time out of your schedules to be here today. Henry was really happy to see you all there for him and it was good for us as well to have you all here." "Of course. How could we not be there when our OM was having such an important day?" "Yeah, aren't we family? Family is there when you have have something to celebrate, need some help or just a shoulder to cry on. This falls at least in one of those categories." With a final chuckle and a wave they finally returned to whatever was scheduled for the rest of this day.