mixed feelings

Reconciling the fun and adventure to be had at Kindergarten with missing one's family and the familiarity of home life...

Eager to expand upon an already impressive knowledge base with fresh books, learning toys, art supplies, musical instruments, and computer games versus the freedom of being able to set one's own agenda (one that wouldn't include "quiet rest time" -- or P.E. if it were me)...

Meeting children one's own age and having fun with them yet feeling shy and hesitant to jump in to a group of kids who already seem to know each other pretty well...

Special one-on-one time with Dad in "the big truck" spotting construction vehicles -- after getting up before daylight to hurriedly eat the traditional bagel with cream cheese in time to be on the road...

Five days at school and only two stay home days...

and to top it all off
Knowing one's younger brother is at home watching "I Dig Dirt" without you...

tough stuff for a five-year-old (and his parents).