Exclusive: See Pics from the Gorga Kids' First Day of School

Yesterday (September 2) was the first day of school for Real Housewives of New Jersey's Gorga kids. And while some students dread heading back to the classroom, Antonia, Gino, and Joey were actually looking forward to returning. “All three of them were up before my alarm even went off,” Melissa Gorga tells The Daily Dish. “They woke me up!” For Joey, it was an even bigger milestone: his first day of kindergarten. Despite it being a new adventure, Melissa tells us that the youngest Gorga was fearless. “He wasn’t even a little nervous,” she says. “He’s like, ‘Bye, Mom. I go to school with the big kids now.’” Needless to say, there were no tears for Joey or Mom. “He didn’t cry and he looked so happy, so it helped me not to cry,” she adds. 

But there was one problem for the newly minted elementary school student. “Joey didn’t like his name tag with his real name, Giuseppe,” Melissa explains. “He was like, ‘Tell the teacher to call me Joey!’” Luckily it turned into a bonding moment for father and son. “Joe told him how he went through the exact same thing when he was in school.” So cute!

Melissa — who admits she goes a little overboard with snapping shots on the first day — shared some of her personal pics from the big day. Looking sharp, guys — especially you, Antonia. Where did you get that maxi dress?!

Does this look like the face of a kid that's afraid of his first day of kindergarten? We think not. 

Look at that proud mama!

They're getting so big! Take a look at the gallery below to see the Gorga kiddies when they were just little wee ones.

Melissa is up for Realest Reconciliation in this year's Real Housewives Awards. You can vote below.