Ditto Neverblushed. I have 3 kids, one in second grade, one in PreK and one in daycare. My second grader meets DS2 at the same daycare in the afternoon. DS1 goes to karate afterschool. I have 2 pick ups. Parenting my DD/DS1 has generally got much easier. They are completely potty trained, they don't need sippy cups, bottles, diaper bags, no naps, etc...They are much easier to roll with the day.
KG like PreK is a transitional year for school. There isn't a lot of homework if anything memorizing a few sight words generally in the second semester. Your DD will learn to put works together in text and that is an amazing feeling eventually your child reading is useful. There is a lot of growth during the KG year, a lot of independence is learned. They learn better how to get along with others and will learn the new schedule. It may be hard at first but keep a routine and get organized. Generally, kids love school that first year. You might want to get a paper filer and a calendar to record important dates (your snack week, parties, etc), school lunches (my kids pick whether they buy or bring based on the menu), any craft projects, volunteer time, etc. Homework, I find needs to be added into a daily routine. My DD can be a little fussy about not wanting to do it. I did find it a little hard to take all 3 of my kids to the KG activities: any afterschool meetings, programs, etc
I love that my kids can be sent outside to play in our fenced yard and need very little supervision. I love that we know a lot of neighborhood kids and they come over to play and entertain my kids. I love that DD loves and really GETS Santa claus. She is soooooooo excited about him moreso than previous years. I love that I can write on the bathroom mirror from the Elf on the Shelf and say "Too much whining/fussing" and she needs no help reading it. I love that it doesn't take much planning anymore to go somewhere. DS2 still needs his cup and is mostly PTed. HE does hate some public toilets though but there is a light at the end of the toddler tunnel.
I love that my 2 of kids can swim and I am not freaking out around pools. Sure, they still need supervision but if they fell in my older two could def get themselves out. There are more activities for the older kids. My DD does cheer and DS does karate and its great to see them excited about it and/or winning a trophy. I love that traveling is easier.
I too miss the cute cuddly days esp with DD. Sometimes I feel that she grew up too fast because I was busy with her brothers (my second was a TOUGH toddler) but we are really content at this age...and I love that too.