Back to School

Today is the day! Among the nerves, there was excitement.

I am very sad that summer is over as I have enjoyed being able to play with my kids everyday. Now it is time for another chapter in life, another routine, a new beginning.

We took pictures out front, like we always do, on the way to school.

Madison is starting 5th grade, her last year at Maple Elementary. (sniff).

Brooke is now 3rd grade and was not the happiest with her teacher assignment, but I think it will be a great fit. Brooke has only heard that the teacher is "strict" - maybe that's why I like it.

Brooke all settled in her classroom at the 'girl' table.

Christian with his buddy Tim (who is in Madison's class). Tim always allows Christian to play with him during the Father and Son Camp-out. It's really cute - Tim saw Christian walking by, called out to him and ran over to see him. Christian thought that was pretty cool. I wonder if it has anything to do with the little crush Tim has had on Madison? He could be pretty smart - get in good with the little brother. Sorry Tim, you have to get in good with the parents! ha!

Madison in line ready to go into her class room - she happened go glance over at me. I'm glad she's not embarrassed by me taking so many pictures. I'm also glad that there were many (many!) other parents doing the same thing. The teacher had to excuse us so she could start teaching! I wonder if next year we will all be there at the junior high taking pictures and holding our kids' hands?

What?

Junior high?

Did I just say that?

Nooooo!

I don't think I'll let her go to junior high.

Madison found her desk. I think the kids are all overwhelmed at the sheer amount of books and things they have. There was no room on the desk for anything! It's such a big class, too: 36 kids! I would feel claustrophobic. Notice Tim sitting right behind her; I think he'll be stoked.

Christian is in p.m. kindergarten. He was very, very excited to go and wanted to stay at school when the dropped the girls off this morning. He starts at 11:15, so we went back later. I made him a tote bag and he thought it was very cool... like Indiana Jones.

He is ready for K!

His best bud Harrison also started K, but is in a different class.

That could be a good thing since they have a habit of playing non-stop and not paying attention to the teacher.

Christian with Mrs. Zdenek (above) and Mrs. Barkman (below). They team teach and both Brooke and Madison had them. They are awesome ladies - he'll have a great year!

He got right down to business at his desk!

I got to clean the house when I got home . . . and it stayed clean for the whole hour (because Ashlyn is napping)! It hasn't been this clean or quiet for the entire summer.

Now it's time to pick up the kids. I'm so anxious to hear how their day went and it will be interesting to see how many minutes it takes before the house is destroyed.