Back to School

Well, it's here once again. The first day of school. I think it went well. At least I handled it okay and that is what's really important. Actually I wondered how the kids would do too. At dinner last night Lynnsey started complaining of a tummy ache. Dinner took longer than expected too so bath was late and bedtime was even later. By the time teeth were brushed and we'd had prayer, it was almost 10:00. Yikes! Then Lynnsey threw up and I wondered if she'd even get to have her first day of school. At midnight I had to get up with her again. I had given her a bowl just in case. She missed it by a mile so I had to change her pj's and bedding. But after that she slept well and kept everything down. It's possible it was just nerves I guess.

The kid's were actually easy to wake up this morning since I think they were actually excited/nervous about the day. I had told the kids that there were no tears allowed today except for me. Not only will I be sending off another one to Kindergarten, but I've just really enjoyed having everyone home this summer. And Taylor has been an enormous help with Spencer and Kaya, I'm sure I'll be lost without him for all those hours of the day.

Taylor went first at a little after 7 a.m. He goes to Washington Gardner Middle School and is in 7th grade this year. He says he actually thinks his schedule this year is pretty decent. He has Advisory (which is basically home room), Science, Algebra, Band, Social Studies, Explorers class (this term he has Exploring the Human Body; future classes include Exploring Computers, Exploring Careers, and Exploring Creative Writing), and English. He is thrilled not to have gym this year. He says he thinks he'll like most of his teachers and one of his best friends shares several of his classes.

Kalen took Kendall across the street to his school. They changed the school this year from a Pre-K through 2nd Grade school and it now has 1st through 4th grades, so Kendall gets to spend a couple of extra years at Harrington Elementary. His teacher this year is Ms. Ellenwood and he seems really excited about her. Plus, he has several of his good friends in class too including a neighbor girl that he plays with lots and "The Twins", two little girls who are so much fun. I think he'll really have a great year.

I drove Lynnsey up to her school. She goes to Caldwell Elementary which is an early childhood school that houses preschool, Early 5's, kindergarten, head start, and an early childhood class for developmentally disabled children. Her teacher is Mrs. Geyer and I think she will have so much fun with her. I was pleasantly surprised to see how large her classroom is and how few children are in the class. They're trying to keep class sizes to less than 17 kids which I think is great. I expected tears from my little shy girl, but she did great. Once we found her name tag and her seat at her table, she opened a jar of playdough and gave me a hug goodbye. I had planned to stay a bit longer but I figured I'd better take advantage of an easy exit. She seemed to have a great day and says she's excited for tomorrow.

Even though he's not old enough for school yet, Spencer didn't want to be left out of this post so we took his picture wearing the shirt that the kids said he needed to wear today since he still has "no school". I think he really missed the kids today, but I'm sure he'll quickly get used to having more of my attention. Plus tomorrow his little friend Aksel will start coming a few mornings per week again and he's SO excited about that. Here's a somewhat scary and sad thought though(at least to me): Next year Spencer will be having a first day of school photo when he's off to preschool!