August 25, 2015

First Day of School for Kate and Samuel.
Kate is in Mrs. Probst/ Mr. Johansen's class this year for third grade
and Sam is in Mrs. Hayter's class for first grade.

I think you can tell from these pictures who was more excited.  In the days before school started in talking about it Kate says she prefers school to summer and Sam prefers summer to school.  Sam said to me repeatedly how he was going to miss me too much, since this is his first go at full day school.  He also asked who was going to read me stories in the afternoon- last year in the afternoon I would have him read me stories, of course he thinks i needed the stories read to me, not that he just needed to practice reading :)

We didn't really go school shopping for clothes this year, I just ordered a few things online for them each, but I did let them go to the store all together one day and pick out backpacks and shoes and lunch boxes.  Then another day we picked out school supplies.
The day before school started was a Monday.  I made a calendar all colorful and organized in the mud room, and a picture schedule on the fridge.  We went to the store and let the kids pick out all kinds of lunch items and set up lunch making stations in the pantry and fridge to make it easy for them to create their own lunch.  And we organized all the school supplies in the hutch.
Kate and I haggled over what to wear for the first day of school and finally compromised to the outfit here.  Sam got a hair cut just right before bedtime the night before.  There was even late night ironing from me.

The evening before I had a really great FHE back to school- pictures to be added later.
Then the two kids and I went to back to school night to meet their teachers and see their class.

The morning of the first day we were ready over an hour before needed.  The bus comes around 8:20 too so that is saying something.  I am committed to waking up early and making breakfast for these school kids, and having a little devotional with prayer before heading out.
And we successfully accomplished all those things each day of the first week so far.  I'm sure as the winter creeps in my warm bed will seem more difficult to get out of.  But I'm hopeful.

The bus stop was full of all our friends waiting and excited, checking out backpacks and new shoes.

The first day with only Marianne and Beth home was some kind of dream.  More on the life of me and only half my kids all day to come later.

Kate and Sam arrived home and sat on the porch with me eating the leftover lunch items in their bags telling me about their first day.  No drama, friends in their class, and only good things.

I hope so much for their year to be rewarding, happy and perfect in every way.