Back to School!!

(Soaking up their last days of summer while I count down the days)

I practically shoved the kids through the door this year!! We got back from Utah and had a few weeks of "survival" until they were off to school and it was just Georgie Porge at home.  Serenity!!  Love my children, but breaking up their numerous fights throughout the day got REALLY old.  Don't you worry, It starts back up again at 3:00 when they get home.  

We lucked out this year with some awesome teachers.  I feel like we've lucked out every year.  Kiker is the best school!  Jack got Mrs. Haschke who is very warm but stern (Mary Poppins), and an awesome educator.  Jack comes home singing songs and pointing out high frequency words in the books we read.  He had become an awesome little reader over the summer and is learning so much more every day.  The best part is, he loves school!  It's pretty hard to wake him up in the morning, but once he's up, he's pumped! His buddy Evan is in his class and even though they are together all day at school, they still want to play when they get home.  He's such a happy, well-adjusted little guy. 

Sadie's teacher is another Mary Poppins.  Her name is Sara Trumet and she and Sadie have such a cute little bond.  They write little notes to each other on Sadie's spelling tests each week.  When we went in for Parent/Teacher conference, she suggested we put Sadie in the Gifted and Talented Program which starts taking applications in January.  I was a little apprehensive after hearing the program was just more homework, but have since been convinced Sadie thrives off more of a challenge.  I'm just pleased that Mrs. Trumet sees Sadie the way we see her and that she will be guided at a greater degree for the years to come.  

I did something different this year and took their school pictures the night before.  That way they were all happy and not groggy (or rushed) in the morning.  Love these little nuggets so much!!

Sadie was convinced she needed a bigger backpack this year.  I surprised her with this Garnet Hill pony backpack.  She was beyond thrilled!

Jack's first year at Kiker!  He needed a back pack too.  He of course chose a Spiderman pack.  Still can't believe he's old enough to go to elementary school!!  

Kids got some very special "Father's blessings" from Chase and then they were off to bed with a little help from our friend Melatonin.  

I couldn't help but take a few more pictures the next morning!

No matter how crazy they make me when they're home for the summer, I always get a little emotional the first day of school.   Just look at them!!!!

We dropped Sadie off first, who has always been so brave and excited for new adventures.  She's going to have a great year! 3rd grade!!

It was a little harder to say goodbye to this little man.  He was totally excited to get in there but I totally cried and held onto him a little longer than usual.  I've learned from Sadie that once these kids hit Kindergarten, they're never home all day again. No longer babies, but big kids one day to be TOTALLY embarrassed by a mother's tearful embrace.  

I'll keep kissing and hugging them in public until they won't let me anymore!