First Day of School

It is that time of year again..........school is back in session...whooo hooo! I say that, but while I love the peace and quiet during the day, I more than make up for it in the evening with all the chaos of life with 5 kids. Here are some pictures of the kids from this morning. They really aren't into the picture taking on the first day of school thing anymore, so they are not the best photos ever. Still they know I insist on getting a couple!

So my oldest (Nick) is starting middle school today. Talk about making me feel old. Never again will all my kids be in the same school! I am nervous for him today. I think starting middle school is a big deal. Huge change (for the better I think) compared to elementary school. I went with him on registration day, and we practiced his locker many times, so I hope he has it down. I will say I was shocked at how some people decorate their lockers. Ummm.. we didn't take anything to decorate. He still doesn't even have a mirror or shelf. One gal a few lockers down from his has a shag rug for carpet, wall paper outlining the locker, lights, etc. She went ALL out. It made me stop for a brief second and thank God I have mostly boys. Anyhow, I got off track. I made sure to put a copy of Nick's schedule in a place where he could easily look at it. We talked thru it several times. In his school the 6th graders are sort of divided in teams. None of his close friends are on his team, so I think that has him a little sad. This morning went smoothly, and he didn't seem nervous at all. I no longer have any say in what he wears... so there was no dressing up. I am okay with that b/c he looked like everyone else at the bus stop (with the exception of not having colored socks pulled up...that seems to be the in thing with boys I guess).

Nick did not allow me to take my camera to the bus stop. While he was distracted I did however take this one photo with my phone of some of the kids at the bus stop. Lots of boys for sure!

 Nick's bus comes and goes before my other kids are even awake. I rushed back home and started round number 2. The first day is always easy b/c everyone is excited to get up and moving. This will be the only easy day... just kidding. Seriously there were no major meltdowns this morning. I was not able to go the ice cream social/meet teacher night/put supplies away night b/c I was working and had to get Nick from hockey. Clark and my mom went instead, so I have no opinion yet of any teachers b/c I have yet to meet them. My mom always makes everything sound horrible. She thinks Ryan's teacher is mean. Ryan is the only one with a preggo teacher right now. I guess that is fair considering last year he was the only one who did not have a teacher change in the middle of the year. Alexis does not have any of her close friends in her class but was excited that the teacher let them pick their own desks. It is the little things really. My mom also told me that Landon had to fill out some information sheet and he said recess was his favorite thing about school. Go figure. Adam was super excited to see his old teacher and according to my mom has a really nice teacher this year as well.

You will see from the many photos that I was not having any luck getting one photo with ALL the kids looking good.

 I think it is safe to say Alexis is excited.

 You would think I was torturing them to make them touch each other for a picture.

 New backpacks.

 Alexis happy to be starting the 4th grade. I love this girl!

 Adam excited for the 1st grade.

 Landon starting 1st grade and over the picture taking.

 Ryan starting 1st grade. I pray it goes okay!

 Funny shots

 The long walk to bus stop

 Ryan always happy if someone has a dog to pet while waiting.

 Alexis with friends

 Trying to get a photo of everyone.

 Had to take again b/c more people showed up.

 Off they go.

 

Summer went crazy fast! It seems hard to believe it is time for this already. I can't wait to hear how the first day went for all my kids. Nick will be home in less than one hour. I spent my first day of freedom painting in the basement and cleaning some around the house. The day has flown by, and I never get as much done as I think I will. Here's to a GREAT school year! Cheers!