Back to School!

We had an AWESOME summer. A couple weeks ago, I was really sad at the thought of summer being over. I loved having the kids around, watching them play and be free, and I loved being carefree and relaxed. However, all good things must come to an end, and as school approached, I actually found myself looking forward to a new start, more of a routine, and a chance to set some new goals. We did our back to school shopping the week or two before school started, and then the Sunday before we had a "Back to School Feast" out on the patio and then Jeremy gave the kids blessings. It was a great night!

The next day the school had an Open House where they could bring their school supplies in to their classrooms and meet their teachers. Both the boys have great teachers this year and I'm really happy. They both are very sweet and seem to have a lot of fun things planned.

Then that Wednesday, it was off to school!

Eli is in 2nd grade this year and Connor started kindergarten! Luckily they still have half-day kindergarten here, so he only goes from 8-11am and then he's done!

Woohoo! It's perfect. And there are only 15 kids in his class! (Eli has 24).

Eli is looking forward to learning cursive this year, as well as learning fractions, learning about pioneers, and lots of other fun topics.

I walked Connor to his class the first day and he was very excited!

Normally I drop the boys off in the morning and then they both take the bus home. We are the first stop on the way home, so it's a quick trip and very nice that I don't have to wake sleeping babes to go pick them up. And it's very nice that Eli's class is just down the hall from Connor's class, so they walk together in the morning and Eli makes sure Connor gets there okay. :)

So far they both seem very happy with school! It's only been three days, but I hope it will last. They are growing up!
 

And this little missy is growing up too. I think she has enjoyed the extra attention in the mornings without her big brothers around. In the three mornings they've been gone, we've gone to the park, exercised, gone grocery and shoe shopping, and done yard and garden work. She has been my buddy through it all!

And not to be forgotten, little Grace has been a great buddy too! She often takes a good long nap in the morning though, so she doesn't notice the boys not being around as much. :)


Grace also likes to help me do my chores - cleaning bathrooms, making dinner, doing dishes, etc. Sometimes we're all a lot happier when she just comes along with me.

So there you have it! Hard to believe it's almost September and we're back in school. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!