A New School Year

The kids are back in school and doing great. Taylor and Matthew went back on September 6th and Brayden went back on September 11th. Because they each returned to the same school they were at last year, the transition was seamless. They all appear to like their teachers, classmates, and schools, so I am thrilled that we're back on a schedule.

Taylor has Mrs. Crawford for 3rd grade. She is disappointed that her best friend Nicole is not in her class this year, but she has many friends from Girl Scouts in her class. Our neighbors and bus stop buddies, Leo and Julia, are in her class also, so that was helpful when Taylor forgot her homework twice in one week (we ran over to Julia's to make a copy of the worksheet). The biggest change for Taylor this year is that her class meets in a portable (school is overcrowded so some third grade classes and all fourth grade classes are in portables). She is not a fan of the "outside classroom" but has been rolling with it thus far.

Matthew has Mrs. Hirshberg for 1st grade. While he was bummed that he did not get our beloved Mrs. Thomas (Taylor's 1st grade teacher), he was pumped to learn that several of his best buddies (Lucas Park, Nathan Piha and Kyler Beppu) are in his class. Poor Mrs. Hirshberg! They can be a rowdy bunch of boys, but they are good kids.

Brayden is at Newport Covenant five days a week from 9:30 - 1:00 for Pre-K. I'll admit that it's hard to believe this is my last year of preschool ever. Brayden's class this year is a new group of kids - his class from last year split between three different Pre-K classes (the school divides Pre-K into older 4s and younger 4s), so he is not with his buddy Owen. In fact, there are only two other little boys in his class that were in this class last year. He seems to like the class so far, and I think it will be good for him to branch out and make some new friends. His teachers are Mrs. Carrie and Mrs. Elaine.

I pray my little people have a great school year ahead!

My big kiddos

Sibling shot - Brayden is such a good sport watching his big sister and big brother go off on the school bus.

The bus stop kids - while we were taking this picture, the bus (with a new bus driver) blew past our bus stop! We had to load all the kids into various cars to get them to school on time their first day.

Matty with his classmates Lucas and Nathan (Owen on the left is there for moral support on the first day).

In between the school and our neighborhood, the cars/buses pass through a wooded area. Over the years, people have left old teddy bears in the cave pictured above. The night before school started, the kids and I decided to decorate the bears - we bought balloons and party hats, and Taylor made the sign. It turned out pretty well!

Brayden and I enjoyed a little Starbucks date after the older kiddos started school. I love my one-on-one time with him.

And then it was his turn...

I just adore this boy and his outfit choices. 

Cheers to a great year!