Turning Toward School

So long lazy days of summer.  Waaaayy before any of us were ready, it was time to turn our thoughts toward school.  The first day of school temps were in the 90s, so I stuck our traditional back-to-school banner in a watermelon to remind us all that summer wasn't really over, we just had to spend part of our days at school now. Everyone is at the same school this year as they were last year, which has done wonders to help manage nerves and expectations as we have started this new year. 

Leah has been up and at 'em for color guard for weeks by this point, so getting up for school was no big deal for her.  She has been driving herself to and from practice and work all summer, and was more than ready to start driving herself to school now as well!  All around we have been quite pleased with the junior year driving milestone for Leah.  As our oldest-child-guinea-pig-baby, we definitely have pushed back these milestones for her in hopes of keeping the younger kids expectations at bay for as long as possible. Leah is ready to take on her junior year by force!  She has two AP classes, online seminary for the first six weeks to accommodate before-school color guard practice, and competitions or games every weekend through October to kick her year off with. 

Next up is 8th grader Adam!  

Adam is ready to rule the school, Chick-fil-a style!

His biggest hopes for this year are to get his learners permit and get his braces off. 

And last but not least, my elementary school babies! I'm so glad they have one more year together before Emma heads off to middle school. 

Emma is ready to be a leader and top dog at Jordan Creek, and has a great line up of activities and a great circle of friends this year. 

How is Noah already in 4th grade?!  He was a kindergarten in 2020 so right from the beginning his school years have felt all mixed up to me.  I am thrilled that he has the same teacher Emma had in 4th grade, and he is thrilled that one of his three best friends is in his class (although he would have gladly taken all three!). 

 Laney is always at a loss when the kids are at school. She watches the road diligently for any signs of their return. 

And return they all did! With smiles and tales of classes and friends and excitement for the new year and a bit of sadness for the end of summer.  

After school relaxing is a must whenever possible. 

And as is our new tradition, we got Chick-fil-a for dinner on the second night of school.  That one's always a bit tougher than the first day as we all have to get up again and do it all over again... 179 more times.  But there is so much good that comes in the school year- it's going to be a great year!