Back to School

Getting home from the hospital after 5 days the night before school starts is a little something like having a baby 2 days before Christmas. I don't recommend it! At. all.

Milo's boss told him after the funeral on Monday morning and getting me home from the hospital that same night, he needed to take the rest of the week off. I am so grateful for that, he's been such a help. Getting breakfast, lunches and backpacks packed for school and then walking the kids the couple blocks to school has been so much more than I could've done on my own this past week. Thank you amazing boss, you were inspired! And thanks to you Milo, you're a great dad to step right in and help it get done. Isn't the before school madness so fun?

We gathered the kids for their annual father's blessings the night before a new school year begins. They really look forward to it and even Reed hopped up into the chair for 'his turn'. He sat so still and looked so grown up. I love that he's making eyes at Marion here.

Nathan laid his clothes out. The socks kill me.

Marion stayed a couple more nights with us and I'm so, so grateful she gave us those days after I was home. We needed her! She made the pancake batter and heated the griddle and I attempted to help with making our traditional letter pancakes though I don't remember helping with much. She pretty much did all of it. This horrible photo shows that even though no one really felt like it, we stuck with tradition. Sorry Kat, I know you had your 'K' pancake but no photo. Marion made their lunches and helped them get their backpacks ready too. See what I mean, we needed her.

Look at this boy's bed head. He gobbled up his pancake.

Nathan thinks he's such big stuff this year and was amazed when I said I didn't care if he put one green shoe lace in and one black one. He felt so edgy, ha. (and judging from his reaction, I say no too much)

Kathryn loves this shirt. When I had her try it on after I bought it she declared this coming year to be her best yet. I asked why and she said because she loves peace signs on shirts and she has cute clothes. Thanks Ross. My big, grown up, adorably, sweet girl....4th grade?! Hardly seems possible.

Dane, Dane. He has been so excited to be in 1st grade so he can stay at school all day long and eat lunch there. He of course loves it already. His birthday was the fourth day of school (another post in the wings), he just turned 7. Milo had a quick lunch with him and surprised him with a big chocolate doughnut. He scarfed that and ran right to lunch recess. His favorite part of the day even though he can't find his friends. My smart, sensitive, funny boy.... stop growing. Please!

The 3rd grader. He now has ideas on combing his hair much different than my own and likes to 'see his bangs'. He has had the hardest time adjusting this last week and comes home each day starving and exhausted to the point just before tears. He told me more than once he just wants to close his eyes because it's so much reading, comparing, math and more. He usually gets the swing of things in a couple weeks and always is a great student. It just takes him a little longer to adjust being away from home for so many hours. My busy, active, intuitive, handsome boy....enjoy yourself, whining is no fun.

This was Reed hanging out in half his pajamas as soon as the other kids were out the door and down the street for school.

I was so glad to be home and spent the day either wandering around with my old lady shuffle, chatting with Marion or napping in my own bed. Home is so much better than the hospital.