Back At It

Today was the first day of school and we are back at it like never before. Two in middle school and two in elementary school. Those four kids add up to three different start times and three different afternoon arrival times. Whew. I hope I don't forget where anyone is this year. Nathan and Kathryn (who have both requested to be called Nate and Kat at school) start together, Dane an hour later and Reed will have afternoon kindergarten. In the afternoon Nate is home first, Dane and Reed together and for now because of cross country, Kathryn is the last one home just before 4:30. Busy, busy.

I used three different cameras documenting this back to school process. Don't even ask why because I'm not really sure. Here we go-

Last night we went to the school for a 'drop off your supplies/look at your classroom' meet and greet. I am so excited for Dane's teacher this year. We have been friends for a long time. Way back before I was a wife or mother, we worked in the salon together and cut hair right next to each other for a couple years. I quit working in the salon once I had Nathan and worked from home. She worked for another year or so and then went to school to become a teacher. Now we both live here in a different town and she gets to teach my Daner. We're both pretty happy it worked out that way. Good year ahead!

On Reed's supply list he was asked to bring two boxes of crackers. This stack of boxes really cracked him up. I wouldn't want a bunch of hungry five year old students on my hands either so this request made sense to me.

We kept with our tradition of huge letter pancakes. I like to tease them and suggest a different breakfast but they wont hear of it. They love these pancakes and don't even come close to finishing them.

 Reed and Owen ate in the second shift. So glad they were able to stay asleep through the happy excitement of the older kids getting ready (read- lots of loud walking, talking, jumping going on this morning).

 Miss Kathryn- 7th grade

Is almost a teenager but is still as helpful and sweet as ever and hardly ever shows that 'teenager' side, excited to be running cross country and is wearing shoes that are almost my size!

 Mr. Nathan- 6th grade

Is ready to take middle school by storm, finally figured out his locker and loves his leadership class (he even came home with a new favorite quote from the wall that inspired him).

 Mr. Dane- 4th grade

Was relieved to recognize a few kids at school, has such a tender heart when it comes to change and can't wait to taunt his two teachers (one loves UW and the other WSU).

 Reed doesn't start until next Tuesday (and was still eating his 'R' when I took this) so I guess my 'first day of school' photos wont include all 5 kids (boo!). Maybe I'll torture them with one after school next week. They'll love it I'm sure....

 I snapped this at the corner when I dropped these two off. I cannot believe they are so grown up (Nathan is killing me in those shades). 6th and 7th grade?! Wasn't it just preschool and kindergarten?

 We switched schools this year and now attend the school we are zoned for. That translates into no more driving back and forth for me and bus rides for Dane and Reed. Dane was nervous for his first non field trip bus ride. He was so torn this morning. He wanted me to be with him to wait for the bus but he also deemed it embarrassing to have us there with him. It was almost offensive.... I was showered and dressed even, ha! He had a great day though he did say the bus was loud and kind of boring. Here's hoping he can learn to embrace the yellow wagon sooner than later.

This morning Reed went for his kindergarten assessment. He was nervous on the way down there and almost cried when I told him he would go with someone to play games while I waited in the hall. He did not want me waiting in the hall. I told him to say a little prayer while we were driving down there. He said a one sentence prayer about being brave and feeling comfort. He stayed really close to me but when they called his name he willingly went down the hall to play learning games.

  Walking out to the van, I asked him how it went. As he was holding/swinging my hand, he nonchalantly and with confidence said, 'Prayer works.' (if only you could hear the tone he used). Then he moved right into how much fun he had playing learning games and 'beating the timer'. Which he also informed me he did every time. I am really going to miss this little boy every afternoon. He is priceless.

After Reed's assessment we went grocery shopping, had lunch, read library books and made cookies. I felt like I'd run a marathon and really wanted a nap (I didn't give in). Let's just say I realized how good summer mornings had been for me! This year more than previous years, I treasured today. I walked to meet Nate along the road home, met Dane at the bus and picked up Kat from cross country. I don't know how long I'll get to be home like I am now so I told myself to enjoy today. Be excited with them. Be nervous with them and validate their concerns. Don't rush. Don't yell. Smile. Encourage. Hug. Love. Enjoy. Easy enough, right?

It all worked great until about 4:45 when I was cooking dinner (hardest hours of the day). The tiredness of all six family members was setting in and we had a hard hour or two. There was crying, yelling, wrestling, pushing, tears.... you get the picture. I wasn't sure we'd make it through dinner but thankfully we did. And I know we'll keep making it through dinner and the witching hours just fine. My hope is with less drama in the weeks to come. Here's to another school year!