Back to School 2014

We got back from our mini-vacation just 9 days before school started.  It gave us time to do some shopping, get settled back in at home, have a couple of play dates with friends, and a doctor's appointment.  It was hard to believe that the summer was rapidly coming to an end.  Kai said several times that he wished we could start the summer over.  We had a good summer.  There was no big trip like many families had, but we had lots of fun activities and made lots of good memories as a family.  I thought about making a list of all of the new places we went and I realized that I couldn't remember them all.  Thankfully, they are all here in the blog, though.

I took a series of pictures like this the Sunday before school started.  This is the boys playing together on a quiet afternoon.  I really got spoiled this summer as I didn't have to entertain them at all.  They don't even need toys to entertain themselves.  This game they are playing was the most popluar game of the summer--spiders.  They have multiple "pet spiders" and all kinds of stories and adventures for them.  Heck, they even "gave" me a pet spider.  I named him "Quiety" because this game gets crazy loud and can be played anywhere.  I'll be honest, I don't miss this game!  I miss them playing together, but not this game!

On Tuesday August 19th was the elementary school open house in which all of the kids descend upon the school in a measly hour and half time slot.  They have to pay all of their fees, get bus/parking passes as needed, drop off their school supplies and meet their teachers.  All with 700 students and their families flooding the school.  Needless to say, it's chaos.  That morning I also had a meeting with Finn's Pre-K teacher and the school nurse to go over his needs and begin the process of getting a health plan established for him.  Thankfully I had a babysitter that the boys loved so they were able to stay home while I did that.  Then after returning the babysitter to his house we headed to the school.  My strategy the past two years has been to show up at for the last half of the open house.  That way I hope to snag a closer parking spot from the families that are done and are already leaving.  Last year it paid off well.  This year I got nervous because we had to go to two classrooms, so we showed a bit earlier and I ended up finding a decent spot but I had to parrallel park to get it.  That was nerve racking in the van but I was grateful for the back up camera on that.  Kai told me that practice makes perfect and now if there is a spot for parrallel parking he tries to goad me into it.  It's kind of funny!  Anyway, we got through open house day and the boys were both ready and excited for school.  This was my first year without really holding in the tears, and I think it was mostly because I was nervous and worried about Finn.  It didn't really give me time to be sad.  I'm not one of those moms who misses her kids while they are at school, but I do think about them and wonder how the are doing and I do miss knowing what is going on in their lives.  It's hard to give up a part of their day to the unknown.  That being said, both boys are doing great in school and so far I have heard nothing but good reports.

First day of school

Kai is in second grade this year and his teacher is Mrs. Pierce.  She has been teaching for 35 years and has taught in many, many different places as her husband was in the military.  Kai loves that she has been all over the world, but he is especially thrilled that she once taught in Quantico, Virginia.  When I visited with her briefly at Back to School night she told me that Kai was gifted and sweet and she enjoyed him.  Honestly, I didn't expect to hear anything less.  He has a good track record.

First day of second grade

I know this isn't a great picture but I included it because of the little girl to the left of Kai.  That is Cora.  She was in his first grade class and is one of his "favorite" people.  I think he has a crush on her.

The short-haired blond on the right walking behind the kids is Mrs. Pierce

Finn is in Pre-K with a new teacher to the school this year.  She has been in the district for 5 years, but I get the feeling this is her first year having a classroom of her own (instead of being an aide).  Her name is Ms. Michelle.  Finn is enjoying school and the more I get to know his teacher the more I'm growing to appreciate her.  She isn't a super fuzzy, warm preschool teacher.  But she does love the kids and she is very good at setting boundaries.  I think she is turning out to be just what Finn needs.  You can tell that she is nervous and not quite sure what to say to parents, but I'm hoping that will improve as the year goes on.

He was so excited!

First day of Pre-K

Preschool starts 20 minutes after the rest of the school, so we waited outside of the building for a bit.

Playing with Mater with a friend from church, Tate

Overall, I'm grateful that my kids have such a wonderful school community and are in a place where they can get a good, quality education.  I'm hoping that we have a fantastic school year and that Finn stays healthy and safe.