9 September 2011

1.  This week we were all back to school....except for E, but he may has well have been because if WE are on a schedule, he tends to be more on schedule.  The first day of school started out with pancakes and bacon and a whole lotta picture taking.

The whole fam walked Tate to the bus at 8:09.   

2.  Tate was so eager to get onto the bus and start his first day of 2nd grade that he had very little patience for pictures, displayed by his face here...

That's the please-take-the-picture-so-we-can-get-going-thank-you-very-much face.  He gets on the bus right at the end of our street with our neighborhood kids.  He was so excited that the routes changed and that the kids from the next street over also ride our bus this year so he gets to sit with Braxton on the way to school.

For the first half of last year Tate always sat on the right hand side of the bus so he could make sure I waved to him as he drove off.  This year I got not even so much as a glance as he got on the bus.  This was a little sad, but also so reassuring that he is growing up and loving school!

3.  After Tate was successfully off to school, it was Beckett's turn.  Although this was his first day of preschool ever he has been getting hauled to Mt. Olive two or three times a week since he was in utero, so he wasn't exactly nervous about it.  He was beyond excited.  It was his turn to put his folder in the basket and to trace his name card and to play with all the toys.  After a couple quick snaps and a pep talk from Dad we were off.  He did have ONE moment of "When are you coming back to get me?" but then ran off to play with the other kids.

4.  And then there was just Avery and I.  Last year I got to spend mornings with Beckett when she was at preschool.  This year, I get to spend mornings with her while B is at school!  She is so funny, helpful, and sensitive.  She has been struggling with lots of worries these days and could really use a little extra attention...so this couldn't come at a better time.  I asked her what she wanted to do while Beckett was at school and she requested a doughnut date.  

Before we knew it, it was time to pick Beckers up and it was her turn to get on the bus for the first time!  This was the girl who was mad because she thought Kindergarten started the Monday after she graduated from preschool last spring.  Not one ounce of hesitation here!

I asked for a picture of these two goofballs together and I get a noogie.  Take two went much better.  Then it was off to Patti's to see how Olivia's first day was and to get Aves on the bus.  Normally they would eat lunch at P's but I got to stay home a little later so that I could see her off (Thanks, Ang!). Avery has ALMOST forgiven me that I didn't put her in morning Kindergarten with O.  Almost.

5.  Then it was off to my 24 other "kids"!  I am so happy to be teaching only afternoons again this year.  E says this will be my last part time year, so I intend on making the most of it.  Happy first day of school!