A Fresh New School Year

...We're baaaaaack!

We've actually been back for about one and a half weeks. But between the jet lag, the bored kids, and the unpacking, there's been no possible way to even think about sitting down at this keyboard. Inspiration doth not flow in a noisy, busy house!

The kids started school yesterday - Michael in fifth grade and Jacob in second. We're pleased with their teacher assignments, what we know of them. We have never asked for a specific teacher - instead we just beg the administration for good matches to their learning/behavior styles. It's always worked out well in the past, and hopefully this year will not be an exception.



Nerves still ran a bit high in our home as the kids got ready for school. Who doesn't have first day jitters? Michael and Jacob worried about whether they would have friends in their classes (they both do, but not the friends they hoped for). I worried about the makeup of the other kids in Michael's class: would it be as much of a train wreck as last year's class was (it looks like a much better mix of kids). And Steven worried about me injuring myself while doing the "Back-to-School Happy Dance" (I'm a little sore but doing just fine).



I walked along with them on the first day and took some pictures so you could go with them too. This year was a beautiful morning - hot, but very dry and tolerable. Jacob chose to walk with me to keep me company on the 10 minute stroll, but Michael wanted to ride his bike.




We arrived at the crosswalk just a couple minutes after the first bell rang, so we were able to cross right away. The crossing guard typically holds the kids until the bell rings. On a normal day Michael and Jake usually get to the corner early so that they can cross with the first group released. They want to get to the playground as early as possible for some before school playing!



Michael quickly took off to the other side of the school where the upper grades play and line up. I can only assume it all went well since the school didn't call me. I stayed with Jake to help him find his line-up. There were lots of friendly faces, smiles, and hugs greeting us as we walked over to the second grade area. It was so nice to come back and feel part of the community. It's huge.


As I finish this post, the second day of school is already over. Both kids came home happy today, continuing to compare this year's teacher to last years. The consensus is that there are new things that are cool, as well as new things they don't like. And so it goes with any fresh start...