First Day of School 2011

2009 and 2010

2011 take 1

Dev is a goofball and usually exerts his nervousness in ways to make me crazy. I must channel his nervousness in positive energy or it's a long day for the both of us. Madi...that poor child, she did her own hair - as you can see - and I didn't notice her eyes were closed. Can you tell she's the youngest of 4?

Get the goofies out, please.

Now, please just take a picture for Momma!

I arranged for Teacher Jasmine (the kids' swim teacher) to come hang with Madi so I could give the big kids my full attention. That means our tradition of hot chocolate before school and me parading the school trying to take pictures. It's tradition. It's the price of the hot chocolate, you will let Momma take photos of her babies.

I cannot believe I have a 6th grader, a 4th grader, a 1st grader and a preschooler. CanNOT. The girls are so ready.

Isa and her one of good buddies, Izzy.

Isa is a leader. She is confident. She is the head of her class (4th-6th are together in one class) and is thriving. She is passionate about learning and looking forward to her future. We are so proud of her! I know she has a year of fun adventures headed her way. She's an old pro at this so I knew it would be slightly easier for her.

Nana was going into a new Center (her sister's) and was completely confident not a butterfly to in her tummy. One of her very best friends, Nat - they've been friends since Kindergarten - is now at their school. IT is amazing for Nana. She's so happy because they are in the same class. I was the one a wreck for her hoping I made the right decision by pushing her to go into this Center. It's rigorous reading but I know she can handle it - she loves reading but it also requires organization which she kinda lacks but makes up for it in cuteness. She'll learn, right?

::fingers crossed::

Dev was going into the Center we wanted for him too. It's Nana's old Center, SND. He has no "boy"friends in that class. There was only 5 in his Kindergarten Class to begin with and they've been placed elsewhere. BUT he has Carson who is Alexa (Isa's good buddy)'s brother as his buddy so it should be fine. I want for Dev to explore new friendships and wiggle out of his comfort zone. I cried (when I was alone...I promise!) when he said he had 1st recess alone and just wandered around. I know it's good for him this is giving him life skills. We talked about ways he could make friends and ask the other boys if he could play. I worked in his class for the first 2.5 hours of the day before lunch and I know this Center is the right place for him.

His first year in full time school. Every time one of our kids goes to full time school I feel like a piece of me is gone. I am going to be a mess when they grow up and want to go away for college. I am so proud of all of them, they are so independent and confident - as they should be - I just wish it didn't have to happen so fast. Slo-Mo, please!

Thanks to Carson for making Dev feel so welcomed and being such a good buddy to him! So appreciate this little guy!

Sorry, it's kinda Dev overload but I was in there the most today. They are doing stations for the first 5 days. I had construction. Ironic, I know. They even gave me real hammers, I know - they're crazy! I have no idea how to work those things. You should've seen how many bent nails there were. Too many, let me tell ya! Dev had decorate your pencil box station.

Before I was accused by some 6th grade boys of being a paparazzi I snapped a few photos and one that turned out well of Isa (and Nana in the blue shoes next to Isa - on the left). I was so happy they were together for a bit. It puts Nana and Nat at ease to have Isa.

What did Madi and I do? Shop for food. My house was empty (in the people and food sense) and I was so busy yesterday doing last minute stuff that I decided to skip food shopping. We had enough for PB + J and snacks but we needed REAL food. Dinner food.

I had to take at least one of her. She is so loved at our Whole Foods. The Customer Service Guy always tries to get her to eat raisins because we walk by and she says "that's nasty". NO manners that kid. :) Then the Pizza Guy says "one cheese pizza slice cut in half for Madi?" Why, yes sir! She loves loves loves pizza from here. Well, she loves pizza period but woodfired pizza has a special place in her ♥.

The lady in front of us decides to talk to us. I don't necessarily like to talk while I shop or in the check out because if I move focus my kids will know...they sniff an opportunity to pull out the handicap check writing platform/thingy and then, we'll just drive everyone nuts because no one can get by.

Anyway, our conversation went like this:

Sweet Lady: I almost ran into your daughter like twice. She's so cute.

Me: Thank you! She was probably in the way, that's fine just shove her. ::chuckle chuckle::

Sweet Lady: Awww, let me get a photo of the two of you.

Me: Oh, you're sweet but no thank you. I just want one of her.

Sweet Lady: Oh, your kids will love pictures of you with them. Trust me I know.

Madi: YEAH, MOMMA! Madi just sabotaged me - I've been crying from taking my babies to school and I barely got myself ready because I was helping them. And, now a picture. Urgh.

Me: Uh...no really that's okay.

Sweet Lady: I insist.

::Madi jumping up down::

Me: Okay, thank you.

She snaps one...

She also attacked the Tilamook Van giving samples. She wanted buttons and cheese. Lots of it. Her favorite thing is cheese. I told her "watch, you'll be lactose intolerant in 3 years. So enjoy it!" My afternoon with her was the best. Her and I are going to do tons of fun stuff.

Look out for our Homeschooling Adventures!