Back to School

I can’t believe we have a third grader and a first grader. Today is the first day of school! But let me back up.

We started back to school with me going back to my high school to lead professional development for the district’s teacher-librarians. It was the first time in 20 years I have been in those old classrooms and it felt a little strange!

Then we had back to school haircuts in time for Back to School night at both kids’ schools.

JT is going to a different school this year. He qualified for and opted to join a program for advanced academics. He knows a few kids in his class from his old school and is really looking forward to being with kids who can process new information quickly and pursue their interests in special programs. He is not nervous at all… and told me, “Don’t worry Mom, everyone will be a new kid,” since the program starts in third grade for everyone. So wise!

Haley is starting first grade at our neighborhood school. She was thrilled to get the teacher she had prayed for all summer (JT’s first grade teacher, who we love) and see that so many of her friends were in her class this year.

Haley and I went on our annual back to school shopping trip with Jim’s mom, who spoils us terribly. We have so much fun. Haley’s shopping stamina has increased and we spent hours at the mall! We stopped for a lovely lunch and ended the day with pedicures. We look forward to this special time every year, and Grandma Keene just loved watching Haley twirl around in the dressing room!

In the last week, both kids have lost a tooth: JT by force at the dentist, and Haley by biting into a popsicle… a first for both of them.

Haley got a frozen yogurt gift card for her birthday, and I told her we would use it before school started. So with less than 24 hours to go, we stopped and got FroYo (her treat!) on the way to gymnastics.