Back to School

 Time for another school year.  We had a really fun summer.  A few weeks before school started, I wasn't anywhere near ready for it.  We were just having too much fun (and sleeping in wasn't so bad either).  The last few weeks before school started, though, reminded me how much the kids need that routine.  They were all very excited about school starting, and eventually I was, too.

 Buck decorated the kitchen table for their first day (did I ever post about the super fun chalkboard paint on the kitchen table?)

 Everyone did a great job getting up and ready the first morning (that has since fallen off considerably).  Ellie's first day wasn't until the following Monday, but she wanted to have her backpack for the picture. 

 Of course these monkeys had a silly picture.

They were both excited about school, but Eve was NOT excited about the ream of paper in her backpack...or the fact that John was putting his arm around her for the picture.

 This might be my favorite (and most telling) back to school picture EVER.

 Once we got to the parking lot, I convinced Eve to put her backpack in front of her and smile for a picture.  This picture is also very telling.  She was so excited for school and proud of her lunchbox, backpack, dress...well, everything.
John is in 1st grade.  His teacher is Dr. Mahaffey.  I think he's going to be fantastic.  He teaches grad level education classes at Furman and USC Upstate on nights and summers.  He has 9 children, and is a 22 time Ironman!  He is very kind and softspoken, and seems like a fantastic teacher.  John is excited, and so far has loved every minute of school.
Eve is in Kindergarten and has Mrs. Ferrel and Mrs. Smith.  She has also loved every little bit of school.  She's learning the dress code, "No noodle straps", or spaghetti straps as you and I might call them.  From the way she talks, she's been quite the social butterfly.  She pulled her first ticket (disciplinary measure) on the 8th day of school.  It was for talking.  I'm a little surprised she made it that long.  While she's loving school, she's not wanting to do homework.  It's very easy for her, but she's pitched a fit and screamed about how hard it is.  The second day of homework (7th day of school), we put together that the frustration is coming from exhaustion when she fell asleep at 6:00!  Once she gets into the swing of things, she's going to have a fantastic year.

Jake, Ellie, and I were so happy to pick them up at the bus stop the first day!  It's the most fun part of school, you know.

Not to be left out, Ellie started preschool!  I took her out, just the two of us, one night to buy supplies.  It was just about one of the cutest things ever.  She's mentioned preschool at least once a day since we signed her up in February.  She was just a tad bit excited.

 On the first day, she was so very proud!

 Posing...

 Jumping...

 And ready to get in the car!

Ellie has Mrs. Douglas and Mrs. Gray (Eve's teachers from 3K), 3 mornings a week.  She had some pretty high expectations of school, having talked about it for several months.  Her teachers have not disappointed.  Ellie walked straight in and got started with her playdoh the first day.  She was a little shy the second day, but didn't have any problems.  By Friday she hopped right in again.  Each day she's been disappointed to leave, and has told me all about what she's done.  She is absolutely loving it!
Jake has enjoyed his first few days as an only child as well.  All around, we're having a great school year so far!