School Days

Well, it's done.

These 2 are ready for school!

I just dropped the kids off at school to start another year.  I don't know why I get sad every year on the first day of school.  They go to camp during the summer, so I don't see them any more or less during the school year.  I guess it's a reminder that they're growing up.  How is Nathan in fifth grade?  How is my baby, Drew, in third grade?  How is any of this possible?

This is a boy who's excited for 5th grade!

Also, during the summer the kids go to camp, and come home, and that's it.  They don't have any responsibilities.  We don't worry about homework.  We don't have any after school activities.

Ready to learn all there is to know
in 3rd grade!

But at least I know that this is going to be a great year.  How can I be so sure?  Nathan and Drew both have the same teachers they had last year.  This. Is. Amazing.  They are both excellent educators, caring, and love what they do.  Nathan also has the same aide that he had last year.  Usually we spend the first six weeks or so trying to get Nathan used to a new aide and a new aide used to Nathan and learning the routine of the class.  I'm hoping they all pick up right where they left off in June.

Weighted down with all his school supplies!

Drew has been in a dual language program since Kindergarten.  He learns everything in both English and Spanish.  Every year when it's time to go back to school, he is gets little nervous about Spanish. After a couple months of not speaking it, he worries he won't remember or understand what his teacher is saying.  But not this year!  Knowing that he is going back to the same teacher and the same kids, he's confident, and not nervous at all.

Nathan could not bare the weight of his backpack,
which was filled with supplies
I had to carry it to his classroom for him

When we got to the school, Drew gave me a hug at cafeteria door, where the second and third graders were meeting, and took off.  He was excited to see his friends and his teacher.  The older grades were meeting in the gymnasium.  I walked there with Nathan.  As soon as he saw his aide, he ran up and hugged her and picked up the conversation right where they left off- talking about video games of course!

Loaded into Mom's school bus and ready to start the year!

So, even though it's sad to see them grow up, I'm glad they're excited for a great year and ready to tackle fifth and third grades!