First Day of School

Today was our first day back to school after nine weeks off. NINE WHOLE WEEKS OFF!!! I think we all needed a break and the kids certainly deserved a break after the great school year we had. It was, seriously, our best school year yet. 

I originally thought we would start back with reading and math after the Fourth of July, but then I had this brilliant idea and decided to plan our whole year out over the summer. Yes, plan our whole year! And when I say "plan the whole school year", I really mean it. Everything is planned, printed off, prepped, in binders, in spreadsheets, book lists for each month made, special things planned out, make up days on the calendar..you name it...it's done. Why, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all this free time I'm going to have on my hands this year.  

Dallas was so excited to start school back up, he wanted to start Sunday night. Kristen did say this morning that she was getting a little bored with summer and was "kind of excited" to start school. Lauren woke up and said, "I wish I didn't have to do school for the rest of my life", then proceeded to dramically moan. 

Kristen

Grade: 6

Favorite Subject: Writing

What I want to be when I grow up: A photographer, Author, Lego designer, and Artist

Favorite Food: Chicken (fixed any way, but mostly fried and grilled), her daddy's hamburgers, and any fruit (especially watermelon)

Favorite drink: Fruit Punch and flavored tea

Best Friend: Hosanna

Favorite thing to do: Play Minecraft, Knit, Draw, Read, Swim and Play Barbies

I sure do miss my toddler girl who used to sit around reading "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See", but I sure do love the fact that she can load and unload the dishwasher, change sheets on the beds, fix breakfast and lunch, help with school work, open boxes and put together toys, text people and control the radio while I'm driving...pretty much anything I need her to do, she can. It really is wonderful. People told me this day would come. I didn't believe them, but it did. And it really was in the blink of an eye, just like they said. 

She loves to write, but hates to write poetry. Can you guess what she had to do today? Two lines...just TWO. You would've thought I asked her to clean the toilet with a toothbrush. She did ask, "Can I write down a poem I have heard before?" Umm...no...that's plagiarism.

Lauren

Grade: 4

Favorite Subject: "Not doing school", but if I had to pick one for her it would be....hmmm....let me see....

What I want to be when I grow up: A Librarian

Favorite Food: peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Mac-n-cheese and cereal

Favorite Drink: water

Best Friend: Clara

Favorite thing to do: Swim, play Just Dance, paint, play Barbies, jump on the trampoline, and listen to music

It's so hard for me to believe we've made it to fourth grade. School has not been easy. The struggle is very real for her. I was a little afraid of how our school year would start since we took so much time off, but she picked right up with little instruction. I am hoping she will enjoy school a little more this year. Reading is still a struggle, even though we have come a long way. I'm so proud of her and all she accomplished this past year. I have high hopes for this year too. I finally think we've made it over the hump. Although, I'm pretty sure I've said that before.

This boy is excited to start a new school year. Can you tell?

Dallas

Grade: 1

Favorite Subject: Reading (as many books as he can)

What I want to be when I grow up: "I don't know. I just want to be a normal kid and go to school." 

Favorite Food: Country Fried Steak, Chicken Salad (with chicken in a biscuit crackers), and ice cream

Favorite Drink: Root Beer, but pretty much any drink he drinks he declares is his favorite. I guess that's what happens when you're "forced to drink water."

Best Friend: Lawrence

Favorite thing to do: Terrorize Kristen, fight with Kristen, Annoy Kristen, go in Kristen's bed because she gets mad, take Kristen's seat when she gets up. But, when he's not being a little bother, he likes jumping on the trampoline, swimming, playing with his swords or cars or little army men. 

This boy amazes me. God knew I needed an easy child. He knew I couldn't take another struggling reader, so he gave me a little boy with a passion for learning. He wants to be smart. He wants to know everything. I wish we could all have his enthusiasm when it comes to school.