We wished Summer wouldn't come to an end, but before we knew it, the first day of school had arrived! Dylan, Lexie and Lily have been back in school for almost two weeks, and Liam's first day was yesterday. This year, we have a 7th Grader, 5th Grader, 1st Grader and preschooler, and this mama can't figure out HOW her kids grew up so fast!
This year brought so many changes for Dylan, Lexie and Lily. Surprisingly, they adjusted well to all the changes. I can't honestly say that I love our new normal, but it's a work in progress!
Dylan started 7th Grade this year, which just seems crazy to even say. We both have to wake up over a full hour earlier than everyone else, while it's still dark outside. My alarm goes off at 6, his alarm goes off at 6:15, and he's on the bus by 6:40. He hasn't complained, and seems to like the independence of middle school, and all of his teachers and classes!
Lexie started 5th Grade, and she moved to a new building. In our district, the 5th and 6th graders get moved into a larger school that is run very much like a mini-middle school. I personally feel like it forces our kids to grow up too quickly, but it is what it is. Lexie loves school, though, and she loves her teachers this year, so that definitely helps!
My sweet Lily started 1st Grade, so she is officially in school all day long. I'm not going to lie. I miss the afternoons we spent together! That transition was tough for the first few days for Dylan and Lexie at that age, but it hasn't even fazed Lily. Even though she's the youngest in her class again, she adjusted beautifully!
{Lily's Outfit - The Hair Bow Company}
Liam is the only one who didn't experience many changes! His routine for Pre-K is nearly identical to his first year of preschool. He is attending the same preschool, is in the same classroom, has the same schedule, and has the same assistant teacher and therapists. His amazing teacher moved to another school, unfortunately, so he has a new teacher this year, and a few new classmates. He has a year of hard work ahead of him preparing for Kindergarten next Fall! (Hold me!)
{Liam's Outfit - Babies R Us}
As for me, my days are chaotic! I wake up at 6, wake Dylan up at 6:15, watch him get on the bus at 6:40, work for a half hour, wake the girls up at 7:15, take them to the bus stop around 7:55, work for another half hour, get ready for the day, then work until Liam wakes up. After he plays for a bit, we go for a run and tackle necessary errands or appointments. Liam starts school at 12:30, so I have to drive him. Since he just started yesterday, today will be the first day in my entire (almost) 13 years of parenthood that I will be without a child in the afternoon. It's definitely strange! I plan on working as much as possible while he is at school!
Dylan gets home from school at 2:45, just as I have to leave to pick Liam up from preschool. A half hour after we arrive home, the bus drops the girls off. Then we are thrown into a flurry of homework, studying, packing lunches, choosing clothes for the next day, and going to activities. I am EXHAUSTED. I still can't fall asleep until 1 AM, then naturally wake up at 5:30 each morning. A wave of exhaustion hits around 1 PM, but I can't do anything about it!
Our new normal is exhausting and busy, but everybody seems to be adjusting well so far! The kids were blessed with great teachers this year, and every parent knows that makes all the difference. We are officially 9 days into the school year, and I'm already drowning in paperwork and desperately trying to juggle 5 busy schedules!
The first day of school was on Thursday, August 24th. It was a week earlier than when they usually start, and earlier than many of the surrounding school districts. The only perk is school ending in May, as long as they don't have snow days to make up!
Our back to school traditions are the same every year! I always decorate the living room with a back to school banner and a first day of school wreath, so they wake up to a festive morning. We usually have donuts for breakfast, which is their favorite special treat, and a favorite dinner. And we always do a mini photoshoot on the first day of school! I take pictures of them holding their Back To School chalkboards just before they get on the bus, then take a few more pictures when they get home.
Here is a glimpse of Dylan, Lexie, Lily and Liam's first day of school:
DYLAN
AGE: 12
GRADE: 7
SCHOOL: Middle School
TEACHER(S): Too many to list!
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Social Studies/History
SPORTS/ACTIVITIES: Basketball and Chorus
ALEXANDRIA
AGE:10
GRADE: 5
SCHOOL: Centennial School
TEACHER(S): Mrs. Madigan and Ms. VanIddekinge (I had to ask for help for that one!)
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Science
SPORTS/ACTIVITIES: Soccer, Band (flute), and Chorus
LILIANA
AGE: 6
GRADE: 1
SCHOOL: Primary Center
TEACHER(S): Mrs. Wright
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math
SPORTS/ACTIVITIES: Ballet, Jazz and Acro
LIAM
AGE: 4
GRADE: Pre-K
SCHOOL: MIU
TEACHER(S): Ms. Tracy (Bellis)
FAVORITE LEARNING ACTIVITY: Reading
SPORTS/ACTIVITIES: Destroying the house in 5 seconds
School is off to a busy, but great start! Here's to a wonderful school year for all four of my kids!
Have your kids started school yet?
You might also like:
Back To School Homework Caddy
