The night before school

This summer has flown by. Tomorrow Eli starts eighth grade, Max starts sixth grade, and Claire starts third grade. They all actually went to bed quite excited for where they are and where they’re going. Clair has been anxiously awaiting the start of school now for weeks. She loves school and she wishes she would’ve had more time in it over her academic career. Max likes being with other people and that makes school actually a very enjoyable place for him, despite the academic aspect. Ellie doesn’t like getting up early, but she really doesn’t mind The academic aspect of school, and I think she may actually be looking forward to seeing a few of her friends more regularly. I think she’s also excited that her and her brother will be in the same school together.

The pandemic has really made school different for the kids over the past couple years. Although they are wearing masks, which I actually think is good at this stage, they are starting back full-time with regular schedules tomorrow. This will allow me to have full day at home to focus on work. It will be weird to be alone for six or seven hours each day. I will miss them, and I know it is great for them to be heading off to school tomorrow.

Over the past week we’ve been to the middle school and the elementary school to check out classrooms and walk the schools. Max walked his schedule three times at the middle school. Max is really excited about school, and he’s a little nervous too. He had some good questions tonight and spent a good amount of time making sure he was ready for the day tomorrow. I have a lot of confidence in the way he is willing to talk to adults and ask for the help that he needs. I have encouraged him to remember that if he feels lost or confused tomorrow just use his good manners and ask the nearest adult. I am proud of the way Max takes on the world and is willing to communicate with others quite openly.

Clair knew exactly how to find her classroom at the elementary school. Clair was excited to look around the room and see who was in her class. She is very happy to have the friends she knows in her class with her this year. She didn’t get the teacher she was hoping for, but we’ve decided it’s going to be a great year anyway.

As for my eldest, I cannot believe she is already in eighth grade. I wish for her a wonderful year. I wish for her academic success and friendship success. She has very much developed a sense of her own style. She is a wonderful girl with a big heart. She is taking responsibility for herself. She helped out around the house the summer a lot for David and I. I am proud of her. I can’t believe she only has five years left before heading off to college. That just doesn’t seem possible.

As they say, sometimes the days are long but the years flyby. I have always wanted to be a mom and I love being a mom. They do challenge my patience, and I wish I had more patience to show them. That will forever be a work in progress. I hope they always know that I love them with all my heart. Fly my kiddos and enjoy the school year!

This evening we stopped by a park on our way home from running a few errands. The kids really enjoyed playing there and I enjoyed snapping a few pictures.