Back to School

Back to school this year was much less stressful than last year.  No new baby, funeral, or brand new schools.  Just back to a routine.  Except for Rachel who started middle school.  And Kate, who started kindergarten (Sort of.  More on that later).  So I guess it was new and exciting, but all in a good way. 

We had our traditional ABC pancakes to start the day. 

Then we got the middle schoolers to school.  Sarah started 8th grade.

Rachel started 6th grade.  She was a bit nervous about starting middle school and we had several nights previous where she stayed up late telling me how nervous she was.  But when it came down to it, she did great and so far has had a great experience. 

After we got the big girls taken care of, we got the elementary school kids ready.  Ben started third grade.  He was definitely ready. 

But, the most excitement of the day surrounded Kate.  Look at her--she is so cute and excited!  She's been ready for months. 

In January, she was so disappointed because she thought she was going to start school since it was a new year (that whole calendar year vs. school year is so darn confusing to a 5-year-old.).  Fall was so long to wait.  While the rest of the kids were lamenting the end of summer, Kate was counting down the days until she could go to kindergarten!  She was thrilled with her new pink backpack and lunchbox and had them packed and ready.  She had a great first day.

I got her settled into her classroom and she said goodbye without a second thought. 

It was me that made her turn and look at me for one last picture. 

And then...

that was it.  One day.  That's all.  She doesn't get to go back until next Tuesday. 

They have a "slow start" program here where half the class goes the first day, and then the other half of the class goes the second day.  And then, no kindergarten on Fridays.  Ever.  Then this weekend is a holiday, so she won't go back until Tuesday, and then not Wednesday, but finally the whole class will go Thursday.  So, it was sort of like teaser kindergarten.  All this excitement for one day.  In a few months she will perhaps wish for a day to stay home, but now, she just wants to go, go, go, and here she was today again home with William and I, waiting for the kids to get off the bus. 

She can hardly wait until next week when she can actually get on the big yellow bus.