September is time for back to school, and this year it was extra exciting because we just got a brand-spanking-new elementary school two blocks away! We’ve been walking and riding by all year, and especially often during the summer, watching the construction process. As the days until school dwindled, we became increasingly concerned it might not open on time. In the end, meet your teacher day was postponed until the first day of school, but it did indeed start in the knick of time. Here are Avery and Kieron on their first days of 4th and 1st grade.

Before heading out on our first walk to school. They’ve been commuting an hour round trip for the past four years, so we were just a little bit excited that we can walk now!

In front of Timber Ridge Elementary

All smiles on his first day of first grade!

With Ms. Tatum

No more tables for this kid! Here he is at his very own desk!

Showing off to Hayden & Avery. I’m not sure how he’ll concentrate in class. He has the best view he could ask for, he’s right in front of a big window facing a high dirt pile that is still being moved by the construction crew outside!

Sweet boy still wanted a kiss when it was time for us to go

Later I peeked in on him and found this:

And here’s our big fourth grader

Avery thought he was too cool to take a picture in front of this sign until I asked Hayden if he wanted his taken and he excitedly exclaimed “yeah!” Gotta love it when peer pressure works in your favor!

With Ms. Henley

Buddies are so happy to have the same teacher again this year!

In their new state-of-the-art classroom

The ribbon cutting ceremony!

Two weeks later it was Silas’ turn. He’s a big pre-k-er now. It’s hard to believe next year he’ll join his brothers at Timber Ridge.

It’s September, and today I took our youngest to his first day of preschool. All of my dear, sweet boys were learning and being well-taken care of, and I had a couple hours to myself to do WHATEVER I WANTED! So I headed straight to hot yoga! It was glorious! I went into a hot room and just breathed and stretched.

I love summer. I look forward to summer every year! But by the end of summer, with three little energetic boys in the house all day, every day, I start to get a little twitchy!

A few things really struck me this year as school started:

1. I was verklempt when Kieron got on the school bus for the first time. When Avery started kindergarten, I was just excited, but this time I was a little bit sad and conflicted. I think it’s because I know now what the start of school means. To me it’s the official beginning of letting go. He will be gone for at least 1/3 of the day, every day (except summer and breaks) until he leaves home. Sniff.
2. I realized how lucky my boys are to have siblings close in age. And I felt a little jealous. My brother is ten years older, so we never got to experience this stuff – getting on the bus together, looking for each other in the halls, knowing each others’ friends. We didn’t have sibling rivalry either, but these are the things I feel we missed out on.
3. It was very quiet in the house with Avery and Kieron at school. A little too quiet (yes, even with SIlas, who never stops talking, at home). It’s a little nice and a little too quiet.

Avery’s first day of 3rd grade

With my school boys!

I offered to get him a new backpack this year (since we were ordering Kieron’s anyway) but he said he wanted to keep using the one he’s had since kindergarten. I’m glad!

Boarding the bus. We had a very cranky driver the past two years, so we were delighted to see someone new sitting in the driver’s seat. She smiles, talks to the kids, and plays music.

This year Avery and his BFF, Hayden, are in class together. Coincidentally, there is another Avery and also another Hayden in their class, both girls.

Avery at lunch with Dalton & Hayden

Kieron’s first day of kindergarten

When he picked out his backpack, he was trying to decide between Star Wars & Construction Trucks. I was so glad when he decided on the trucks, it’s so much cuter!

Waiting for the bus with his buddy, Louis.

He drew this family portrait before his first day of school

First packed lunch

After seeing both his big brothers start school, Silas was more than ready for his first day!

In front of his preschool. He was so excited to go in, but then he cried when it was time to say goodbye. What a cutie!

September means back to school. I think this summer went by faster than any other in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I was totally ready for the kids to go back to school, but summer just seemed so short! Does that even make sense?

I can’t believe we have a 2nd grader and a pre-k-er on our hands. That means next year both of them will be gone all day and Silas will be away in the mornings. 🙁 Why is it all going by so fast?!

Here are this year’s first day pics. The boys started on different days, and we were painting our front door at the time. So you will notice the front door is in various states of progress. It turned out very pretty!

Avery’s first day of 2nd Grade

Waiting for the bus

Kieron’s first day of Pre-K. I forgot to give him the cute sign I made to hold.

Disclaimer: the coordinating back packs were an accident. They sent me the wrong size back pack, so I ended up with two. But it is cute, isn’t it?

He just spontaneously did peace fingers. Love him!