A New Year

Our school year has started off with a bang. I spent the night before cleaning house, doing lots of laundry, making lunches and laying out first day outfits. All of the extra prep work paid off. We were able to get up and out very smoothly for our first day.

We took our first day pictures inside because we leave the house at 6:30 a.m. and it is still dark outside.
The kids were excited and ready to go.
Landry has been practicing writing her name on my board after school. I have been worried about this moment since the time that she was born. Not the writing her name thing, but just kindergarten in general. Her birthday is August 31st and the cutoff birthday date for enrollment is September 1st. She is the youngest little body on our campus. Combine that with the fact that she generally doesn't like to do anything that is not her idea (that stems from the moment she was born and she chose to come a day after her due date even though all of my other children came at least 2 weeks before), and I have been a little concerned. Long story, but maybe she will pass on to 1st grade.

Hayden is doing very well in 1st grade. He is also loving having Landry around to play with after school. They play lots of imaginary games with elaborate plots. It makes my heart smile.
We were headed out to the car one afternoon this week and I couldn't resist capturing this cuteness.

My older two are navigating their school year as though we've been there for months instead of just a week. Gibson is doing really well as a 2nd grader. He is very mature and sensitive and is making me proud. Grace is a 6th grader this year and is handling middle school like a pro. She is dealing with lockers, mean PE coaches that make them dress out for class and more freedom at lunch.
By Friday, we all felt like this. Poor baby, it was her birthday and she had to rest up for her party.