Our first few weeks...

Our transition back to school has been great for all 4 of us. The kids are doing great and seem to enjoy their teachers. Todd and I have started our year with ease as well. The beginning of the school year is always a busy time. With school starting it also means that our after school schedule gets busier. Aubrin started back to gymnastics and is loving it. Jackson is also taking a class at the gym called Gym Fit. It's a strengthening class for little guys. Jackson is climbing ropes, working on the rings and also doing some running. He loves the challenge of the class and always try to beat what he did the week before. 

On Saturdays Jackson is playing flag football. The schedule is a bit different this year with no practices during the week but a 90 minute practice before each game. Jack was happy

to be back on the field with some of his buddies. I thought that after a 90 minute practice Jackson wouldn't have any energy left for the game, but I was wrong. The boys still played hard and did great!

Between Catechism, gymnastics, Gym Fit, football and homework, we still try to find moments as a family to do what we love together.

We try to go fishing a couple nights a week after dinner. It's always a sure thing to catch a fish in the pond. Jackson and Aubrin are always in competition as to who can catch the biggest fish.

The kids still love to bake, especially Great Grandma Doughty's Famous Cookies! It always leaves us enough cookies to package up and share with the neighbors. 

I'm trying to remember this school year to slow down and make time for the small things.

The Start of the Year

I cannot believe the summer has come to an end. It has been full of so many fun days spent with family and friends. Now I am trying to wrap my head around having a 2nd grader and kindergartener...Wow!
A few days before the first day of school Aubrin had an open house to meet her teacher, drop off her supplies, tour her classroom and most importantly have a Popsicle on the playground. Aubrin has been very confident about going to school...no worries at all. When we got to the school she was so nervous. She just really needed Jackson to be with her to reassure her that kindergarten would be great. So sweet, but at the same time very surprised that Aubrin was so nervous. Aubrin was excited to have Ms. Stachura for kindergarten. It's the same teacher that Jackson had. Aubrin knows her well, but was so shy to say hello and get her picture taken. We took a peek at her room (so cute) and then headed outside for her to have a Popsicle and to visit with her friends. 

The first day of school came quick... I was happy that I was able to see the kids in the morning before I left for work. Todd took the day off to get the kids on the bus and to spend the day at school with Aubrin. Aubrin woke up all smiles and said she was ready for her first day.   Jackson was so happy to have Mrs. Currie again. He looped with her from last year. Although all of his buddies are in another class, I think it was very comforting to Jackson to know that he already knew his teacher and her expectations.   All felt good when I left the house that everyone was happy and ready for their day to start.
Todd sent me a few pictures of Aubrin during the day..all smiles and loving it!

 I was also a bit nervous for the first day of school. Switching from kindergarten to 3rd grade is a huge jump. Although I requested the change, not a day went by all summer that I didn't question my choice. I left a grade that I knew well and felt confident that I taught well and moving to a grade that I don't know and have HOPES that it will go well. All I can do is give it my best and put all that I have into it each day...My first day went great. I have 13 families that I have had before and my new kiddos were absolutely fantastic!!!!

When I got home from work both kids were excited to tell me about their friends in their classes and what they did on their first day of school.  Today was the first time in 7 years that I started a school year without that horrible feeling in my stomach. This year everyone is at school all day, everyday. I feel like we are all where we need to be and I'm not leaving someone at home. Today I felt a bit lighter! Here's to a great year!