First Day of School!!!

The kids started school last week--Wednesday, August 11th! Way too early, but I'll save those opinions for another post and stick to the subject! As evidenced by my foggy camera lens, it was a SUPER hot and humid morning when we walked to the bus stop ... Nicholas started 2nd grade and Paige is our big kindergartner this year!!



Despite the heat, everyone was in good spirits, and Paige was not the least big nervous! "Excited" would be the word to describe her mood--she was literally all smiles as we waited.


Paige and her next door neighbors from each side, Eden and Sophie

THE BOYS! (Owen, Nicholas, Adam, Jacob, Quinton, Zach and Blake)

Pavestone Court kindergarten girls: Meredith, Lizzie and Paige

Seriously--ALL SMILES from this girl!! She made us SO proud!

Nicholas said he was nervous, but it really didn't show.

No one currently lives in the house on the corner ... they would probably be really annoyed with all our kids, mulling around in their yard, if they did! Our bus stop has to take up at least half the bus--we've got a TON of school-aged kids on our court.

The morning went off without a hitch--hugs and kisses all around then both kids were on the bus without a second glance. Of the four of us, it was hardest on me, but bittersweet because we're raising them for these moments--letting go a little at a time and allowing them assert their independence. They both met the challenge beautifully, but a tiny part of me wished I were needed ... for that one last squeeze before they went on the bus ... maybe to wipe away an anxious tear or two ... or just to calm their nerves as the bus approached. Regardless of the mixed emotions, I couldn't help feeling we're doing something right as I watched the bus pull away ... they made their mom SO proud!!