The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

In reading the title of this post, you might think I am referring to Christmas or the crispy, fall season that is upon our heels. No, the most wonderful time of the year is now in full force - school is back in!

Perhaps I am exaggerating just a little bit, but really, is it wrong to feel this way? I don't think so. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and enjoy having them around, but now I have a little more time to myself too. I can get so much more done when I don't have four, ok, five (my hubby counts too) distractions around me. Besides, I'm not completely alone, Rigdon is still with me, but hey, I'll take what I can get. Our kids were just as ready to go back to school anyway.

First day of school.

Since Jed had to leave for military training that night for the next three weeks, the kids wanted to get photos taken with their daddy, so I put those in here too.

Connor is now a 5th grader.



Connor trying really hard to do what I have asked him to do when I am taking photos of him, have good posture, but don't look stiff.

Our big 7th grader.

I love the look on Aubrey's face here. If she had her choice, this is where she would constantly be...stuck to her daddy's hip.

The night before school started, Jed gave each child a father's blessing. Rigdon got to go first. He was so cute with his arms folded and sitting so still, even though he had no idea what was going on. Jed then worked his way up through the kids, all the way to me receiving one as well. In my blessing, I was reminded of the things that I needed to do while Jed was away - to love my children and make sure they are being taken care of in a spirit of gentleness and patience (heaven knows I need help with that sometimes.) The blessings were touching and specific. A few tears were shed as well.

Kisses goodbye.

I got a few photos of Ronin when I dropped him off at school. I followed him around a little bit wanting to make sure he found his teacher and got in the correct line. He could probably handle it all by himself by now, but I can't help myself - I had to make sure he was ok.

It took no time at all for some of his friends to find him. So cute to see how happy they were to be with each other.

Ronin also met up with one of his best friends, Easton. It made me smile how they greeted each other - with a handshake. Such a manly thing to do.

Ronin with his buddies.

Bell ringing for everyone to start lining up.

Ronin's teacher, Mrs. Meikle, checking her list and trying to see if she can remember Ronin's name. She couldn't so he gave her a hint that his name started with an "R."

No signs of sadness here...just a whole lot of excitement.

Ronin now getting sick of me taking so many pictures.

He is now reminding me of my promise that I wouldn't take anymore pictures.

Ronin with his new teacher, Mrs. Meikle. This is her third year teaching. She looks like such a nice person, doesn't she?

(Registration Day)


*******

After school, I met up with Ronin to make sure he found the right bus. He looked like he had a good day.

Bus driver checking him off of her list too.

Getting dropped off the bus and running for home.

Ronin sees that I am taking pictures and starts booking it to outrun my camera.

Aha! Got you!
Ronin said that this was his "best year of teachers." He has decided that his teacher, Mrs. Meikle, deserves the #1 ranking for most favorite teacher. His preschool teacher comes in second place.

He also said that some girls were chasing him and his friends at recess...wow, that didn't take very long at all.


I met up with Connor at his school too and took a few pictures.

He said he had a great day too. This year Connor's school changed how subjects and classes are organized and taught. Fifth grade is now like 6th grade - there are 7 teachers, each teaching one subject in different classrooms. Connor said he really liked going from class to class.

As for Aubrey, she is "too old" to be getting her pictures taken at school. After school she reported to me about her day. She already has her favorite teachers picked out: Mr. Dye and Mrs. Barker. They both made her laugh today. She isn't sure how she feels about her band and PE teachers yet.

Aubrey also discovered a new girl in her grade this year. The girl was standing all by herself, so Aubrey and her friend, Duncan, made friends with her and plan on hanging out with her next week. I bet that girl was so glad and relieved to have someone come up and make friends with her.

Aubrey really impresses me sometimes. She is a far better person in so many ways than I ever was at that age. She has the courage to do things that I never had the guts to do. I really admire that.

The kids all had a positive day......and I did too. :)

Our second grader.