back to school we go!

The past 3 months might have been the most fun I've spent with my kids ever. Really. Truly. Yes there was screaming and shouting (from kids and adults alike), sand everywhere, long days, late bedtimes and uneaten snacks in every little corner. But there were fun beach days, memories as a family, weekend adventures and lazy days at home. I feel so lucky to get to spend so much time with my kids. I really do love them and love spending time with them. 

And now school has begun! It sort of snuck up on us with the weather still in the 70s and 80s not reminding us that fall is approaching. But these kids were ready, even when I kept secretly wishing they'd stay little just one more summer.

Carter is in 2nd grade and couldn't be more confident. His teacher is one of our neighbors and I'm so happy he's in her class. She has such creative curriculum and loves parent involvement so it'll be fun to be a part of a few projects in class.

We kept our back to school traditions. A special back to school book the night before, he got to choose any breakfast he wanted and we sang "Happy 1st Day of School" complete with candles (okay, so it's actually pretty ridiculous but they don't think so and if it keeps it magical then I'm all for it). Plus, Simon has been singing Happy Birthday constantly ever since, which is adorable.

Breakfast burrito and a green smoothie were the perfect start to the day!

I love his excitement for learning, his kindness and loyalty to friends and his confidence at school. He is going to do some great things this year and I can't wait to watch it all unfold.

Can we just stop and notice how much taller this giant child has grown in the past 2 years? Sheesh!

And then there is Lucy. My sweet Lucy Lu.  A little more than 5 years ago, just a few months after Lucy was born, I pleaded with Matt to make a change for our family. I had been working full time ever since Carter was born and now with 2 small babies at home I just wanted to spend more time with them. Matt agreed and wanted to move up in his career so the only natural choice was to move. We moved our family from the only community we had ever known to a new city and new house. I pushed myself to find a new community of friends and am often blown away at how much we've been blessed with during these past 5 years. 

With that move came the chance for me to reduce my work hours and be home with this sweet girl (and of course her brothers too!). I have absolutely loved spending my days with her. Lucy is my helper, my rule follower, my mini me. She loves to bake, clean, cuddle, read, play games, go for walks and shop. It's a match made in heaven. This past weekend I really wanted to celebrate her and her next adventure in kindergarten. We went swimming, went out for ice cream and cheered her on during her first soccer game of the season. Then, later she helped me get ready for a date night with Matt...completed by choosing my shoes and jewelry and holding the mirror just right so I could be sure my hair was looking perfect. Love this girl!

 Last night we packed lunches and read her special Night Before Kindergarten book. She's been a mix of nervous excitement the past few weeks but after this book she suddenly got so excited and ready for school.

 This morning she woke up so happy and eager to leave. Pumpkin pancakes and turkey bacon were her breakfast of choice before choosing a comfy dress for school.

 And of course, by complete accident, we matched with black and white stripes today. It was meant to be!

 We walked to school so I could wave goodbye as she followed her classmates to her classroom. She has an amazing teacher this year and knows a few kids in her class and many more in neighboring classrooms so recess will be a ton of fun! I could tell she was getting nervous just standing around waiting but put a brave smile on her face and off she went. I wanted to tear up and probably would have except Simon chose the perfect moment to have a meltdown because of hunger/tiredness/sadness and everything in between. I think watching Lucy leave was just as hard for him as it was for me! They may fight with each other but she truly is such a great big sister and playmate for him.

 He cried big tears as we walked away. Poor guy. I can't wait to hear all about her first day and would love to sneak by her room to see how she's doing. But I know she'll love it and grow and learn so much this year.
Happy back to school 2017!