And So it Begins...........

 Every year it is no different. I hate this time of year. On the one hand, fall is in the air, the anticipation, figuring out what kids need for school, the shopping, that is all fun. But the change in season also brings on the unknown, which brings on lack of patience and an abundance of loss of control. I'm always grateful when girls get use to the new schedule and calm down a bit.
Besides all that, I don't really like sending my kids away. And this year I spent the first day of school depressed. But as always, life moves on, and my list of things to do is no respecter of seasons.

Anyway, Here are pictures! 

 Jonas (finally) was able to get into the Challenge Academy (for talented and gifted) at Aspire Middle School, the local performing arts school.  He has qualified for 3 years for the Challenge Academy but they have never had room.  He LOVES Aspire and all his teachers.  Not so excited about the long bus rides but DEFINATELY worth going to Aspire! (That is one full/ heavy bag he has there)  He has to ride the elementary bus to catch the Aspire shuttle going and the middle school bus after the Aspire shuttle coming home.  Makes for a long day but he does his homework on the bus so that helps.

 Anastasia has Ms Hanberg this year.  Jonas and Miriam both had her for 3rd grade.  She is excited that they get to raise salmon fry after Christmas and then release them in the spring.

 Ryah has Ms Peterson (Jonas and Miriam both had her for 1st grade).  She is sooooooooo totally excited for school.  Doesn't know any specifics but still is totally excited.

 Kristina, as always was nervous and begged to be homeschooled.  But it won't be long before she comes out of her shell and charms the teacher.

Alina is deliriously happy to be going to school (shh, don't tell her, almost as happy as I am).  She is always bursting to tell me what her friends are doing.  Her teacher this year is Mr Brownsmith.  Kinda funny how she gets a male teacher every year... there aren't that many in our school.

Miriam is BMOC (big man on campus).  Her teacher is Mr McIntosh.  She is going to have a great year.

Everyone is.  Bring on the books!
This is fast becoming a tradition.  First day of school Elijah goes to the bus in his pj's.  This year because Caleb gets up and goes early to seminary, Keith wasn't around to stay with Elijah and we didn't have time for him to get dressed.  Next year he will be dressed, hopefully, as he will start kindergarten.

It is good to have some 1:1 time with Elijah. We have already played with balloons, done lots of workbook pages, learned how to fold towels and taken naps together. I guess I could get used to this.
(I'll try to get pictures of Caleb for another post)