Where did it go?

Where on earth did summer go? Didn't it JUST START? I seriously can NOT believe that it's over, and that school has started up again. Don't get me wrong... I love having a routine (except for that whole "waking up early" part) and I don't have to hear about how bored the kids are, but really, I wasn't ready this year. I felt like it came way too quick! The three older kids' school started Monday August 23rd. In my mind, it was still July 23rd.  Nevertheless, my kids had their uniforms on, their backpacks and lunches packed, and were ready in plenty of time to go out and take some pictures. It's just too bad that the sun wasn't even up yet! Yes... we have to get up mighty early. My kiddos leave for school at 7:30 every morning!

First: My very favorites of the morning (there's one of Hayden down further in the post). Eryn had found these 3D glasses with the lenses out, and had put tape around the bridge. We thought it would be funny to do some "nerdy" pics. HEHE ;)

I LOVE uniforms. My kids? Not so much. (Actually, I should say ONE OF MY KIDS - the other two don't really care). But guess what? There is no "what-the-heck-am-I-gonna-wear-today?" stuff, and I don't have to buy expensive trendy jeans for my Junior-higher! Everyone looks the same (which is exactly why my Junior-higher is not a fan. She wants to be different!) But... I LOVE THEM!

I still can't believe how big they are getting. Seriously, I have a kid in 7th grade? Our charter school goes through 9th grade, but even though they are in the same school, they are treated the same as, and considered, Jr. High. The 7-9th graders have lockers, multiple classes, and their own "side" of the school.

Dang it! Stop growing up! (Don't you LOVE her lunch bag?)

My big 5th grader!

All ready to start 2nd Grade!

I REALLY can't believe that all four of my kids are in school this year!

They are all enjoying school so far. They all got AWESOME teachers, and the transition from Summer to School went quite smoothly for them...

The Kindergartner? Not quite as smooth, but we're working on it. He started the week after the other three. Hello! I LOVE this funny picture of him!

Of course I took that picture on everyone ELSE'S first day. I actually MISSED Hayden's first day. I was heartbroken!! I couldn't believe I wouldn't be there to take him, but I was with my Dad. My awesome dad always puts us into the drawing for hunting tags. He's been putting me in for Antelope forever it seems, and this year was my lucky year. I actually drew a tag. The sad part was the day I would have to go. I love going with my dad... it's the "thing" I do with him. It's fun to have a day to just hang out with him and do his favorite thing in the world (PLUS I did get one: that post will come next). This year was just a little hard as I thought about my baby starting school without me! Luckily, Jared was able to take the day off and make sure Hayden got to school okay. I left a camera with him so that he could capture it for me. Here are Jared's "first-day-of-Kindergarten" captures:

All ready to go!

All lined up at the school.

As hard as it was for me to not be there, I know Jared was loving every second. He has never been home to see anyone off on the first day of school, let alone their first day of Kindergarten. Hayden was very brave that day. He went in just fine. Things got harder when I was back and taking him. He got really clingy. Even CRIED! I never in a million years thought my crazy Hayds would have a hard time going to school. He is so friendly, and was the ONLY kid that just went right in without a problem when he started nursery at church. I totally thought he would be fine. Preschool was NEVER a problem.

When I asked him what was up, he said "Well, school is long!"

Knowing that it's only half-day kindergarten, I said "It's not any longer than preschool."

His reply? "But it's BIGGER!"

I think he was realizing how small he is in comparison to the huge building and bigger kids there. He is doing better now. I still have to hold his hand clear to the door, but there are no more tears, and when he gets off the bus at home he tells me "I LOVE KINDERGARTEN!" I love my little buddy, and I'm glad he's finally decided that Kindergarten is OKAY!