School Days....

Derek started the third week at his new school today. I can't believe it's already been 3 weeks. Earlier this month we attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for his school. The school did a great job making it a fun event and had many things for the kids to do, bouncy houses, mascots from Chick fil A and the Colorado Rockies, temporary tattoos, and t-shirts for all the students. Derek was excited to start his new school. It's a larger school than what we were use to and I could see some hesitation in Derek but mostly excitement.

First day of school arrives, earlier than I would have liked, but Derek was excited and ready to go. The twins and I dropped him off at the school and I couldn't believe he was off for his 3rd grade year! Apparently his teacher wanted the kids to hit the ground running and I feel like that's what I have had to do to keep up ever since. He came home with homework the first day and has homework every day since! I can't believe how much is expected of 8 and 9 year olds! The weather is still nice and has been a challenge getting Derek to come in from riding his bike to start his homework so we are not up late completing it.

There are lots of kids in the new neighborhood which has pros and cons. I have really had to reinforce the rules and think of new ones to keep Derek out of trouble, keep up with his homework and still have fun. After school has become a bittersweet time for me. I'm happy to have Derek home and want to know about his day but there are kids walking home from the bus stop that want to play. Kristin and Shawn want to catch up with their friends. I have 3 kids going in all directions. Makes me long for the quiet days in Helena when I could actually talk to Derek and hear about his day.

This is also the last week the twins will be home everyday. Preschool starts for them on Tuesday. Kristin has said she's ready for school for the last 2 weeks! They are both excited to go to school. Shawn says he wants to be in the classroom with all the tools that he saw when we toured the school earlier. Kristin wonders who her teacher will be and what the day will be like. It's fun to watch their excitement! It's sad to think this will be the last year before they start "big kids" school. I love watching all of them grow in to these smart, entertaining and awesome little people.