Tradition!

First Day of School!

My kids know by now, not to fight the traditional

"going out the door photos".

In fact, I tell them no matter how old they are,

or what grade they're in....

I will be there with my camera on that day!

They laugh at the thought of me showing up

on their College doorstep.

I get a little sentimental about the first day of School.

Maybe it's my own childhood memories and excitement

of this day or the tradition of first day cookies

I knew would be there when I came home.

Something about this day

makes me want to freeze it for a moment.

I look at my kids a little longer,

trying to feel and appreciate the moment.

Feeling a little in awe

that another school year is starting -

Knowing my kids won't ever be this age again.

Knowing my kids-

are growing up.

and Feeling grateful to be their mom.

Mac
Sophmore

Mandi
7th grade

Mitch
4rth grade

Justin
Kindergarten

Gracie
Preschool

With my little ones going to school in the afternoon,
I had a little more time for photos!
They are always willing and ready to pose.

This is a big year for these two!
Spending each afternoon apart is going to be quite the change.
As Gracie did not have preschool on Justin's first day,
she was able to send him off.
The below pictures show her-
First, driving him to the bus stop-
and then saying their good-byes.

Cooking the first day of school cookies kept Gracie busy

while waiting for the bus to bring him back!

Mandi was the first to come home to warm cookies

and an anxiously waiting Gracie!

We were all excited to meet the boys at the bus stop.

Mitch and Justin looked so cute

coming off the bus together.

I am so glad Justin has his big brother to look after him!

Mitch found Justin sitting on

the wrong bus coming home!

Worried this would happen again, I heard Mitch assure Justin

he would "never, ever go home without him."

Justin is also glad, ( and proud) to have his big brother looking out for him.

Later that night as I was tucking my Kindergartner in,

I realized he went through a "right of passage" this day.

He no longer is talking of marrying his mom or sisters.

He has a new love.

"Mom, Mrs. Pace is so,so,so,so,so,so, just so,so,so, pretty.

When I get old I want to marry her."

Apparently Mrs. Pace made a VERY good first impression!

Yes, I think Justin will adjust just fine.