And they're off...

We are all officially back in business, as the kiddos headed off for their first week of school.

Ready to rock this Kindergarten thing..

Ivy had gotten herself pretty nervous about school over the past few weeks, but she woke up on Tuesday morning excited and ready to roll.  

Starting school is no big thing when you're a third grader....

Not a backward glance.  She's got this.

 Another summer in the books, another school year started off.  Unbelievable.

The first week went smoothly overall.  We've let chores and piano fall to the wayside as the kids settle in to new sleep schedules and daily routines.  They've not seemed overly tired by school, and both seem happy in their new classrooms.  Judging by the fact that Jack has told us, unprompted, several things PER DAY about school, I think he's a fan of third grade.  He notes that Mrs. Morson has high expectations.  Good.  So do we.  He's set a goal of having a "clean TIGER sheet" (meaning no marks for questionable behavior) for the whole year.  Love my sweet, responsible boy.
Ivy has determined that Kindergarten is "GREAT!" because you get to read "TWO or even THREE stories EVERY DAY!" and has already identified a few friends she'd like to invite over, though she can't remember their names.

Fingers crossed for a year that unfolds smoothly from this first week!  School is such a huge part of a child's life, and involves such a crazily complex set of decisions for parents.  Every year we hope all over again that we have made the right decisions for our children, that they will find joy and learning, safety and confidence, and achieve to their potential in their hours away from us.  So far we've been pleased as punch with the results at Boulevard Elementary, as each set of exemplary teachers has helped Jack to thrive.  Now Ivy gets her turn to join in the fun.  I want to freeze time, all the time, keep them from growing so very fast-- yet I am excited to see what this year brings, and who my children will grow to be by the end of it...