First Day of School 2015-2016

I have been making pancakes on the first day of school for a few years now.  I made Collin a six pancake since he is in sixth grade this year.  Reagan had pancakes too, but somehow I totally forgot to make her a four pancake.  Collin was already on his way to school when Reagan had her pancakes, so I guess we were just caught up in the new routine and Reagan got plain old circle shaped pancakes.

First Day of Middle School - Sixth Grade

First Day of Fourth Grade - sporting a new lokai bracelet and her Water Wizz bracelet (she kept that on until the referee of her soccer game made her remove it, maybe a week later, maybe longer!).

Traditional first day of school bus treat; this year it was a cake.

We are a few weeks into the school year now and it is going well so far.  Collin likes just about everything about the middle school, and Reagan is happy with her teacher and classmates.

Firsts and Lasts - Another School Year Begins

Another school year began this week.  As much as I try to freeze time, or just hold on to a certain day, I don't have that kind of power, and so time goes on and these kids just keep getting older.  Even though it can be sad for me at times that they are getting so old, I am very grateful for their health and all of the wonderfulness that is wrapped up in each one of them.  

Reagan and Collin started school on Tuesday.

Reagan has Mrs. Ashton for third grade this year.  Collin had her, so we know exactly what to expect, and we are looking forward to a great year!

This picture of Reagan and Kate is just too funny.  Kate has been obsessed with Reagan's new shoes, and she was angry because she wanted to wear them!

Collin has Mrs. Ahern for fifth grade: I haven't met her yet, but Collin likes her so far.  Fifth graders are grouped by ability for math, and Collin has Mrs. French for his top level math class.  I'm still having a hard time grasping the fact that this is his LAST year of elementary school.

They both like their new teachers, and they have friends in their classes.  Reagan is still sad that a bunch of her friends were redistricted to Chace, but I'm sure we will be making plans to see them, and in the meantime, she is happy to have some other friends in her class.

I didn't make a special breakfast on the first day this year, so I had my heart set on a special after school treat.  My original plan was to make school buses out of Twinkies, but I couldn't find Twinkies.  I did find Madeleine cookies, and I was running out of time so I made do.

Collin and Reagan had no idea what they were!!!  When I told them they were school buses, they said they "kind of look like buses"!!!

Tyler started school on Wednesday.  Another last - his last year of high school.  I just don't feel like that is possible, but it's true.

He was thrilled to pause for a picture as he headed out, and he only let me take one!!!

I am looking forward to all that this school year is sure to bring, and I hope that they learn a lot, work hard, do their best, make new friends, and enjoy their time in school.

First Day of School - Take Two

Today is Tyler's first day of school.  He is now a junior in high school.  He looks thrilled, doesn't he?  I don't feel old enough to have a high school junior.  I hope he has a great day and a great year!

First Day of School

Today is the first day of a new school year for Collin and Reagan.  It was a little crazy getting back into the routine, but everyone got out the door dressed, with clean faces and brushed teeth, and with lunches and snacks packed, and a few supplies in their backpacks.  Hopefully we didn't forget anything!

I made first day of school pancakes, blueberry for Reagan and chocolate chip for Collin, and I attempted to shape them like a two and a four in celebration of their new grades.

 First day of second grade for Reagan!!!

 First day of fourth grade for Collin!  I can't even believe he is in fourth grade - that's just crazy.

 That is Ellie (our next door neighbor) with Collin and Reagan.  She comes over in the morning to take the bus or walk to school with us.  When I told Kate that Ellie was coming over this morning, she said, "Meow Meow Meow"!!!  I laughed so hard!  Ellie also happens to be the name of one of Auntie Karen's cats.  I guess Kate remembered that from our trip to New York this summer.

I can't wait to hear all about their day!!!!!!!

Another First Day of School

Today is Tyler's first day of sophomore year.  I hope he has a great day, and I really hope that this is a great school year for him.  He wasn't thrilled about letting me take a picture, so this is the best I could do.

Yesterday, I made the school bus cake to celebrate the return to school.  Making it while holding Katelyn was just a little difficult!  It shows in the details; this is a messy, lopsided bus!

No one seemed to care that it looked messy.

When asked about the first day of school, Reagan said it was "awesome" and Collin said it was "boring".  I asked Collin why it was boring, and he said they didn't get to do any work.  I'm sure the teacher will rectify that real soon!

First Day of School

And, they are off.  Phew, it was a bit crazy.  We had a few outfit issues even though clothes were already decided upon last night.  A new lunchbox ended up being a disaster because Reagan's water bottle didn't fit right.  AND, Reagan decided to wear sandals and I had promised to paint her toenails, so I was painting them just minutes before the bus came!!!!!!!  I got it all done though, and even managed to get pictures.

So, here is our official third grader:

And, our official first grader:

The true Reagan, girl of silly faces:

Kate sat patiently and played with leaves while I took pictures.

Collin and Reagan were both happy to see their friendly bus driver, Charlie.

I hope they have a wonderful day!  Now I have to clean up the kitchen; I forgot about the huge mess that happens just from serving breakfast and making lunches!

First Day of School

T and C went off to their first day of school in the pouring rain - no outside photos this year!

To start the day, I made homemade waffles and used chocolate chips and whipped cream to write the number of the grades they are beginning.

That is a nine - T doesn't like whipped cream.

First day of high school!

First day of second grade!

R doesn't have her first day of Kindergarten until Monday, but she did have orientation today.

R had a special K for Kindergarten waffle with banana slices.  

Seeing as though my due date is tomorrow, I can't even tell you how happy I was that I could bring her to this special school day. R met her new teacher (she already knew her though - she was C's Kindergarten teacher and we are SO happy to have her again!!!!!!!!!!), met some of her classmates, learned a little about Kindergarten, and went on a short bus ride to learn about bus safety.

I think Kelly is a little sad that summer is over and everyone is heading off to school.  Little does she know, there will be a baby to keep her company soon!

First Day of School

Today is the first day of school for all three of my children.  While I was feeling a little weepy, they were all excited to see their friends and begin the new school year.  I insisted on taking first day of school photos, so here they are:

T is in eighth grade.

C is in first grade.  

R is in the 4 year class at a private preschool.

While they were in school this morning, I made this surprise treat:

I certainly do not have a future in cake decorating.  Wow, it's hard!  I know it looks a little messy, but at least you can tell what it is supposed to be, and I don't think the kids will care if it is messy.  

*You can find directions to make this school bus cake on the Family Fun magazine website.  They make it look easy, and their cake is much prettier.