Four Kids @ Four Different Schools

The first day of school came around once again.  Just like the famous Staples commercial states,

"It's the most wonderful time of year!"

 Ally is now in 8th grade but here the 7th & 8th graders go to the high school campus.  With budget cuts every where this helps the high school teachers be able to teach jr high classes too.

Emily is now in the 6th grade and her school is right across the street.  She can literally look out our front window and see the window to her classroom.  The school secretary told her that in the winter she can stay warm in the house until the 1st bell rings.  Then she'll have plenty of time to get to her seat before the 2nd bell.

Luke is going to Kindergarten!  He actually surprised me and wanted to ride the bus to his school the first day.  I had no intention of letting him but ended up giving in.  The bus stop is right in front of our house and when he saw the bus he just had to get on it.  I was telling him, "No, I want to take you the first day" when the phone rang.  I answered it and it was the school secretary telling me that the bus driver is wating for Luke.  Right then with him saying he wanted to go and the driver waiting for him we grabbed his backpack and the camera and headed outside.  I got only this very quick picture before he was gone.

I came back inside and broke down.  What had I done?  Why did I let him do that?  I have ALWAYS taken my kids to school on the first day.  I felt horrible.  I had a good cry for about 10 minutes and then felt better.  Maybe it was OK to send him on the bus so he didn't see me like that?  I'm sure I would have cried dropping him off at school too.  I always do.  Maybe it would have made things harder?  Needless to say he LOVES school.  He's in the afternoon class and the 2nd day he was dressed and sitting on the porch waiting for the bus at 7:45am.  That was a long morning.

These are my two buddies still at home.  I think Lyla misses the big kids but Ruby is starting to be able to play with her more and they have fun too.  Lyla does like her one-on-one time with me when Ruby's taking her nap. 

Then a week later Lyla started preschool.  It's just two days a week for a couple of hours.

We went back and forth whether we should put her in preschool or not.  She's only three so there's still time next year but the other kids all got to go to preschool when they were three.  I knew she would love it but we probably should just save the money.  Then we got lucky.  Her Aunt Marcie is one of the preschool teachers and she has a 13 month old.  I've been taking care of cute little Jaycee for a tuition trade.  Her naps off set Ruby's so it's working out fine. 

So four kids all with different times they come and go each day.  I spend most of my day looking at the clock making sure I keep up with it all.  L.J. introduced me to Google Calendar and it's been a life saver!