1st Day of School 2012

Although I'm not a big fan of the actual schools, I love the school schedule here in CA.  The kids get out of school later in the summer & start earlier in the fall.  Then they get LONG fall, winter, & spring breaks.  I think it's perfect.  My kids are bored of summer after a month & can't wait for school to start.  Hooray for the 1st day of school.

Lorien started 2nd grade today.  The girls love to match clothes so they all wore the same outfits for the first day.  

She was SO excited to show off her new backpack & lunch box.  She's been wanting Brave everything since the movie came out in June.  Merida has the same spunky free spirit Lorien does.  They have a LOT in common.

Cadence started 4th grade today.  This was a turning point for me because this is the first school year that I actually remember vividly.  I was 9 when I moved from AZ to UT & I was 9 when I met my very best friends (& we're still best friends 22 years later).  My friends & I were discussing this earlier today because all their kids are starting 4th grade this year as well.  It's so crazy because it seems like only yesterday.  

Cadence was SO excited to start school.  She was happy & hyper all morning in anticipation.

This is the first year Cadence has a non-disney backpack.  She is growing up & didn't want to look too "childish" around other 4th graders.  I was kind of sad about that.  They grow up way too fast.  But she picked out an adorable Jansport backpack that should last her a few years actually.  I'm grateful for that.

I'm so glad that my girls are best friends.  I love how they love each other conditionally, support one another, & root for each other in everything.  They make me proud.

Once the younger kids saw me taking pictures of the girls, they wanted to get in on the photo fun.  Taya is sure getting beautiful isn't she?

Taya is my wild-child, but she's also my little sunshine.  She won't be starting kindergarten until next year, but I'm thrilled to get to spend one more year here at home with her.  She brightens my days with laughter & smiles, & who can resist that dimple?

Bladen is my shy, little man.  He doesn't say much but he sure knows my soft spot.  He's got me wrapped around his little finger with his hugs & kisses.

And Craiger. . . what can I say about Craiger?  There's definitely a reason his nickname is 

MONSTER,

but seriously, he's adorable.  He's going to be a smart one.

Lorien got Ms. Phillips as her 2nd grade teacher.  She's pretty excited about it.

And Cadence got Ms. Balestrieri.  She is a cute, spunky, young gal.  I love her & I only talked to her once.  She's the perfect teacher for Cadence.

So I'd say we had a great 1st day.  The kids wanted to go to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight just so they can go to sleep & get to school faster.  It makes me happy that school makes them happy.