First Day of School

The day after we returned from our PNW vacation, the kids started school! We pulled in at about 9:00 p.m., fed everyone, showered everyone and had them in bed by about 9:30. It was a late night, making the first school morning a little rocky. The kids rallied and were really excited to start at their new school.

We decided this summer to send the kids to a local charter school that about 20 families in our ward attend. We had heard such wonderful things about it that we decided to apply and were excited to be accepted. The only downfall of the school is that is about a 30 minute drive each way, with no bussing option. Luckily we are able to carpool with a friend/neighbor making the drive slightly less painful each day.

We had a VERY quick photo taking session before school that morning.

(Kenna has to wear tennis shoes every day which is really putting a cramp in her/my style- LOL. I got her a few pair of the cutest tennies we could find)

After school we had our traditional visit from the Back to School fairy who brought Makenna a pair of roller skates (she is obsessed) and Carter a Tech Deck set. We also had an apple themed snack (sliced apples and delicious toffee dip). The kids had a great first day!

I really can't believe I have two kids in school full time now. It has changed the dynamics of our home a lot. I miss the big kids a ton, especially Makenna who seems so little to be in school all day (don't worry, I felt the same way when Carter went off to Kindy). But both kids are loving school and really thriving there. I must say I am loving my one-on-one time with Addison every day. She is at the most charming age right now and she is flourishing with all the attention she is getting! We are starting most of our extra curricular activities in the next week and I am so glad we've had these first couple of weeks of school to get settled into a routine and to remind the kids that life is not all fun and games when school is in session.

I must admit that after the first two weeks of making the drive to the school that I was about to throw in the towel. I mean, we weren't unhappy in our previous school and I just wasn't sure it was worth it. Then, last Thursday Allen and I attended the school curriculum night and we were completely BLOWN AWAY by the amazing curriculum the school offers. Carter's teacher was particularly impressive and I walked out of there knowing we made the right decision for our kids. I also love that we have every Friday off of school. The kids will have field trips and are supposed to use part of the day to work on their monthly projects but it's been totally dreamy having a 3 day weekend every week!

Just for fun, here are my BTS jars. I needed something to fill the jars with after the 4th of July and decided on a BTS theme, which I've never done before. I love it!! I made the wreath out of brown lunch sacks and love how it turned out (all for about $1). Next year I hope to add some cute ABC/ 123 embellishments on it too.