It happens every year – the children return to school after a summer full of messy kitchens, weeding, canal floats, heat, vacations, and sleeping in. I am not going to lie: I have immensely enjoyed the past few days of solitude and tidiness. But at the end of the day I still feel the void of happy voices, bike helmets on my table, and trickling piano keys. It is such a bittersweet time for me each year.
We had our annual back to school dinner followed by the family fashion show. Mason again had to put up with the rest of us, and this year Lexi helped him feel the love with their sunglasses. They can be such good friends – I love to watch them when they are looking out for each other. Olivia is a ball full of excitement as this is her first official year of school, and Lily has been excited about school starting since third grade let out in the Spring.
I was proud that Lexi allowed me to take her picture in front of the Sugar Salem High School on the first day of school. I wasn't necessarily planning on taking her and Mason on my first day of school picture taking spree with teachers, but she was the one who reminded everyone of my tradition and told them I always take them to school and take their pictures. I decided to not let her down. 🙂 Mason endured me snapping a quick photo in front of the SSJH, but I think he genuinely likes having the attention – I'll just keep telling myself that. Lily was a bit nervous going to a new school. She is now in the Kershaw Intermediate School with Mrs. Hexam as her fourth grade teacher. She was excited to see all of her friends. Olivia was so cute as she graced the halls of Central Elementary. Her teacher is Mrs. Clinton. JT and I are chillin' on the home front and are happy when the front door opens to welcome everybody home. I now have a child in all 4 of the Sugar Salem schools – and JT will be going to pre-school at BYUI in January. This will be an eventful school year.