First Day of School

We finally started school here in Ann Arbor. Summer was fantastic, but it was time for a routine and a little more productivity around here. The boys were so excited and a little nervous for things to begin. I feel very blessed that they all adapt really well to new situations...

JACE: Starting 3rd grade. Loved his teacher. A little disappointed that his 2 best buddies weren't in his class. Ready to make new friends. Super responsible about school work. Ready for everything and anything. Going the extra mile. A little bummed about how little play time is left after school, homework and practices. Such is life :)

PARKER: Starting 1st grade. First time going to school all day. Loved it all. It wasn't too long. He loved seeing his friends again. Loved having lunch at school. Loved playing at recess. Is ready for anything 1st grade can throw at him. Mom noticed a little extra emotion after school, but overall...fantastic.

JAMES: Starting Kindergarten! Yes, look at that face, he was that excited. Couldn't wait to get there. A little shy when entering the room. Lots of kids. Lots of new friends to make (not one person he knew in his class). Super young, sweet teacher. Only 1/2 day. Mom bawled when she left him...glad dad was there too. When he came home, all he could talk about was how great it was, it wasn't long enough, he made new friends, sang songs, did math...bubbling full of information. Mom was so relieved.

(As a side note...the deadline in Michigan is not until December, so James is starting Kindergarten at 4. We are planning on him doing Kindergarten again when we move next year and hoping it will be full day or we can pay for full day. We know academically it might be a bore, but he'll thank us later when he's not the VERY youngest. There are very few affordable preschools out here (really, $750 per month for preschool?), so doing it this way was our best option. So happy he loved it!)

MIKE: Starting his second year of grad school. Still working on smiling for the camera. He, too, loved being back and being that much closer to graduation and working again. He'll be ultra busy this semester, so we are glad we got him for the last few weeks. We are so proud of how well he's done in his program and are excited for what the future brings.

Yes, they are in sweatshirts and pants. Not because they were the cute, new things to wear, but because it was CHILLY! Everyone was so excited that dad came with us!

Sweetest thing ever to watch them be brothers. Jace is so good about taking care of Parker and James. I just love it.

And I have 3 hours each morning all to myself. It's nice and always goes by so quickly. I use the time to write articles, fulfill my Resident Advisor position, exercise and clean. Then, I get the rest of the day with James and we've been having a delightful time together. I'm trying to be as productive as possible because after the baby comes my mornings will be drastically different, but that's okay. Bring it on!