this past monday was the girls first day of the school. back to the paper and the books. back to the backpacks thrown on the floor. back to making lunches every morning. back to homework and tests. school makes life hectic and busy. but school also gives us a routine and some structure to our days. and that has been much needed around here. usually, i take the girls "first day of school" photos AFTER school. the lighting is better, we're more relaxed, and we have more time. and i'm sure i'll re-stage the "first day of school" photos again in the next week or so, so i can get additional ones. but it was kind of nice to take out the camera, and snap a photo of each of them as they walked out the door.
alyssa is in high school now! her first day as a freshman. last week, they had some activities that helped prepare them for the start of school. she's in the band (that's her clarinet case she's holding), so she went to a mini-band camp. they had a round-up day, where they turned in forms, ordered PE uniforms and yearbooks, got their schedules and locker assignments. then last friday, they had a 4 hour freshman orientation. i think it really helped to get to learn the campus a bit, and see where their classes were ahead of time. made the first day a little less nerve-wracking. she's got friends from last year in most of her classes. she's got a pretty heavy schedule, with some tough classes. but i know she'll do great. because she's in band, she's actually taking one extra class. so she's in school for 8 full hours. and we're doing some car-pooling with one of her good friends, which really helps since we have to drive them to and from school.
and sarah's in the 6th grade now. her last year, before junior high. when i say it that way, i almost feel like she'll be off at high school before i know it. lol! this is also the first time that her older sister isn't at school with her. so she's walking on her own in the morning. it's right across the street, so it's not far. but makes her look so much more grown up, when she walks out the door. we were kind of bummed that she didn't get a class with any of her best friends. but she doesn't seem to worried about it. she hasn't had any homework yet, but i'm sure it'll kick in next week.
and while i'm really glad to be back on a schedule and have more of a routine around here, i really do miss them while they're at school. they were so great over the summer, helping me with the daycare kids and entertaining them. and now i'm on my own again. i'm the sole entertainment around here, and i'm with kids that really can't hold a conversation with me. lol! so i'm adjusting still to that. and we're adjusting to being crazy busy again. awana's at the church starts next week. and while we've been having soccer practice for a few weeks, games officially start up this weekend. but we welcome the craziness :)
This is a great blog entry:) the girls look so pretty and they've grown so much!
Posted by: Carla | August 20, 2010 at 06:46 AM
your girls are SO beautiful! I know what you mean my kids have been in for a week and a half and I miss them while they're gone. Craziness will start out in a few weeks with soccer and the boys, my Alyisa tries out for soccer next week!
Posted by: Diana | August 20, 2010 at 07:54 AM
They are so beautiful! Can't believe how fast they grow up. Scott start's 8th grade in a couple weeks here. We're gearing up for soccer too. I am so excited for Scott to make some great new friends although most of his team he already knows from school. Always a little sad when summer is over too. I miss him when he's in school as well.
Posted by: Shemaine Smith | August 20, 2010 at 09:10 AM
I agree they are beautiful and getting big. Love their backbacks where did you get them. Cute outfits and shoes also. I like that you take their photo after school too, your right they are more relaxed might have to do that myself. Hope they have a good first week, enjoy your time after a busy summer. MIne go back next week, can't wait to have a quiet house again although by day 3 I miss them and want summer break again lol!! Have a good weekend.
Posted by: dawn | August 20, 2010 at 12:55 PM
The 1st day of school is so exciting! I know what you mean about schedules! We have none during the summer, but come the fall it's all about being on time. The girls look so cute & big! Hope they had a great 1st week!!
Posted by: Sara Rossi | August 20, 2010 at 05:15 PM
cute girls - can't wait till school starts around here - sad but true. Love your 'facebook' style post below!!
Posted by: Brenda H | August 20, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Hi Laura
Your daughters are so beautiful. Cute outfits and shoes also.
**Sony**
Sonia-Studio60
Posted by: Sonia | August 25, 2010 at 09:37 PM