First Day of School in CA

Summer just about kills me! Just when I think I am going to die from the over-stimulation of yelling, fighting, constant go go go, entertaining, washing swimming towels over and over, messy house, play dates, and school shopping, the first day of school arrives and I get elated at the thought of having my sanity back. Then, inevitably, I drop the kids off and feel completely empty. I miss them the moment I drive away. And part of me wants to turn around and pick them up from school. Okay, just a small part.

This happened again today. But it was more difficult because they are starting their first year of school in California. No friends, no familiarity. I’m trying to be ultra upbeat and excited for them, but the truth is, I’m nervous for them.

2nd, 4th, and 6th graders

Aren’t they cute?

Reagan is in 2nd Grade with Mr. Johnson. Her classroom has a fish tank, bull frog, rat, snake, and plants galore. Its such a wonderful learning environment!

Grant is in 4th Grade with Mrs. Waidhofer. He looked like he was about to cry when I said goodbye to him at the classroom door. I think he’s overwhelmed. This is his teacher’s first year at the school also, so they are both new. She told him they would figure things out together, which made him smile.

Grant and Reagan are attending Sierra School. We feel really blessed to have gotten into this school. There are two in the district and kids are placed at random. This one is closer to our home, and has been given so much praise that we wanted to attend. I will be dropping them off and picking them up each morning because the bus doesn’t come to our house.

Jefferson is my big Middle Schooler now. I’m still in denial of this. He wanted a cool backpack (Uncle Ian actually gave this one to him), and he wanted some body spray (to smell good).

Yesterday we picked up his schedule, books, and P.E. clothes. We walked the course of his classes and met his teachers. It was a big deal! He’s going to have to dress down for P.E. and use a locker with a padlock. He has a homeroom, an elective, and will walk home after the final bell rings. It’s like he grew up over night. Yesterday he was my elementary school boy and today he’s too cool to kiss his mom in public. Actually, I did get a kiss out of him.

12 to be exact. I kissed him and squeezed him until he couldn’t take anymore. Shawn and I wanted to walk him to school this morning, so we parked at my moms and started walking the trail to the back of the school. When we reached the grass field he said, “Mom, isn’t this where we stop for hugs and kisses and goodbye?” He didn’t want us to walk him all the way. For a second I was hurt, then I realized he’s in middle school. Parents don’t walk kids to class at this age. He walked away without looking back once. I yelled, “I love you!” across the field once, loud enough for him to get a little embarrassed. I certainly don’t want him thinking that he’s too old for a Mommy. I’m not going anywhere. Here he is walking away, into the big leagues.

Kennedy and I miss everyone already. We can’t wait for them to come home.