First Day of School 2013

The night before school starts is always a little emotional for me.  I think ahead of all the challenges and opportunities my kids will face, their triumphs and temptations, and I mourn the passing of lazy, summer days.

 We prepared backpacks, stuffed them with the necessary supplies.  Then we talked together about how great school is, how much they can learn (most of which is accompanied by groans from Caleb and Dallin) and Mitch gave each of them a Father's blessing.  In case you're wondering why none of the boys have shirts on, it's hot here in August, and our kids think this means that summer pajamas consist of a pair of comfy shorts.

On the morning of the first day of school I asked for a photo.  

I know that many kids are excited for school to start.  Can you tell that is not the case in my house? With the exception of Brandt, this photo accurately captures my boys' attitude about the matter.

But Brandt was excited. It was his first day of preschool and, with his new backpack, he was ready to conquer the world.

The other boys weren't quite so sure, but they did finally smile for my pictures.  

Here's Adam on his first day of 1st grade.

Dallin's first day of 3rd grade.

Caleb's first day of 6th grade (his last in elementary school)!

We walked to school together.

After finding some decorative trash along the way, Mitch offered to come into Caleb's classroom and meet all his new friends.

Caleb declined.

Once we dropped off the older boys we walked Brandt to preschool, not far away.

He was excited to see his new teacher.

And despite previous frowns, everyone had a good first day of school and I'd say things are off to a good start.

Crazy Hair Day

Today is Crazy Hair Day at the elementary school.

The kids normally have short, short hair and in the past we haven't really participated in Crazy Hair Day beyond a few gelled spikes.

This time the kids were determined (and they have a bit more hair to work with).

Dallin dearly wanted to dye his hair, but since he has blonde hair, and his baptism is tomorrow morning, I convinced him that may not be a wise choice.  He had to settle for spikes and pick-up-sticks.

He was alright with that.

Since we didn't plan ahead beyond bedtime last night, I didn't have hair dye (and was too lazy for a nocturnal run to the store) we ground up our last bits of blue chalkboard chalk and used it to color Caleb's spikes.  He decided they made a good sea for his little tropical friend.

Adam's interested in aliens right now so I thought it would be fun for him to sport some "alien eyes" among his locks.

He agreed.

What am I doing with my own hair for crazy hair day, you ask?  I'm thinking a ponytail sounds good right about now.  Sheesh. I have new respect for the daily morning routine of moms of little girls with long hair.

First Day of School 2011

Yesterday was the first day of school.  I always have mixed feelings on the first day.  I am excited for all the new things my kids will learn, the friends they'll make.  I know they need the structure.  And yet I miss them.