School Year 2008-2009: Week One

Well - everyone survived the first week of school - including me. Everything went really well for all the kids and they are all enjoying it. We have to get up a lot earlier in the morning this year, and we started at 3 new schools but so far its going alright.

Kendall started preschool and is loving it. She hasn't talked to her teacher yet, but will talk to the other kids in her class. I told the teacher that you had to "merge" with Kendall not go in "head-on", but is convinced of doing it her own way, so it may be a few weeks yet before Kendall speaks. Here's a picture of her on the first day:

Shelby started 1st grade and loves being a big kid and going to school all day. However, she has been almost asleep by the time she gets home. Shelby also started piano lessons this week and she is thrilled.

Tori started 5th grade and her teacher is the "funniest man alive". (Isn't she lucky?) He is a very dynamic guy and loves the grade he teaches. She will have a great year. She already has made some great new-ish friends. She's played a sport or danced with almost every girl in her class so it was a good transition for her. She told me it was nice to be with girls who understood her "likes" (Zac Efron and the Jonas Brothers). She was very excited to learn that a teacher at the school was Zac's 2nd grade teacher up in AG. OOOOOOOH!

As for Brennan - he had the biggest transition this year starting JR High. He is still alive to talk about it, so we are counting our blessings. After all, his school has the biggest gang problem in Santa Maria. Just kidding (about the being alive part - the gang thing is true, but who cares? Gangsta BJ????) He had a great week, with the exception of forgetting his lunch pass and leaving his gym clothes on the bus - all in the same day. But, everything was fine, lunch pass returned, gym clothes found (thank you bus driver). He is continuing with band and is going to try his hand at the french horn this year - its very large though and he has to carry it around all day (but only every other day) since there are no lockers. His other classes are fun as well - he has great teachers and will continue to be challenged. He plans on trying out for the volleyball team this week - so we will keep you posted.

To go along with school starting, Scott was picked for jury duty and was lucky enough (??) to get a 4-5 week trial. Fortunately he continues to receive a regular paycheck throughout, so its almost like a vacation - almost.

As for me, I'm enjoying my few hours of quiet time. Its the first time I've spent any significant time alone in about 12 years. I love the new schools and am impressed with all the teachers. Its nice to be at schools that have some pride and teachers and parents who care and want the best for the kids. It will be an active school year I'm sure and we'll be sure to update with the details.