Back to school

Zechariah started 2nd grade this year and Gabriel started Kindergarten. Here are the handsome boys on their first day of school. At Zech's open house, his class was supposed to write a note to their parents. The first line was supposed to state, "Thank you for coming to my open house". Zech refused to write the line and got in trouble with his teacher. When the teacher's aid asked him why he wouldn't write it he said, "Because it's not my open house. If I write it, I have to own it!" His aid tried to control her shock and amusement but let me know that she thought it was very insightful of him. He was right! It wasn't his open house. He wasn't even invited! The next line to us stated, "2nd grade is kind of a bossing zone". Ok, that made me laugh! Zech loves to make other people follow the rules but he wants to decide if, when, and which rules he will follow. Oh well, he's mine and I love him like crazy!
Gabriel LOVES school. He is really coming into his own too. Our little neighbor is in his class and says he is hilarious and talks a lot at school. I am so glad! He is quite shy until he gets comfortable with you. Hearing that he is joking and talking at school makes me happy that he is comfrtable and thriving there! He is gaining self confidence and his own his personality is really coming out.

The day before school started I threw a back to school party. Everyone had a great time!

I made cake and let the kids decorate their own slices. Ammon and Eli truly enjoyed the treat!

See my sign? I totally ripped this idea off of my amazing SIL, Cortnie. I was so proud of myself!

The crew! Unfortunately, Gary was away at Advanced training in Ft Lostinthewoods, MO but Uncle Will graciously stepped in to give the kids their back-to-school blessings. Thanks Will! It is so nice to have family right next door.

My SIL, Sarah is homeschooling her oldest this year and since her youngest 2 are not old enough to go to school, she's got them home too. We have worked out a pretty good system to help each other out with school. I take her little boy, William, to school with Zech and Gabe and pick them all up. If my babies are still asleep in the afternoon, I leave them with her while I go get the kids. Since I have had some significant back problems and am currently in physical therapy, Sarah watches Ammon and Eli 2x a week while I go to my apts. It is a life saver! I would never be able to do this if she weren't here! Thanks Sarah!

Next post: Fall soccer! We love it!