Back to school . . .

Yesterday was the first day of school -- 2010/2011. Caleb is in the first grade, and Liam is in the 6th grade . . . aka - JUNIOR HIGH!! (lockers, 6 classes, 6 teachers, the bus, social drama, etc.)

How did this happen?  My little baby is officially a "tween-ager". He looked so nervous on our way to school . . . but when he got out of the car - he didn't even look back. Sadly parents are to KEEP OUT of middle school, so no walking him to class or pictures at his desk. :( It's a parent-free zone -- only "cool" big kids aloud. But it didn't stop me from being the mom who hung out of the car window with the video camera (Quinn was driving). Here he goes!

Caleb was nervous too . . . we think. . . he gets REALLY quiet when he's nervous. Quinn and I walked him to school and he stayed about 5 feet behind us the whole way -- even with every attempt on our part to slow down, or tell him to speed up, we even stopped and waited several times. Not a peep came from him as we entered the classroom . . . not even a smile, well at least not until his friend Mason loosened him up. It sure was good to finally see that smile . . . it does a mama's heart good. (sigh of relief)

THE REPORTS:

Caleb: Teacher was nice, day was kind of boring, lots of talking. Was nice to a kid named Santiago who didn't have any friends and couldn't open his locker (Made us proud). He liked lunch -- said that, "EVERYONE" had notes on their napkins from their parents (made him feel happy about the note from his own mom). After school, Quinn and I walked to meet him (he's a "walker"), but he didn't seem so excited about that (maybe because of the video camera) . . . he was looking forward to walking home by himself -- since he IS a first-grader (last year he walked home with Liam and the Decker kids). Tomorrow he'll start riding his bike to and from school, with our neighbor boys.

Liam: Rode the bus home. (I met him out on the sidewalk). He said he felt VERY relieved . . . there's plenty of time between each class, he LOVES his ELAR (English, Language Arts, and Reading) teacher -- used to be a hippy and is really cool, and calm. LOVED his band teacher (playing the trumpet) -- he says he's hilarious and he has never laughed so hard. His history teacher is a coach and used to play pro-baseball. His science teacher is "fine", and his math teacher is "a little scary -- nice, but not sweet". Liked all the choices of things to eat at lunch . . . and that you can use your cell phones and ipods. Locker access went great . . . several kids even thought he was a seventh grader and asked him for help with their lockers!! All in all, it was a great first day . . . aaahhhhh . . . relief.


This morning Liam decided to ride the bus. I wanted to walk him to the bus stop, but he kindly said, "Mom, no offense, but that's kind of embarrassing." I just said, "Really?", and grabbed my sunglasses. He said, "you're going to come anyway aren't you?" And I said, "YUP!" But I didn't totally embarrass him, I walked just until I could see others waiting, and then gave him a good 'ol "side hug" (totally not embarrassing). And then I turned back for home, and let him be a "big kid". (sniff, sniff)

Sure wish I had some pictures to document the first day of school . . . but alas, we're having camera woes. Thank goodness for the good 'ol "memory", which is where this day will have to live . . . (and on video tape.)

May 2010
This is a picture from the last day of school, last year.  Caleb was in kindergarten and Liam was in 5th grade.  The first and last years at Wilmeth Elementary.  And the ONLY year that these brothers would be at the same school TOGETHER.  (except for maybe college.)