Back at it

Summer has come to a close and my overly neglected blog will once again be resurrected.  Since my last entry, which I didn't even look back to see when it was, a busy memorable summer was had.  Lots more swimming, seeing friends, a trip to Alpena, teaching summer school, house projects, including concrete work, new windows, a painted front door (3 times I might add), a little landscaping, school open houses, and yes, the first day of school have all happened in a flash.

Olivia ready for her first day of 3rd grade.

Mia getting ready to start kindergarten.

Both girls anxiously awaiting leaving for the first day.  They were asking to leave over one hour before they needed to.  I'm glad they look forward to school.

In front of our newly painted front door (FYI, this was supposed to be red.  This was the first attempt.  We've got it correct since).

Olivia excels and loves school so it wasn't too bad having to send her to a new building this year.  I know she will thrive put in any situation at school.  She was eager and has quite a few friends in her classroom this year.  She has already got a regular meeting spot with some of her friends every morning where they meet up before school, and then a crew she walks with after school.  Mia on the other hand I was a nervous wreck about.  I had taken her into school with me a lot try to help her get acclimated and not be so nervous.  She started knowing all the students names in my summer school class and other students just by coming for the breakfast and lunch program.  I finally thought she was going to be fine, that is until open house night.  She clung to me, wouldn't speak to anyone, including some of her best friends or her teacher, Mrs. Tetzloff whom she knows very well.  My anxiety level was once again heightened.  Eventually I got her to go to her classroom with Olivia later that evening and she cooperated, but I still dreaded the first day envisioning tears and screaming for mommy.  My dad and Patty were in town and took both the girls to school on the first day for me.  I went outside and saw a beaming ear to ear Mia standing confidently first in her kindergarten line.  She was a champ!  No tears shed, not even by mommy, but close.  She's loving school and ruling the roost because she is so comfortable.

Andy is back helping with the Building Trades program.  They have a house to build this year on Sand Lake in Nottawa.  He seems positive about the students in the class this year, as opposed to some from last year's group.  He is once again back in the fields picking corn again too.  He just started back up this weekend and is excited to get to drive the big tractors again.