Back to School 2014

As I state every year, I can't believe how old my babies are getting!  Ava started second grade this year and was lucky enough to get the much desired Mrs. T as her teacher.  She LOVES  her teacher which has made a huge difference this year already, plus Mrs. T has a REAL bearded dragon named Thor as a class pet.  Second grade has the reputation of being a tough year FULL of homework, but having a teacher she likes and wants to please will help so much!

"Second grade baby!"

I feel like we are so busy with activities, school, homework and so on that I turned away for a moment and now my baby is writing, reading and almost as tall as me!!

Since Ella started Kindergarten we got to have the sign again, which is great for pictures!

Ava's second day was Ella's official first day so the camera came out for one more photo shoot.  

While Ella may be the youngest in her class, I think she was more ready to go to kindergarten than anyone else.  There was an open house on the Sunday afternoon to meet the teachers and see the classrooms.  Then for the kindergartners, Monday was another short meet and greet.  Ella kept asking "I don't get it.  I already know where the classroom is and I met my teacher. Why can't I just go to school?"

I cannot explain how much nervous excitement was wrapped up in that little body!!  She is in such a hurry to grow up…Miss.  Independent!

Now, with all that pre-mentioned excitement I had no problem waking anyone up that first week.  Unfortunately, by week 2 the thrill was gone and they were NOT wanting to wake up.  They're still enjoying school so the fight isn't too bad.

Poor Zoe…she is either completely ignored or being strangled by Ella…literally!  While I have learned I am not much of a pet owner, if there was ever a dog to own it is Zoe.  She is mild manner, a good listener and other than the uncontrollable excitement around strangers she is a great dog.  Especially considering how much abuse she endures from Ella "giving her love".

Don't let this next picture fool you. Gavin has quite the pouty face while getting ready for his sisters to both leave for the day, however when it is time to go pick up Ava and Ella, he is usually running around saying "NO pick up Ava and Ella".  I think he is enjoying all the one on one attention with Mommy!

Wish I had more pictures, but that was it.  They wanted to walk in "by themselves like the big kids".  I asked Ava to walk Ella in and be sure she gets to her classroom, but as you can see Ella was not happy about that.  She said "I know where to go and I want to do it by myself" so she slowed down just so there was a little separation between her and Ava.  Such love between them :) Now that it's not so new she has started walking in with Ava, as she should!