And That's a Wrap!

After the strangest and most unexpected school year, school is finally and officially dismissed for the summer! I'm pretty sure I've never been so excited for school to be out in all my life!

I was so hopeful and excited for this year. While I didn't love the thought of my babies starting school, they were only there about three hours a day. That proved to be great for them and me! It really eased them into the whole school thing, and still gave us lots of time to spend together during the days. It also gave me time to run a quick errand like get my hair cut or teeth cleaned, volunteer in Bren's classroom, volunteer with PTO, or knock out household chores. And some days - although not very often - I just sat in the quiet and enjoyed the down time. 

Having sick kids for weeks in the fall definitely threw a kink in some of that, but overall it was the perfect arrangement for this year. I loved being more involved in the kids' classrooms and more present in the school building. It was what I had always wanted. I hadn't had this kind of flexibility in a decade, and I was thoroughly enjoying it!

Then, everything got turned upside down. Everything came to a sudden and abrupt halt, and we were left trying to pick up the pieces of the school year. Distance learning was a disaster, and emotions were high. The kids missed school, their friends, and their teachers. We missed our routine, the extra-curriculars, and our school community. 

So when I say that we are thrilled to be finished with distance learning and this disaster of a school year, it's true. We are elated to leave distance learning in the dust! At the same time, however, things feel incomplete. With no good-bye hugs or end-of-the-year programs or little graduation ceremonies, it feels like everything was just left hanging. It was all so unexpected . . . we had no idea that March 13th would be the last time the kids would enter the school building for the year. Everything was just left like kids and teachers would be returning shortly. It is a strange feeling, to be sure.

Even though everything feels unfinished, I wanted to capture my kids on the last day of school just like I always do. It's amazing how much they grow in one school year, and this year that seems even more evident to me. One thing is for sure, I am thankful to have had this time with my babies, even if it's what we never could have predicted!

Brecklyn on the last day of Pre-K

Brooke on the last day of Pre-K

My sweet twinbies 💗💜

Brenson on the last day of 2nd grade

Brianna on the last day of 4th grade

Together, we survived the craziest school year we've experienced yet! Through adversity and startling challenges, these kids persevered. They rolled with the changes, and we even had a little fun along the way. 

This season has taught us more than ever how much we don't know what the future holds. We certainly didn't know we'd be ending the school year like this, but as we say good-bye to pre-k, second, and fourth grade, we are grateful for the journey behind and hopeful for the journey ahead. 

December Fun - School Days!

The way the calendar fell this year, there were only three full weeks of school between Thanksgiving Break and Christmas Break. Maybe that's how it always is, but it felt like the days flew by this year. I think I was at the school for something every one of those 15 days! 

One thing we love about our elementary school is the opportunities our kids have to perform or speak in front of a crowd. We feel they are building valuable life skills, and we are so grateful for that! In December, Rise and Shine (the every day morning assembly at school) is extra busy because different groups perform almost every day. This year, Mr J asked Brianna to be the accompanist for the Kindergarten performance. 

She did a wonderful job and didn't seem nervous at all!

I love to see her smile in front of everyone!

During the first week after Thanksgiving break, the PTO hosted a Holiday Shoppe where students could come shop for friends or family. I've been trying to be a little more involved in PTO this year, so I volunteered to work the Holiday Shoppe. I signed up to work the few hours the twins were in class, but several days were very busy and I ended up working longer. That meant that Brooke and Brecklyn had to sit and wait on me until I could get to a stopping place before we could go home. I thought it was really strange that Brooke was waiting so calmly, but it turned out she was running a fever :-(.

The day after I discovered Brooke had a fever, the fourth grade performed at Rise and Shine. I was so sad to miss Brianna's performance, but Chris went and recorded it for me. 

Always smiling :-).

Another day, I volunteered to help the second graders make cinnamon salt dough ornaments. Brooke still wasn't feeling well, so Chris worked from home that morning so he could stay with her. 

I love helping my boy.

We weren't quite done by the time Brecklyn was finished with her school day, so I walked down to her classroom and brought her back to the second grade area with me. She loved making a few ornaments!

Brenson also had a great opportunity to perform with his guitar during Rise and Shine one morning. While most of the second grade sang, he and a few other students played instruments. I'm not sure if he was nervous, but he was certainly serious!

He also did a fantastic job!

Always my serious boy.

Yet another day, the twins made gingerbread houses at school. I had already committed to volunteering with the second grade, but I was able to get away for just a minute to peek in on Brooke and Brecklyn.

Brooke

Brecklyn

Although I wasn't able to help with the gingerbread houses, I did help out at the twins' class party. 

Momma and Brecklyn

Momma and Brooke

Cuties :-)

Pre-K parties are always a little crazy, but they sure are fun! I used to dread class parties, but they are so much easier when you can just focus on your students without other children in tow.

Sweet Brooke

Sweet Brecklyn (and look at that plate of food!)

I like this photo of me talking to the kids 💗.

The same day that the girls had their class party, Brenson also had a class party. Thankfully, his was in the afternoon so it didn't conflict with the girls'. I volunteered to help with his party, as well. 

He didn't always show it, but I think he was happy to have me there. I think, haha.

Bren, Dedrick, and Ryder

The second grade class party was pretty crazy, as well. The kids just get SO keyed up at that age!

The day after the other kids' class parties was Brianna's class party. I was very grateful that all the parties were at different times so that I could be at all of them. G-Jo went with me to help the fourth graders with a snowman craft. 

Of course, Brooke and Brecklyn wanted to make the craft, as well!

The fourth graders were so calm compared to the younger classes. I didn't mind, lol . . . it was just different. Brianna was thrilled to have both G-Jo and me there with her. 

One of my goals for this year was to spend more time volunteering at the school since I had a block of time each morning without kids. I definitely feel like I'm accomplishing that, and honestly I'm loving it more than I thought I would. I consider it a privilege to be in my kids' classrooms with them, getting to know their classmates and teachers on a different level. I'm already looking forward to next year when I can spend even more time with my kids in their classrooms!

The First Day of School for Four!

If you read my post I put up the other night, you know I was feeling super emotional about the first day of school. I wanted to be strong for my kids (who were all excited and ready), but I just didn't know if I had it in me. I thought there was a distinct possibility that I might fall apart and be mess, so I wasn't really looking forward to it. 

I'm happy to report that the day was great . . . for everyone! It always helps me to get some of my feelings out, and because I wrestled with all the feels the night before school started, I was good to go on the actual first day of school! 

And I wasn't the only one . . . the kids were so wound up that we were all ready almost 30 minutes before time to leave. Bren was already up and dressed when I went in his room to wake him for the day!

Having everyone ready early meant that I could take pics and not be rushed at all. YES!

Brianna on her first day of fourth grade

Brenson on his first day of second grade

Brooke Ellie on her first day of Pre-K

Brecklyn Sarah on her first day of Pre-K

My sweet twinbies were SO excited for their very first day of school!

I didn't intentionally coordinate their clothing, but I certainly don't mind that it worked out that way, ha! 

Brianna, Brooke, Brecklyn, and Brenson

I adore this photo! Can you tell that they were excited to tackle their day?!?

Daddy with the crew 💙

Momma with the crew 💓

Chris always takes the morning of the first day of school off work so we can join the kids at Rise and Shine, then walk them to their classrooms. We accompanied the kids into the gym for Rise and Shine, and they all immediately went to sit with their classes.

Brenson

While several of the pre-k and kindergarten kids were on the struggle bus (there were lots and lots of tears), Brooke and Brecklyn were dancing and participating like they'd been doing it for years. Oh wait . . . that's because they have!

Brecklyn is the only one I thought might have a little trouble, but she was all smiles!

When Rise and Shine ended, Chris walked with Brianna to class while I went with Brooke and Brecklyn. I was waiting for their class in the hallway when they came out of the gym, and I was not at all surprised to see that Brooke was leading the class and holding her teacher's hand. Of course, Brecklyn wasn't far behind her sister.

I'm sad this pic is blurry because Brooke was giving me the cutest little thumbs up!

I followed the twins into their classroom, helped them get situated, then said good-bye. They were ready to get their day started!

After saying good-bye to the twins, I went down to Bren's classroom to say a quick good-bye to him. As you can see from him face in the photo below, he thought me coming to check on him was completely unnecessary!

Even with all my kids in the same building, I wasn't able to make it down to see Bri. Thankfully, she's a big kid and said she was perfectly fine with me not walking her to her classroom. Chris did walk her, though, and snapped this pic before he left. Sweet girl!

Once we made sure all the kiddos were where they needed to be, we met up in the hallway and left to go on a coffee date. I teared up just a little when we walked out of the building, but I was proud of myself for {mostly} holding it together!

Haha . . . I'm not sure what these faces are!

It felt so strange to both of us to be out on a breakfast coffee date with no children! I can't even think of the last time that has happened. It was great to be able to talk without interruption and just really focus on each other. We hope to see more of this in our future!

Because our district does half day pre-k, the twins are only in school a little less than three hours. I figured that time would drag by on the first day, and I was right. I was so ready to pick them up and hear about their day, and they were super excited to tell me everything! They both had a wonderful first day of school!

Brecklyn (upset because she thought the sun was in her eyes)

Brooke (also struggling with the "sun")

Later in the day, Bren's teacher posted a few photos on the class FB page. I love when teachers do this! 

Part of Bren's class at Rise and Shine

Bren and some of his classmates having silent reading time

The twins' teacher, Mrs. C, also posted a few photos.

Brecklyn

Brooke

I think one of these wasn't quite as excited as the other, haha! 

I probably say this every year, but I'm so grateful that school is a positive experience for my kids. My heart went out to all the parents and children who were upset, crying, and scared about going to school. I know that is hard on everyone! Our drop offs are so easy, and I hope I appreciate that as much as I should. 

It's going to be a great year!