First Day of School

Today was the first day of school.  I didn't sleep well last night because I was a bit nervous how Darya would do. She's such a peanut, and, well, it's just hard to let your baby go!  Instead of the usual meet-the-teacher with the rest of the school last week, they did a staggered start this week. So this morning Joel, the boys, and I took Darya to her first day of school. We got to meet the teacher (which I had done before) and the aides and see the classroom.  The teacher gave us a basic rundown of things.  Then we said goodbye!  We went home, and the boys had their first official day of school. When we were done, it was time to pick Darya up. The teacher said she did very well. What a relief!  Here's a couple of snapshots from today:

My sweet little peanut:

The boys concentrating on their first history lesson of the year:

My, how she's grown!

Here is Darya on our front lawn shortly after she came home last October (the coloring's horrible since it was taken on my phone):

And here she is almost 10 months later:

School

It seems like we just wrapped up our homeschooling year and now the books and curricula I've ordered are trickling in for the new year.  I'm almost done ordering everything which is a great feeling. This past school year wasn't the most stellar of homeschooling years for us (though the boys are all doing fine); I think it kind of had to do with the fact that we adopted a little someone special into our family last fall :-)  I love the flexibility that homeschooling provides and I'm looking forward to a good solid year.  You know, I always wanted to be a mom and a teacher (just like my mom), but never did I think that I would get to be my own children's teacher! I love it!  Sometimes when we're out and about town, people will ask the boys where they go to school. They are always happy to reply, "my kitchen!" :-)

We have decided for Darya to go to school.  I have heard great things about the local school where she will be attending the ESE pre-k class. She will get speech therapy twice a week and occupational therapy once a week.  If for some reason it doesn't work out for her (though I imagine she will love it), then I can look into other options.  I am certainly not opposed to homeschooling her, but for now this is what we decided would be the best choice for her. So, while she's at school in the mornings, I will homeschool the boys.

I can't believe the first official day of school is in a matter of weeks.  When I was a kid, it seems summers where much longer - we didn't start until AFTER Labor Day.

Anyway, three more wonderful weeks of summer break to enjoy!  I think I enjoy the break as much as the kids do :-)