Was that a school bus?

Yes, it’s true. The kids are back in school. HALLELUEJAH! Now- in all fairness- I love having the kids home and being together for lazy summer days and the like, but this has not been our typical summer and after awhile playing with your siblings and only your siblings loses it’s appeal. And then the arguing begins. And then mom starts wishing that everyone had a friend to play with to dilute the tension. Enter Public School. That wonderful place full of education and art projects, singing time, PE, and most importantly- lunch. The place where my kids are going to meet some new friends!

Today was everyone’s second day. The older kids love their new teachers and Max loves his preschool. I wish that I were a good photographer, or even a mediocre-but-consistent photographer, because this post would be better with pictures. Ah, well.

A few tidbits from the kids recounting of the last two days of school:

Emmaline: Mom, there are 4 other Emma’s in my class at school!

Me: Well, honey- tell them your name is Emmaline so people don’t get you confused.

Emmaline: No. I just told everyone to call me Smith.

This morning I got a phone call from the speech therapist at Nigel’s school. (Nigel graduated from speech therapy at the end of last school year).

Speech Therapist: Mrs. Smith, I wanted to speak with you about Nigel. He told his teacher today that he was in speech therapy last year and that he was still supposed to be going to Speech.

(really, as if I were the kind of parent that wouldn’t stay on top of something like that)

Me: Well, Nigel did ask me last night if he could go back to Speech, but he really doesn’t have any issues anymore. He graduated from Speech at the end of last year. We just moved here 3 weeks ago and he really liked his Speech teacher, and even more than that he liked visiting the treasure box. I think he just wants to revisit the happy memories and enjoy the one on one attention. So no, he doesn’t need any Speech Therapy right now.

After getting off the bus today (while eating snack):

Ernie: Mom, my pimple is really starting to smooth out.

Me: Good, honey- I’m glad. (The pimple saga has been going on for almost a week now and Ernie has been updating me constantly on it’s progress).

Ernie: Mom, can I take a shower tonight.

Me: No, honey. You took one this morning. You really don’t need to be showering twice a day.

Ernie: *sigh*

Ah, we’re now navigating the brave new world of having a pre-teen.

Overall I think it’s going to be a good year and everyone is already much happier. Hurray for school!