First day of 3rd and 5th grades

It happened today...masks and all! First day of school pictures were a must with masks and then my fav picture of the day when Caelin got off bus. Did I mention Cade's bus comes at 6:14am?  Here are some answers to questions I asked...

How was it wearing a mask all day?

Cade: Not fun, it was constricting and I had to air it out a lot. 

Caelin: I can breathe through my mask, so thats good.  We have 16 kids in class, so we still wear masks in class.  It was kind of hot at times.

Favorite Moment of the day?

Cade: Learning what kind of pet Ms. Gogan has for the classroom.  It is a leopard lizard.

Caelin: Seeing Mrs. Moline when we were going home. Finding out that Sophia is a bus rider now.

Most confusing part of day?

Cade: Learning that you needed to bring your entire box of supplies.  Leaving was also confusing because they said to go to the band hall and that wasn't on my map.

Caelin: Learning all the new rules and schedule.

How do you feel about this school year?

Cade: Not that worried.  I am glad to be at school with friends.

Caelin: Good.  I am not nervous anymore.

If you could change one thing about today, what would it be?

Cade: Learning that we only get recess twice every 9 weeks.

Caelin: Not having to wear a mask!

Are you excited to meet new friends?

Cade: Yes, but I wish I had more people I know in my classes.

Caelin: Yes, I also have Jocelyn in my class.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Cade: Having a chrome book.

Caelin: Getting to do a field trip and doing a school program.

If you could rate today on a scale of 1-10, what would it be and why?

Cade: 7, because the day went by very slowly. Things were a bit disorganized and teachers seemed confused at times. I am hoping tomorrow will be an 8.

Caelin: 5, some teachers were fun and others were ok.

Happy Labor Day!

What a fun extended weekend we had with the Framily in Hilltop, TX!  We welcomed the chance to spend time doing life with the Joyce, Mallia, and Ahlansberg families.  It was rejuvenating just to be outdoors, enjoying the beauty of nature, horseback riding (our favorite), water sports (lots of tubing and attempts at wakeboarding), fishing, golf cart rides, and great food.  The kids enjoyed sleepovers upstairs and games were played each night with lots of laughter.  Glen and Angie Joyce were such joyful hosts and we enjoyed every moment with them.  I am not sure how we got to be so blessed, but I am grateful for every moment God gives us with friendships like our "Framily".

Meet the Teacher

Who would have thought 6 months ago that we would have finished the school year at home and just now be getting ready to return to school in a much different way! We are thankful for the life lessons of resiliency, seeking the good in all situations, and taking care of those around us. This week, we had Cade & Caelin's meet the teacher nights.  Since Cade is now at Tomball Intermediate as a 5th grader, his was on Tuesday night and was completely virtual.  We were given links to join Zoom online meetings for each teacher in 20 minute segments.  When we logged in to that teacher's room, they projected from the classroom, went over expectations, school supplies, curriculum and other house keeping things for their classroom.  It was a positive way for the kids to see the classroom, meet teacher, and see some faces of friends that would be in each of their classes.  Cade already had his schedule printed and a map of the campus, so he does not appear to be nervous at all.  He even offerred to help some friends find classes as they get off the bus on the first day.  Caelin's night was tonight and was a drive through Meet the Teacher and it filled our hearts to see familiar and new smiling faces. We went through the back car rider line at Decker Prairie and teachers were lined up with signs and goodies as we drove through waving.  She was excited to wave to her 3rd grade teachers, Ms. Hailey Gilbert and Mrs. Shannon Henniff.  I love the heart and spirit that school staff have to make the best of every situation. The buildings and rules may look different, but the hearts of the staff are clearly present.