First day of school

I can't believe it's already that time of year again. On Tuesday Jaden started second grade and Rachel started preschool. Jaden had his heart set on a certain teacher this year because, "she was the first 2nd grade teacher to be kind to us last year." When we went to his open house we found out that he actually has his kindergarten teacher this year. They did some rearranging in his school and Mrs. Thate is now teaching 2nd grade and Jaden was excited. He also has quite a few kids in his class that he has either had in kindergarten or 1st grade, or kids that he knew from recess. This year he is also riding the bus for the first time; he was really excited. I was a little nervous. Turns out one of his best buddies from last year rides his bus. I'm excited about that because hopefully we can set up some play dates and Jaden can actually have some time without girls. :)

Rachel started preschool the same day. She was very excited. It's only Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-3:00, but it's perfect for her. She and I went shopping on Monday for some shoes and she picked out a "first day of school" outfit and of course it was very bright. She turned down some very cute dresses that I had picked out because they weren't colorful enough. She also found a dress that she really liked (but it's more for winter) that when she saw it she took it off of the rack and said, "hello gorgeous." Boy, we're in for trouble aren't we?

After we dropped Rachel off, Gretchen and I put Luke down for his nap with the intention of spending some quality time together. Gretchen had other things in mind. She seized the opportunity to not have to share the computer and played a couple of games. Little does she know that this is not how she will be spending every day Rachel is in school.

Here are a few pictures I took on Tuesday.



Gretchen needed one of herself too. Rachel's backpack is almost as big as she is.



All four getting ready to walk to the bus stop. Luke really enjoying his cracker.




Jaden starting 2nd grade. The traditional "Happy 1st Day of School" cake.