It's the day after school started. . .

The backpacks were packed. . .

The "night before school starts feast" was eaten. . .

New shoes were purchased. . .

Hair was cut. . .

Blessings were given. . .

and just like that it was time to send this kid off to 2nd grade. . .

and this kid off to 6th grade - at the MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!

Kale's school starts much later than Kris's so Kris and I walked to school together.

A fun way to start out the new year, just me and him.

And then the bell rang, and he was off.

He was a little sad this year, which is an emotion I don't see from Kris very often.

He gets angry, but not sad.

He didn't think he had any friends in his class this year and was worried that he got the "strict" teacher. . .

but when he came home he informed me his teacher wasn't as mean as he thought and she plays the guitar so as far as he's concerned she's perfect. And as far as the friends go he now loves recess even more than last year!

Then I walked home.

By myself.

Realizing that when I got home I would have to send my first child to MIDDLE SCHOOL!

Middle School, where everyone tries to act older than they are, cooler than they are, and smarter than they are. . . uggghhh middle school.

But my son was excited.

My son who's always nervous about everything was excited.

So I tried to be excited for him.

He had everything he needed including a handwritten note on a napkin inside his lunch that may have had a few tear stains on it. . .

So off he went, with the biggest group of friends ever to make the little trek to the

MIDDLE SCHOOL!

And after spending all morning walking around the entire house calling for her "boys",

this one finally realized she had some major freedom and this is how she spent her day!

And so begins another year!!!!!