Back to School

Ahhhhhhhh...It's that time of year. "Back to School" time! It's one of my favorite times of the year. I love the store aisles filled with new pencils, erasers, binders, folders, paper, and countless other unnecessary items that kids think they must have to be successful students. I love the excitement of meeting the teacher, planning what to wear the first day, and packing the backpack. I think I was born to be a part of this routine year after year until I grow old.

It's hard to believe that we already have a fourth and a second grader. Being a teacher seems to make the years pass even quicker. We were just reminiscing about the day we dropped Reagan off to four year old pre-k. She was excited, and we were crying. It's not much different now. Romeo still walks his little girls to their classrooms. They're still excited, and while we don't cry now, we realize how short this time is in our lives and relish every moment.

Today marked the sixth year of Reagan's educational journey and Sophie's fourth. This year is special for Reagan because she gets to be in Randi's class. Most of you know and love Randi as we do, but for those who don't, let me explain. Randi is my precious, dear friend who has mentored me as a teacher from the day I walked through Arlington's doors thinking I knew what I was doing. She has watched and helped me grow as a teacher, wife, mother, and Christian for the last thirteen years. She has been in Reagan's life as a "third grandmother" since the day she was born. Now, she will fill the role of educator, bestower of knowledge to my eldest. What a unique experience!

Sophie's year promises to be filled with excitement as well. She is in Mrs. Scheu's class. Mrs. Scheu was Reagan's second grade teacher, so we know her well and know that she can handle Ms. Sophie. As it turns out, Sophie also has her two BFF's in there as well. OH MY! Three drama queens! Watch out Ms. Scheu!

It's going to be a wonderful year I'm sure! One day down...one hundred seventy nine to go!

Sophie took this picture of her school supplies without us knowing it. I have a feeling she is a teacher in the making.

These are some goodies I baked for our "Back to School" party at church Sunday night.

Monday, the girls' bookbags and lunch boxes arrived from L.L.Bean.

From Mimi and Poppy with love! Are they excited or what?

Ready to leave for the first day

Reagan hardly slept a wink all night.

Riley and Reagan-These two precious girls have been together since they were one day old. They were born a day apart in the same hospital, have been raised in the same church as the only two in cradle roll for two years, were in the same third grade class, and now will be together in Randi's fourth grade.

Riley, Randi, and Reagan

Sophie getting unpacked in her room.