Off to a good start

The kids started back to school this week. Robbie had been counting down the days 'til school since there were still 62 days left. Annie, being part of the ruling class in the school this year, was thrilled to go back. Charlie, however, did not get excited until the day before school started -- when he got a new pair of Nike high tops (on sale 50%, of course).

Getting everyone moving on the first day was no trouble. In fact, Annie woke up at 4:30am. Even Charlie popped right up when I woke him, which will be the last day that happens for the rest of the school year, I'm sure. The clothes were laid out, lunches packed and backpacks lined up at the front door the night before -- all of which probably won't happen again anytime soon either.

Once breakfast was finished, I sent the kids back upstairs to brush their teeth. Annie and Charlie returned and were ready to go when Robbie yelled downstairs, "Mom? What am I doing upstairs?" Note to Robbie's teacher: he may have some issues with short-term memory.

Finally, with Robbie's teeth brushed and the other two anxious to leave, it was time for the obligatory 1st day of school picture:

In the car, Annie chattered, Robbie drew a picture and Charlie improved new lyrics to the song "Hey" by Mitchell Musso all about how excited he was to go to school, but only because it was a half-day.

When we got to school, I parked in the back to walk the kids in. Well, really, to walk Robbie in. I asked Charlie if he wanted me to come to his classroom. Surprisingly, he said yes. Before I could even ask Annie, she told me in no uncertain terms that I was not to stop by her homeroom.

Robbie was thrilled to find his desk next to two friends and couldn't wait to show the teacher his new lunchbox. I felt downright joyful walking out of his classroom, seeing how confident and assured he was. It was a great start to the school year.

Next, I stopped by Charlie's class, said hello to his teacher and went to his desk to wish him a good day. I thought I might be pushing my luck by asking him if I could take his picture. But I was feeling lucky, so I asked anyway. This was the result:

From there, I needed to go to the school office. The path I followed to get there took me past Annie's classroom. I saw her homeroom teacher in the hallway and said, "I've been forbidden to stop in." He replied, "Oh, go in and give her a big kiss!"

Not wanting to embarrass her completely, I opted not to do that. But I did peek my head in the door and said, "Have a good day, Annie."

She gave me an icy stare and curtly said, "Ok, Mom. BYE!"

I giggled a little on the way to the office.And that's how we started the 2010-2011 school year!