First Day of School, 2012

Remember the old days, when school started after Labor Day instead of the end of July?  We're still on that schedule.  Since this blog is part family scrapbook, I've included the obligatory 'first day' photo.  Lucas is in 4th grade, Nichole is in 2nd, and Keandre is officially a Kindergartener.  No backpacks or school supplies to purchase for their Montessori school -- they keep it nice and simple. :)

Nichole celebrated her 8th birthday on the first day of school.  The class sang her a special song while she held a globe and walked around the 'sun' (a candle) eight times. 

The kids are excited to be back in school with their friends.  Andy and I are glad they're back in school, too. ;)  Really, though....we are blessed to know our children are together and have caring and motivated teachers. 

First Day in First Grade

  

On our way to the first grade Open House.

It's official.  Destany is in first grade!  Ultimately, we hope to have both Lucas and Destany at a local Montessori school, but while we wait to see if there is a little movement on the waiting list, Destany is at the local school, and Lucas chose to continue home schooling.  Yes, I have mixed feelings about it.  But we are quite content to try out public school for a time, knowing we can return to home schooling at any time. 

At the end of the day, we were presented with a little keepsake.  You may notice that she wrote Nichole instead of Destany.  Yes, at school our sweetie is going by her middle name, Nichole.  At home, too, if she can get us to remember!  We have always liked the name Nichole, and it is her birthmother's name, too.  So when she decided that starting at a new school was a good time to try out a new name, we agreed.  So far, so good!

ps - She looks so cute in her uniform. :)