Away we go. Day 1

Well, September 1st was back to school but they only did half the classes for staggered entry and today is the first official day back at school. My heart is torn into two. One half of me is excited for structure and it is definitely easier to work on photoshoot when the kids are at school but the other half of me is already longing for summer. For lazy days filled with whatever adventure we felt like that day. For the late nights staying up cuddling on the couch to a family movie with homemade popcorn covered in butter. Each phase and season is so beautiful in its own light.
When I picked them up from their very first day last friday everyone was happy. Bentley and Penny have new teachers this year. So far, so good! Carter got his preferred Junior High teachers and the only thing he is missing is his two best friends, Toby and Nixon who are both in the other class. Bummer.

They all seemed excited about the fresh start and new schedules. Everyone said their day was "awesome" and it was exactly what my mom heart needed to hear.

When they got home Carter said "Hey Mom.. did you cry this year after drop off??" I raised one eyebrow, gave him a side smirk and said "Actually, I did not!" to which he quickly responded with "I'm dissapointed" lol We laughed so much. Carter is getting so witty and quick, he makes us laugh all of the time. I cannot believe Carter is in Grade 8, turning 13 this fall and is a full blown teenager. He is amazing on a million different levels. He is independent and kind and SOOO good with younger kids and cousins. Everyone loves Carter.
This year, he is hoping to make the Senior Basketball team and work on his grades. He is excited about field trips and hanging out with his friends. He has absolutely entered into the "hanging out with friends" all of the time phase. Its what he wants to do all of the time and it doesn't hurt as bad as I thought it would. Im happy for him and watching him from the front row seat on the sidelines and supporting him become this incredible human is exciting.
Bentley is now in Grade 6. GRADE SIX?! Technically, his last year of elementary school. Man this boy amazes us. His heart is the size of a planet and his goofiness is even bigger. He has a serious talent for the piano which we learnt this summer when he all of a sudden would learn a popular theme song or pop song in an hour without help. He stopped taking piano lessons two years ago but has recently just picked it up on his own. He really, seriously is an incredibly talented guy! This year he will be in Band and I have no doubt he is going to crush it, easily.
Bentley has an amazing personality. He does not care what anyone else thinks, wears his own style with confidence and hangs out with boys and girls equally. He is open about who he's crushing on and is not afraid or intimidated to ask questions. Bentley is going to rock grade 6, there is no doubt in my mind. He is such a great kid and he (like his big brother) is always making us laugh. His laugh is contagious and being around Bentley makes everyday life better.
Sweet Penny is now in Grade FOUR! Our baby is mid way through Elementary school (which seems crazy to say outloud). Penny is eager and always willing to help. She wears her heart on her sleeve and will scoop up anyone who seems to be playing alone and become friends with them instantly. Everyone should have a Penny around! Penny has had to work extra hard academically and even though things don't always come as easy to her, she tries her very best and always has a growth mindset. She is one incredible little girl!
Penny is so talented, she loves to sing and dance and craft! She is gonna have to stretch out of her confort zone this year because most of her friends are in the other class. She is so excited to be starting grade 4. No longer the little grades, big kids only. She loves her brothers and was sad that neither of them were going to be in the same hallway as her any more. She will miss passing by Bentley daily. Penny is a go-getter, an early bird and wastes no part of her day with all the intention in the world. Penny Girl, you are going to crush grade 4!
We really are so proud of each of them. They're all so uniquely themselves. They are brave and helpful and yes, can also bring a REAL spice to life some days (as we all do). I love watching them grow into their own person with their own opinions and style. Brian and I hit the jackpot with these three.
Cheers to a new school year, praying it is better then expected!