Six in Smithville: Back to school, back to walking, missing Miss Emma!

Normally I am quick to post our back to school photos, but this year was a little different because we didn't all start at the same time.

Isaac is going into third grade this year (which I really can't believe!) It seriously feels like he is growing up right before my eyes, and I can't stop it! All he has talked about is cursive handwriting (which if you didn't know, is all they can write in!!!!) He wasn't as thrilled about starting school this year, I think he is kinda worried about all the homework he might be doing. To be honest so am I, ha! When I walked Isaac to class his first day it felt so far away, he was all the way down the last hall! What???? I can't believe we are already past the front of the building, where all the "younger" kids hang together! UGH....

Mary B. is following right behind big brother with Mrs. Kim and second grade this year! She was all smiles when she found out that she had the same teacher as Isaac did last year. It's so good because he really loves being able to share with her all the exciting things that lie ahead. Mary B. hangs on his every word, so it always makes for some really sweet conversations! Plus Mary B. is soooo pumped that this year they can actually climb "on top" of the monkey bars! Greaaaaatttt! This has lend itself toward some major fashion changes in the morning, to insure proper attire for climbing! Whew, so glad I bought all those skirts for back to school!

Since Emma was still out last week while the kids went back I decided we would do our same ritual which starts at the beginning of every school year! Once the kids start back, although summer is super crazy, it can be depressing for those who are left behind. Emma really misses Isaac and Mary B. when they leave. Summer is so fun for the younger ones because there is constant entertainment by their older siblings! This year I think Izzy has even wonder where all the excitement in the Smith house went? So without fail, we began our morning walks again! It cheers us up and it's one of the first things we do each day. We have done this since we moved 2 years ago! Emma always grabs Lucy her baby and now Izzy brings "baby" too! Sometimes we take Charlie with us, sometimes we go to the golf shop for a treat, but no matter what, on our way home... WE ALWAYS CHECK THE MAIL! It doesn't matter how many times I have told her the mailman comes at noon, we are checking the mail! In my mind I am just hoping that we forgot the mail the day before so she can have something to pull out!

Just for old times sake, I thought I would pull out some old photos of Emma and Izzy walking babies and of our big "first days" of the school year! It's crazy to see how the kids have grown! I can't hardly believe another year is right here upon us.

2008 Emma walking Lucy, Mama walking Izzy!

2009 Emma and Izzy walking their babies together!

2010 Emma and Izzy...

Emma showing Izzy the ropes! Izzy might miss Emma more than me!


Back to school 2008

Back to school 2009

Back to school 2 weeks ago minus Emma!

So Miss Emma is in Pre-K this year, she started today which was two weeks behind Isaac and Mary B. I think this gives the preschoolers an opportunity to ease into a new routine and a big school! I haven't grasped yet if this "slow easing" process is more for Emma or for me! I am really going to miss this little girl! She had a terrific first day! I was so proud of her, I think she was proud of herself to be marching in the same school as big brother and sister! We all took her to class this morning and walked her around, we looked at schedules for the day, found her hanger, we talked about bathroom breaks, and milk for lunch (yes, this was more for me than her, since it has been discussed for the last two weeks!) I prolonged this process as long as possible, then like every other kid before her... (With tears in my eyes) I said goodbye! To me, the sentimental one, I feel like I am saying goodbye to our sweet years at home together and all our little memories! To her it was just another day, so she looked up at me with the biggest grin ever and said "bye mommy!" Ugh... I was sad, but at the same time so glad she was ready to say goodbye...