Back to School

It's that time of year again.  I am usually ready for it, and I have to admit that the kids were getting at each other's throats (and mine) for the last week or so, but back to school was bittersweet for me this year.  We had a great summer seeing so many of our friends and family, swimming, travelling, camping, working in the yard and just plain running free.  It's hard to face the reality of schedules and bedtimes and, well, the end of summer.  It has been cold and rainy all three days of school so in a lot of ways it feels like autumn has come in full force.

The kids are riding the bus to and from school for the very first time.  I think it is the highlight of their day - for now.  I'm sure the extra hour and a half added on their school day will start to wear on them eventually.  It's good for us though as we are never late for school! (gasp, looks of shock inserted here)  And it forces us all up at 6:30 every morning.  They are the first stop in the morning and the last stop at night.  The kids get on the bus at 7:38, and aren't home until 4:15.  Quite a change from Port Moody where school started at 9:00 and they were home at 2:45.  Makes for a lot longer time they are away.  Two days a week I will have everyone at the school in the mornings - 4 hours all to myself!  I will let you know how beautiful that is at a later date.

Madi and Clay have had great fun reacquainting themselves with their old school and old friends.  One boy said to Madi, "Madison?  You have changed!" and another greeted her with, "Madi! Look guys, it's my third cousin twice removed!"  Amazing how they remember these things.

Things are good right now.  We are trying to make the best of this temporary situation and enjoy the next 4 months.  After that anything can happen...