First Day of School

I was sort of dreading school starting. I have gotten so used to not setting an alarm and sort of doing whatever we want...around the house. I know a lot of people aren't pleased about distance learning, but I was happy when the school announced it. I felt nervous sending the kids back, especially with there not seeming to be any practices in place for keeping the kids healthy and quarantining if anyone got sick. Anyway, a few days before school started, the school district released a schedule that had me worried. They basically wanted the kids to sit at their computers from 8:30-2:30 everyday. That had me worried. But Ian told me to give it a month and see what happens. 

The first day of school got off to a rocky start. I couldn't get Connor logged on to the school program. It turns out it was overwhelmed by so many people trying to log on at the same time. Then, the first day of school video kept freezing. I gave up on that, bypassed the school's website and logged Connor in directly to the program and got him "into" class. Funnily enough, they later told us not to bypass the school website, but it worked, so I still consider it a win. 

I had logged Isla into class a half an hour early, so she didn't have any problems. After the rocky start to the day, things went pretty well. Both kids have break and lunch at the same time. They also finish for the day around the same time, 1pm, then start "independent work" which really is just a fancy name for homework, haha!

Besides Isla missing playing with her friends, I actually think distance learning is going well. It involves way less of me than it did in the spring. Now, my time is spent keeping Callum and Willa quiet and out of the way! 

At this point, it is anyone's guess as to when school will actually go back to in person. But I am happy with how things are going at home. It is going way better and smoother than I expected. 

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Connor & Isla's Last Day of School

It's hard to believe that we are here. The last day of school happened. When everything switched to distance learning, it was kind of like we stepped into a time warp. Things that would make it seem like the end of school is coming didn't happen. There were no ends to the homework or parties to be planned. Things were basically business as usual right up until the end. The week before, we did go and pick up the kids possessions at school. But the last week of school had just as much schoolwork assigned as any other week. 

Connor got to end his distance learning with a class video call. That was a nice way to end everything. He gets quite animated on the video calls, so he enjoyed himself right up until the end. When I asked him what he wants to be when he grows up, he said, "A doctor...I mean, a surgeon...actually, a robotic surgeon!" Connor has taken a great interest in coding lately. He even coded his own website. A website talking about math. 

Isla had her last video call on Thursday. Her teacher made a video of the year and she started crying at the end of it...both Isla and the teacher! Her teacher didn't want to end the year on a sad note, so had a class dance party before signing off for the year. It was sweet. Of course, Isla still had school work to do Friday! When Isla grows up, she wants to be an artist or geologist. I could see both, as both are things she is interested in. 

And just like that, it's summer! It feels like nothing and everything has changed at the same time. I'm glad to not have schoolwork anymore, but it also brought structure to our days. Here's to hoping the kids get to go back to school at least part time in the fall, as I know they (especially Isla) miss the human interaction with people outside of our household. 

In case you want to look back - Connor and Isla's first day of school. And if you missed it, here was Callum's last day of school from last week. 

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School Halloween Parades

Both of the kids schools do Halloween parades and I just love it. It's just one of those childhood things I truly enjoy...as many of the school activities I find just over the top. Callum's preschool started doing a Halloween parade Isla's last year there, so Connor never got to do it until elementary school. But watching preschoolers get all dressed up in their adorable costumes and awkwardly parade around is just the best. Callum ended up ditching his helmet halfway through the parade. The teacher tried putting it back on, but he wasn't having it. Also, Callum's parade was the day before Halloween, which really worked out well for me. He only goes to school two days a week and it was just how it worked out. But otherwise, I would have had to miss one or the other, as I can't be at two schools at the same time. So I am grateful for that happening. 

The older kids elementary school takes Halloween very seriously. All the kids parade around to music, then the choir sings for everyone. We didn't stay for the choir, as Callum was all over the place, obviously feeding off the fun energy in the air, haha. Also, let me show you the nice pictures of Connor, then you can scroll down and see how Connor really felt about me taking his picture! 

^^ Connor really wanted this costume, even though it was a bit too small for him. Why do the precious costumes have to stop at smaller sizes and then only the scary or ridiculous costumes are available in larger sizes?! Oh well. 

^^ What a turkey!!!

Then there's Isla. She has been a witch for the past three years. Her best friend tried convincing her to be something else this year, but she obviously wasn't convinced. I got rid of the costume she wore the past two years, as it was looking rather tore up...and I thought maybe then she would chose to be something else this year. Nope! I guess being a witch is just her thing. If you didn't see the picture of Isla and her black cat on instagram, you can see it here...because it's too cute to miss. Isla also still gets super excited to see us at things, so that is nice for us, haha. 

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First day of school for Connor & Isla

I'm pretty sure the summer went by at warp speed this year. Or maybe it just went by fast because I didn't blog it? Perhaps because I have four children to keep me busy? Or even perhaps because it is FAR TOO SHORT? Anyway, somehow it happened. And here we find ourselves at August 12th, the first day of school. 

Connor started fourth grade. His teacher was Isla's first grade teacher. Good thing I liked her! It feels a bit like when he started first grade and went from half day to full day. Fourth grade loses a recess and the other one is shorter. They also have a bigger class sizes. Big changes, I guess. And Connor came home telling of how fourth graders are now the little kids at recess, whereas last year, they were the big kids at recess. A whole new world, I tell you. But at least Connor is setting his sights above working at the local diner. He settled on saying surgeon, but he is also considering astronaut, lawyer and train conductor. He's keeping his options open at the ripe ole age of nine ;)

Isla, on the other hand, has been sticking with wanting to be an artist for a while now. She got the teacher she was hoping for. And ironically, both Connor and Isla's teachers have the same last name. However, Isla's bestie isn't in her class, so there were some bummed feelings about that. But, they are sitting in groups of four in her new class, and she is friends with everyone in her group. So all is not bad in the world. Of course, with Isla it never is. 

Then there is Callum. Poor guy was fully convinced he was headed to school today. He grabbed his backpack and wore it to the kids school. He even set it down outside Isla's class like all the other kids. Saying he was disappointed to not be staying is an understatement. But he gets to start preschool in a couple weeks and I know he is going to love it...as long as he doesn't hit his new preschool friends with sticks and throw sand in their faces. 

I swear, time just keeps going faster and faster the older they get and I'm really not liking it. I am loving the people they are becoming and the relationship I am developing with them, but the thought of them leaving already gives my heart palpitations and that is years off still.

But first day of school went great!

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Last Day of School

The kids had their last day of school on Friday, so I thought I would do a little rundown of how it went. 

Connor got an award for making it to the million word club. He read and did tests on 1,700,000 words for the year. Since they didn't do things like this when I was a kid, now a days kids read a book, then take a test on it to see if they understood it. If they pass the test, they get points for it and it keeps track of how many words they read. Connor also received the soar award. Each teacher gets to pick two kids for the year for this award, so it's a pretty special thing. Connor's teacher had all sorts of nice things to say about him, which really warmed my heart. 

Isla had perfect attendance for the year. I would like to give myself a pat on the back for that one, since that's the first time that has happened with any of my children. Connor missed one day this year, as he was sick. Isla also received the soar award from her teacher. This was a sweet surprise to have both kids get it this year, as neither has gotten it before. Though Isla didn't make the million words club (it's even almost unheard of for a third grader to), she did read and test the most words in her class. I love reading and have great memories of reading a ton when I was a kid and really, really wanted to pass that love onto my children and so far it seems like I am! 

I feel like I barely survived this past week of school with all that was going on. I missed some things, yet still felt like I was running around endlessly. I hope my kids know how much I love them and want to be a part of their lives.

Now on to SUMMER!!! No setting an alarm. No having to be out of the house early. No homework. Plenty of time to go explore. Plenty of time to hang out with friends. Plenty of time to swim. Let us also note that it really doesn't feel like that long ago that I was looking forward to my own summers and now here I am looking forward to my kids!

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School Open House

The kids had open house at their school this past week. It happened to be the same night as Connor has band practice on, so we knew him and Ian would be coming at pretty much the end. I was planning on going late so I didn't have to entertain the other kids there for a while, but Isla was super excited (and all hyped up) about going and wanted to get there as soon as it opened. 

We started in Isla's class. She showed me everything and just as we were finishing up, her bestie came in. They looked around in the class for a bit, then went to get shaved ice together. About then is when Ian's parents showed up, so we went back to Isla's class. Then Ian and Connor arrived. Isla went to the playground with her bestie and the rest of us went to Connor's class to check it out. 

^^ Isla was very proud of the fact that they typed up their reports on their animal all by themselves. She chose a peacock to do a report and diorama on.

Every year I like getting pictures by this wall at the school. I have done it every open house, though apparently when Connor was in kindergarten, I didn't get in the photo too. But, I want to continue taking pictures with whatever kids are students at the time in front of this wall. I think it will be a fun comparison over the years. Which, I figured out that I will have a kid at this school for 17 years in a row. CRAZY! Also, I will be pretty dang old by the time we move on from this school...haha! And I will have two kids in college by the time we are done with elementary school too. Like I said, crazy.

I like these pictures of Connor and Isla because it totally is a representation of their personalities. Connor, a bit more reserved and will do what he is told. And Isla, full of life and lover of attention.

It's hard to believe that another school year is almost behind us. They always go faster than I would like. But I really am looking forward to the summer. Not having to set an alarm, hanging out with friends, pool time, family time, popsicles and more! 

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A published author & illustrator in the house

Isla's class published a book of short stories. Each kid in the class got to write a short story and draw a picture to go along with it. The stories were to be about visiting another country. Isla chose Japan, which is no surprise. She has been obsessed with Japan for a couple years now. It started with the colorful outfits and hair colors she saw. But ever since then, she has talked of visiting and even moving there some day. My favorite part of her story might have been her using a rainbow to get back home. I LOVE kids imaginations. 

Everyone in Isla's class had submit a picture for the cover of the book, then the class voted on a winner. Isla won. Given class votes haven't gone well in the past for our family (cough, cough, Connor demanding a recount when he lost a contest in first grade), I was a bit nervous about this process. But, she won...so it's all good. Her winning made me glad I decided to order the book! We had to order before the vote, so I paid before even knowing. 

I'm very proud of Isla and I promise she is much more excited about this book than her face shows! She has already read the book to me several times. She also reads a short story, then makes me guess who in her class wrote it. Fun times ;)

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Hide That Turkey!

It must be a first grade tradition to "hide" a turkey. Connor did it in first grade and now Isla is doing it. I tried finding photographic proof of Connor's hidden turkey and couldn't find pictures anywhere. Given I know I take loads of photos, I am guessing it is among the thousands and thousands of photos that I didn't sort though on my old laptop...hence the reason the laptop is sitting in a drawer a year later, still waiting for me to deal with all those photos. And by thousands of photos, I am talking like 40,000 photos. Such a daunting task and the reason the laptop is sitting in a drawer. But back to Isla and her hidden turkey.

When she brought home this project, I came up with an idea that I personally found brilliant. I told her we could dress the turkey up like her. We could print out a picture and make a face mask out of her face to go on the turkey. Even Connor said, "How come you didn't have these good ideas when I was in first grade?" But Isla didn't like it. She had other plans. She wanted to disguise her turkey behind a Christmas tree. And since I'm not the one in school, I let her do what she wanted. 

I am convinced the kids think the best part of any school project is going to hobby lobby. It's the best part for them and usually the most stressful for me, haha! They have a vision and I am trying to help them realize their vision without spending a small fortune. Besides having to talk Isla out of buying 32 packages of small ornaments, the trip to the store was actually pretty drama free. So was disguising the turkey. I will actually file it down as one of our easier and least stressful school projects to date. And Isla was really proud of it, which is what really matters. 

Isla was so excited to take her turkey to school this morning. But, it wasn't just excitement about her turkey. She told me, "I am so excited to see everyone's turkeys mom. I just know they all will be great!" I like her enthusiasm and positivity. 

Now here's to hoping they don't do a class vote on the best hidden turkey this year. Because, well, that truly caused some drama in my life two years ago. 

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Halloween

Halloween was an insanely busy day for us. Like nonstop. It was all fun, but it was still crazy. It started with the kids halloween parade at school in the morning. Above is them all dressed up and ready for school. Isla decided the day before halloween that she didn't want to be a mermaid, the costume she had picked out at the store, but would instead use her witch costume from last year. I tried for a second to change her mind, but really didn't care. But now I have a costume with the tags still on it that I don't know what to do with. Oh well. Moving on. 

The halloween parade at school is slightly chaotic because the whole school participates in it at the same time. Isla gets really excited to see us when she is walking in it though, and I totally love that. Connor is more reserved, but still smiles and waves at us. After the parade, I went straight to Isla's class for her class party. I led the bingo station and must say I did quite the good job ;) Then I had a little break between parties to run to Target and pick up candy for the trick or treaters...nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?! Then back to the school for Connor's party. His was less party and more art project with a bunch of food involved. The kid who sits next to him was absent, so I got to sit next to him, which was nice for this pregnant lady because I felt like I did far too much standing up that day. Then it was off to get Callum with 20 minutes to spare before turning back around to get the kids from school. 

Straight after school on Wednesdays Isla has ballet. Since she had been looking forward to costume day at ballet since they announced it a couple weeks ago, I knew we couldn't miss, even though I would have loved a little reprieve in our schedule. She had lots of fun. Then it was home for dinner and wrangling everyone in their costumes to go trick or treating. I literally had to shove Callum in his costume while he screamed hysterically. Then we showed him people give him candy and he gets to put it in his bag and he was totally cool with the situation. 

Trick or treating was a lot of fun. Callum could easily do it this year and would come running back to the street after yelling, "I got candy!!!" He also did a status check of his candy after every house. He was REALLY, REALLY into the candy. He is also the only child that has asked for his candy constantly all day every day since. 

Once we were done trick or treating, we came back home to pass out candy. Well, Connor and Isla excitedly did from our front porch. The 400 pieces of candy I got only lasted about an hour...we get a lot of people coming into our neighborhood. Which really, that was good because we could then turn off the lights and put the kids to bed at a normal time. So, talk about a win! 

^^ I told you she gets excited! 

^^ This was the picture from right before we headed out to go trick or treating. Everyone full of hope and not all crazy yet, haha! 

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Crazy Hair Day

^^ A true representation of how my children feel about pictures, Connor being goofy and Isla doing her signature pose. 

Usually I don't really do anything for dress up days at the kids school. Sure I will try to find the necessary items around the house, but I don't get into it like some other parents and go out and buy things for the occasion. I would like to say that it's because I don't have the time or energy, but really it's because I don't have the will. #truth Anyway, the kids had crazy hair day on Tuesday. I thought they would think it was cool to spray a color in their hair and I was totally right. I took Isla to the store on Monday night and she picked out light blue and glitter hair spray, which worked out, as Connor said he wanted light blue. Isla wanted pigtails and a braid, so that is what she has, though you really can't tell from the pictures. Connor went with a mohawk to go with his blue hair. The funny part was he had me spray Isla's hair first before committing to if he really wanted me to spray his hair. Haha! Smart kid. But he went for it. It was also crazy socks day, hence Connor's socks. 

I have to say, the money I spent on the hair color really was worth it because the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Connor even asked if he could leave it in for the next day, but 1. his hair was destroyed at the end of the day and 2. I told him I am pretty sure it is against the school rules to come with crazy colored hair every day...or at least it was when I was a kid. But things have changed since then, so who really knows. 

I'm glad they had fun and I'm even more glad the hair color ended up being really easy to wash out. 

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