The Whatcott Family: September 2008

These two were so excited... I could barely keep up with them as they were walking down the hall... Camille was the proud big sister, showing Katelyn the way to Kindergarten.

Camille is excited that she finally has a sibling at school with her!

Well, it is officially here, a new school year. I always dread the big heavy-ho of back-to-school mainly because it means that I have to start everything all over again at school, setting up my room, procedures, etc. I am, however, excited to see that my kids are loving the start of the school year, and see it as a whole new year of adventures. I remember that feeling, getting ready the night before school starts with all my new clothes laid out, backpack ready, not quite knowing what to expect the next day at school. My girls were so excited! Thanks to Grandma Nola who bought all the kids their new school clothes and Grandma LeBras who bought the new school shoes the kids were geared up and ready to go. I have to admit some of their excitement rubbed off on me, and I tried to think of all the positive things that a new school year brings... here is a bit of my list:
1) Fresh starts... I look forward to a year of fresh starts, more than ever.
2) Cooler weather... don't get me wrong, I love the warm weather, but there is something to say about those cold mornings when bed is just a little warmer and it's just a little darker outside, and the house is peaceful.
3) Schedules... I never thought I would be the type that found the regiment of a schedule to be inviting, but with four kids, it keeps me sane. I know what needs to get done on which night and where each of my little kiddies needs to be.
4) A Paycheck... I finally get a paycheck from school tomorrow (not a minute too soon).
5) Football season... need I say more (Go Cougs... nice smashing the other day. Did UCLA even show up?)
6) Holidays... I love Halloween for my kids, and am giddy over Christmas.
7) Earlier nights at home... I love that hour or two in the evening, when all the dishes are done, kids are fed, and we are sitting around the table doing homework and talking about the days activities. I adore my family!

Here are some fun conversations I had with the girls about their first days of school, they went something like this...

Me: Kate, how was your first day of Kindergarten, what did you learn?
Kate: Mommy (with a very smug voice), we don't learn ANYTHING in Kindergarten, we just have fun!