August 2023 Part 3: Back to School

Ready or not, August signaled the start of school and the end of the summer. This is how someone felt about the start of school approaching: 

August meant choreography sessions for Rachel and back to school dates. 

I took Gabe and Michael out shopping at the outlets, and after being a little frustrated by Michael wanting to buy every expensive name brand thing on the shelf, I felt inspired to give him a budget, and he narrowed down the things that he really wanted/needed. 

Some of the shirts Gabe wanted weren't available in his size, like this one. I was supposed to go home and see if they had it in his size online, but I forgot. Oops. He never really noticed though, so it's okay. 

I took Gabe on his date to Costa Vida. Is anyone really surprised?

On the last late night of the summer, we hosted an outdoor movie night. We had a decent turnout. Gabe went to bed early, and at one point, it ended up being more of a yard games and shenanigans night, but that's okay. 

I took Rachel on a date to the Original Pancake House and treated her to hot chocolate. 

All too soon, it was the first day of school. We took the traditional shots, only this time, I didn't pull out my nice camera. 

I was laughing about how I could see Gracie in the door, and Michael decided to feature her in one of his shots. 

We had carpool all set up, so he just left without any pomp and circumstance, which I suppose was what he really wanted. 

Next out the door was our two elementary kiddos. It's crazy to think that Rachel is going into the grade Michael went into when we first moved here. 

Gabe is the same age Rachel was when we moved in. How is this even possible? 

I parked the car to walk them back to the playground, and as I was parking, Gabe started heading away with a "Bye Mom, I love you!" I had to inform him that I was walking him back and staying until his teachers took him in. 

Here's Rachel with Emery. While we were waiting for the bell, I watched her head off with Emery and do the most graceful flip onto a school swing that I've ever seen. 

Rachel was so excited to have Mrs. Denning again. 

 I got choked up watching them walk into the school, and then headed home to enjoy the new routine.