August Part 4: Back to School

Due to the fact that we spent all of June in Europe, our summer seemed to slip by especially quickly. It didn't help that school started the earliest day I've ever seen, and we found ourselves on our traditional back to school dates with Mom. 

First up: Michael

Lunch: In 'n Out Drive thru (Do we have to go in, Mom?)

Shops: Dick's Sporting Goods, possibly the Outlets

Next up: Gabe

Canceled/altered due to him getting sick

Finally: Rachel

Lunch: The Original Pancake House

Stores: Outlets (maybe last time shopping at Carters and Children's Place, first time shopping at American Eagle)

Back to School Night: Gabe (Brian went to Rachel's at the same time, but didn't take any pictures)

New teacher: Mrs. Parker

Old Teacher (3rd Grade): Mrs. Grant (a Saint!) 

This year marked Michael's first year in High School, which meant he got to participate in Sophomore day.

This was also Rachel's first year in a new school, so she got to go to 7th Grade day on the same morning. 

He's so thrilled to have his own paparazzi recording this monumental occasion. 

Rachel's middle school has a tradition where the elementary teachers form a tunnel to cheer on these new 7th graders, and I got choked up again watching my second kid head into this new chapter. I love that they do this. 

The next day (August 13!) was the REAL first day of school. First up, our SOPHOMORE!

Up next was our 7th Grader!

Here she is catching her carpool. 

And finally, our 4th Grader! 

Only one kid to escort to the back of the school and fuss over. 

After school, I had a soda bar to celebrate. 

Michael asked his first girl to a dance. I'm not sure he did this the first day of school, but it was near there. 

(I never got asked to any dances in high school, and I think I only went to maybe two girls' choice dances, so I may or may not be enjoying this process through Michael.)

Her answer was super cute! 

We all enjoyed this new phase in our family. 

I find myself marveling at how fast this is all going. It's like that Kenny Chesney song, 

"Don't blink, you just might miss

Your babies growing like mine did"

I remember so clearly being a sophomore in high school. And wasn't it just yesterday that I couldn't stop staring at baby Michael thinking he was the most perfect baby I'd ever seen? How are all my babies this big already?