We started school as planned on July 24th, and I have been busy, busy ever since. I always think I have prepared enough during our summer break, but for some reason the start of school catches me off guard. But now, two weeks into our new year, I've settled into our schedule, and I have a little bit of time to add to my blog.

    The start of first grade with our younger son, Ben, has been quite a bit easier than last year. Although his work is a good deal more difficult this year, he has adjusted quickly to being "required" to do school. He still has to move around a lot and even stand on his head at times, but he seems to be learning new things each day. I am proud of what he is retaining even if he is a monkey-boy!

    Jake, our fourth grader, has had no problems getting back in the swing of school. When it is 99 degrees outside day in and day out, even a nine year old boy looks for things to do inside, and school helps with that problem!

    I always take a picture of the boys on the first day of school. We like to compare the pictures with those taken during  previous years to see how the boys are growing.
    Yes, our nine year old does have a stuffed animal in the picture...he has had it in his first-day-of-school picture every year. The lion's name is Happy, and he is Jake's best friend (long story).
    And Ben's bear is....Beary. Ben has more stuffed animals than should be legal, but he loves them all. Beary just happens to be his most recent addition from our July Smoky Mountains trip.

    I look forward to another wonderful year with these fellows!