1st day of school nerves

Today was the first day of school for my three "big" kids. Buddy and Missy started 6th grade (yipes!), and Bug started 3rd grade. Bug was so nervous for 3rd grade. None of his close friends are in his class this year, so he was quite scared. Bud and Missy wanted to ride the bus, but I was driving down to the school to pay for lunches so Bug wanted to ride with me. I walked him to class, and immediately his teacher (who Erik had for 3rd grade, too) asked if Bug's dad was out running this morning. I think it helped him feel at ease that his teacher knows who his dad is. I snapped this picture with my cell phone, because, of course, I forgot the camera (what kind of mom forgets the camera on the 1st day of school, I ask you?). He came home saying he had a great day at school. He loves his teacher already, and even was happy to practice writing his name in cursive at home.

As for the "little" kids...they go to a preschool "open house" on Wednesday, where they play while I fill out paperwork. Then school starts next Tuesday (after Labor Day). They're so excited--they have new, little backpacks (for all the stuff they're going to be carrying home from preschool ;) and can't wait for school to start. They'll go three days a week, for an hour and 45 min. I have to admit...I'm excited, too--maybe now I'll be able to get my basement organized (something I've been wanting to do since we moved when I was pregnant with them). Maybe.