I love the start of a new school year. One of my favorite days of the summer is when Target sets up the back to school section. New pencils! New folders! New binders! Fresh crayons! Organizing! It's better than starting a new year!
We did all of our usual things to get ready for the new school year. I took each of the kids on a back to school date: lunch & shopping.
Ellie - Panera, Gap, Target, the mall. She got new uniform skirts (she refuses to wear pants or shorts right now, new teal Converse, and a new backpack. She really wanted some fake glasses at Claire's, but I was mean and said no.)
Bridger - Chipotle (for the third year in a row), Target and the mall. He was the easiest. He just wanted a new backpack and new shoes. We found some new uniform pants that weren't too loose OR too short and bought 4 pair. Done.
Tanner - KoMex and the mall. Definitely the most expensive child. We ended up just getting new shoes and a new shirt. He later went shopping with a friend and picked up a few more things. I can't believe he's a junior.
Brynley - We didn't do Bryn's date until the Friday before school started. She was a little worried we'd waited too long and we wouldn't have enough time to find her some cute stuff. We went to the Fashion Show and had just enough success! Dinner at Grimaldi's, clothes mostly from Urban Outfitters. Also an expensive child :)
Kate - Technically, she didn't get a date. We were at Target one afternoon with Brynley and Bryn talked her into a Sofia the First backpack. That lights up! It's pretty amazing.
The first day pictures:
First up, Bridger and Ellie. They started school the week before Tanner and Brynley. 2nd grade and 6th (!!!) grade.
Tanner and Brynley = Junior and Freshman. Bright and early at 5:45 as they were racing out the door to seminary.
After school for a couple more pictures:
Kate on the first day of school, trying to catch flies and peeling oranges:
Monday night, Dave gave each of the children a beautiful blessing. Really, my most favorite part of back to school.
I think we're going to have a good year :)