Seriously now, how did this happen? Mr. BOP and I now have a Middle Schooler and a High Schooler in our midst. Two big kids; two new schools. Hudson and Ella this morning, about to get on their buses:
The very best thing about this next chapter of our family life is that the kids both have the same bus time. They’re out the door together {the downside… they’re sharing a bathroom}.
Their buses arrive in tandem, versus two hours apart for the past few years. MY day now starts at 7 am instead of 9 am. That’s huge! Ella’s bus arrived first. She has the same friendly bus driver that Hudson had for middle school. His name is Dan, and he gave Hudson a $2 bill last year for his 8th grade graduation. Dan even wrote on it with a Sharpie, wishing Hudson good luck in his future endeavors. I just love that slice-of-life kind of thing.
I could see this morning that Dan was glad that Hudson had a younger sibling to continue riding his bus. He yelled out the window to Hudson “good luck in high school!”
And that was that. They were off. And honestly, this morning I wasn’t sad. I was excited for them both. They’re ready. Ella’s enthusiasm was contagious, as she set her alarm for 5:45 am and was singing at the top of her lungs in the shower. Hudson was also excited in his quieter way.
And all of this reminded me that I’m looking forward to being a student again too — continuing to try to figure out my life and parenting and marriage and what I want to do from here. It feels good to be blogging again. I took an unintended but necessary blogging vacation this summer, and putting this post together makes me realize how much I’ve missed it.
So how’d the first day of school go? Two big thumbs up this afternoon when the kids got off their buses {only minutes apart — love this new schedule!}. The debriefing over warm brownies wasn’t all roses {as their schools are both gigantic and potentially confusing}, but their days both went as well as could possibly be expected. How I love those smiles and goofy stories and the excitement that’s still brand new.
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love love love this story that mirrors my own! thanks, beth!
That is the best part — that universal back-to-school feeling. Glad it all went well for your crew!
spectacular 1 bus time! kids look great, glad they are psyched for new beginnings what spring is Ella? Maggie is columbian and refusing to get off the bus 8 min prior to kaileys bus coming just to stand alone and scared for potentially 11 minutes! 3 schools, 3 buses. new days new challenges! xoxox coffee?
Hi Mary Ann, Ella’s in Red. I thought she’d be in Columbian because Hudson was, but didn’t turn out that way. 3 schools and 3 buses for you — WOW! Coffee – you bet!
happy back to school and so glad to have you blogging again!
Thanks! Same to you! I’ve been loving your posts about Alt Summit, art, and your big plans!
Beth, you write such upbeat and enjoyable posts. Glad you’re back online….thanks for starting off my day with a smile and (mostly) good memories of when our two were doing the early morning scramble!
Thanks Cecilia! We have parallel lives… just a few years apart. Hope all is going with with the big college transition!
Congratulations on the huge step to middle- and high-school! Sounds like a great first day for all of you! First day of Kindergarten here last week was filled with emotion – pure excitement on Elizabeth’s part; a mixture of pretty much every emotion you can think of on mine. I know in a blink we’ll be knocking on the middle school door, too.
Great to have you back blogging!
Thanks, Tracy! We loved seeing Elizabeth over labor day! She’s so so cute.
I still remember the lump in my throat and some tears when Hudson and Ella both started Kindergarten. I began a new job on the day Ella went and ended up sobbing because someone said that I wasn’t allowed to use their copier. And then I couldn’t stop!
Now it’s mixed — bittersweet. But seeing their independence develop brings another kind of happy.
Happy back to school or as they say here in France – Bonne Rentree! Nice to read you blog again . I sent mine off earlier this week to their respective schools – 3 kids, 3 schools. Only one is at her new school – I have a new middle schooler too! It’s bittersweet to send her off as I’m not allowed to walk her to the bus anymore, but I do get to see her come home as her sisters’ bus arrived 5 min. after. Fun but bittersweet as they grow. Thanks for sharing!
What and “education” it must be to educate your kids in France! I love that your family is on this big adventure. Bonne Rentree …. I like that!
Great pic. Lovely post.
I’ve always found this time of year so exciting. My kids all had great first days, too — and I feel recharged after the summer and ready to do some growing and learning, too.
Great post!
Thanks, Suzanne! Here’s to keeping things as recharged and and new for as long as possible!
So glad Olliebop is back from vacation! Loved this post. Especially the picture walking up the driveway. Ollie looks like he is going to school, too.
Her classes start next week. John started the 8th grade the previous Wednesday (August 29th) but he was already back for marching band rehearsals the week before that. I am relieved that this week the fall schedule is beginning to take shape, mostly around John’s after-school and evening activities: Monday, marching band rehearsal; Tuesday, rock band rehearsal; Wednesday, piano lesson; Thursday, ice hockey practice and Scout meeting; Friday, marching band plays at the high school home opening football game; and the weekend brings more hockey: games and practice. And so, life charges on!
I think next year will be an emotional one for our family. John will start high school and Emily will be a senior.
This fall was kind of underwhelming for me…maybe because for the first time in a long time there were no new school transitions and none of the accompanying anxieties. Emily returned to St. Paul’s on Tuesday for “Early Sports Week” — as a varsity ballerina
Hi Jody! Thanks so much for writing. I love hearing about your Fall routine — different than it used to be but still all good. I love how John is able to pursue music and sports; that’s fantastic! And varsity ballerina for Emily — the ultimate athlete. Best to everyone for a fantastic Fall!
Note updated e-mail
Even Grandma’s can experience the thrill as Elizabeth is in Kindergarten now and riding her first school bus. We still get to enjoy her company on Fridays and meet her bus in Ledyard at 11:30. Last week she hopped off the bus and nonchalantly said,”Hi Guys” to her Bebe&Papa. Wonder what tomorrow brings.
What a special thing to be such an integral part of her life as grandparents. A win-win for everyone! And you get to experience back-to-school all over again!