Firsts

This has been a hard week.

First, there was moving; or rather, the preparations to make the move.

Whew!

While our living arrangements are temporary, we're fairly settled and determined to make the most of it.

I just got internet (and phone and cable) back on today, but honestly, it was a nice break.

The REAL thing occupying my thoughts all this week was the first day of school.

Am I ready? Are they ready? Did we have enough fun this summer? 

Can I handle the soccer schedules?

When the boys were smaller, I was so SO excited about each new school year, but now it feels very different.

There aren't as many years left, not quite so many grades to go through.

And it leaves a nagging ache in my chest.

Nobody prepared me for this part.  

Isabelle is now in Kindergarten, and that stings as well. Our life with her has so many gaping holes already, and this one feels huge. I feel the angst of missing out on her first 19 months this week, especially, more than I have in a while.

But she is eager and ready for school- I haven't seen her this excited in a long time! Her first morning was filled with raw nerves, moments of sheer joy, uncontainable excitement, and maybe a dash of confusion thrown in for good measure. That pretty much sums up how I felt too.  =)

Here is my baby girl back in August 2007, the very first time I laid eyes on her.

My heart still beats fast when I look at the pictures and remember my first trip to Guatemala.

She was the most exquisite, precious little thing I ever saw...

And here she is as a big Kindergartner exactly 5 years later!

Mid-morning, when I was ALL by myself, I noticed this in her shoe cubby...

You have to understand her love of shoes to truly appreciate the humor in this.

I laughed so hard I think I snorted!

She told me her favorite thing was riding the K-bus home.

Our city has spent the last two years building brand new elementary schools, so Isabelle's school is so clean and perfect. Here she is, ready to go stand in line by her new teacher. Moments after this, she saw one of her best friends walk in and they gave each other a big hug- it was adorable! I think it was just what she needed to wave goodbye to me and walk forward.

She is going to have a wonderful year!

Here is Caleb-

And Jonah-

So handsome! They are such good boys, and I know they're going to have an awesome year!

I feel slightly ashamed that Ethan escaped the first day of school photo.

I think he felt quite proud of himself.

I'll get him this week. Don't you worry.