1st Day of School!

First, to finish off summer fun...we took a morning visit to Noelridge Park to walk through the gardens, across the bridge to the playground and then on to the ducks.  It was a beautiful morning and a fun time together.

We worked up an appetite for a visit to one of our favorite places, Chili's.

Random picture of Cinders joining Nathan's train of chairs.  :)

The last weekend of summer was awesome because Brian and I had a long date to eat, shop, get things done at home , watch 2 movies and play Bingo.  It went fast but I felt ready for school when it was all done! 

Happy 1st Day of School!!  Having presents ready at the table really helps get kids excited to begin school.  Ha!  I love to get the kids presents and it's fun to start off with some new pajamas (since we homeschool), a new book (since it's school) and a chapstick for everyone (since they were in the dollar section).  :)

*Nathan got 'Everything is Awesome' pajamas and it's the best thing he's ever had.  Ha!  He just loves the Lego Movie!!*

*Hunter was copying names and info down out of his dragon book--he has no idea how much learning that involves.  Great book for him!!*

*Lily was laid out on the couch reading about a minute after this picture!*

*Samuel was really hoping for a toy but settled for his gift.  :)*

We opened presents pretty early because everyone was up at the crack of dawn!!  We officially started school later and everyone was pretty cooperative.  This is the 1st year that I've made the 1st day pretty easy.  We mainly discussed what we would be using and learning about this year. Some people were more enthused than others.  

Nathan did NOT want to "do school" today but once I showed him it was dot painting and building an 'A', he relaxed.  He then got to explore a sensory bin and that was a huge hit with everyone.  

New pajamas! And notice those cute owl pictures they colored during Bible time this morning--love them!!

New backpacks!

And, a new idea for afternoon.  The other 3 kids have more schoolwork in the afternoon but Nathan is, obviously, done for the day.  So, to keep him from begging for a movie, I have 5 quiet time boxes.  This is Monday's:

Meanwhile, the other 3 are hard at work learning about Orderliness, our first trait to study this year.

It was a great first day and we finished up early, which is probably needed.  I think it will be a great year!!