ONE DOWN...TWO TO GO (and I don't like it)

Zach is starting 5th grade today. Chris will follow on Monday and Nick on Tuesday. We had to do our traditional photos in the backyard and the dogs were definitely a part of the photo session. They think the house is pretty quiet when the boys aren't around. (me too)

Nick and Chris were nice to cooperate with me getting the 3 of them together...especially since they had to get halfway ready for the pics. Since they all go on different days this year and will go earlier, I may not get another chance to get all 3 together for my annual shot.

I remember when I thought that 5th grade was so old, but now with my "littlest baby" in 5th grade, I think he is still little (at least in my mind). Zach has worked so hard to overcome the struggles of learning to read and is doing awesome. His least favorite subject is math, but loves to write (wouldn't his teachers in kindergarten and first grade be surprised!). I hope this year will be awesome. His teacher is great and I think he will have a fun time with her...she's young, energetic, creative and organized...all things that will be good for Zachy. He is so organized so it will help him to have a teacher like that, too. She is a big CU fan, so Zach and several others wore their Ram shirts today :). It will probably be a friendly rivalry throughout the year.

I always dread the days the boys start back...always have. I do get back in a regular schedule, but I love having them home and just hang out. I get to know them in different ways and see their different personalities. ONe thing I do consistently see is that these 3 boys are truly really good friends and, even though they will fight and argue, they are there for eachother and are eachother's biggest advocates and support and best friends. . My biggest hope for that is that it continues throughout their life.

Had fun taking Zach to lunch yesterday (his choice was Arby's) and Todd met us. We also went to Kohl's and picked out a couple new things. Today, Chris and I head to Chick Fil A for his back to school lunch (and he's not too interested in shopping, but is fine with me picking him up a few new things) and then on Monday, Nick and I are planning to go to breakfast. Love spending time with each of them and can't believe that I really get to be their mom! I think I'm the lucky one!