3rd grade

I am in total shock that school started yesterday.  I think I can confidently say that this was the fastest summer EVER.  I mean, seriously.  I can't wrap my head around where it went.  It's not like we packed the summer in with all kinds of trips and activities.  Usually, being busy is what makes time fly by, right?  But we didn't do much of anything this summer!  We went out of town once.  That's it.  We went to the pool, had a couple of playdates, and that's really all.  Still, the summer FLEW BY.  I'll be totally honest and say that every other year, when there are about 2 weeks left of summer, my "I'm enjoying summer and my wonderful kids" switch gets turned off, and I'm done.  Done with summer, done with the heat, done with bored kids whining and telling me they're bored.  That's when I start the school countdown.  "ELEVEN DAYS", is what I whisper to myself.  "I can DO it."  This year?  I never got to that point.  Never ever.  I think the fact that Camden, and even Anderson, is getting older helps so much.  I was just telling friends the other day why I wasn't ready for him to go back.  He's a wonderful companion.  He's UNBELIEVABLY helpful to me and to his siblings.  He's extremely independent.  What part of all that makes me wish he would hurry up and go back to school?  Exactly.

But, August 26th rolled around and it was time.  Time to pack his lunch, comb his hair, kiss him on the cheek and watch him get out of the car and walk into 3rd grade.  It wasn't emotional for me, mainly because I still can't believe school really has started back.  I think it's just all a joke or something.

We had to take our annual picture in front of the school sign.  I am so glad I've done this every year, so that I'll be able to see how much he's grown over the 6 years he will have spent at Brooks.  Speaking of that, he's on year 4.  We've got 2 years left here.  WHAT!  I am so thankful to have the privilege to be part of such a great school.  We've loved our time here and are so excited for Anderson and Evelyn to be able to attend and grow and thrive like Camden has.  His teachers have been beyond fantastic, and he's developed some really sweet friendships.  He's gained and learned so much and I am so thankful to send him off every day into a place we love, and a place he adores, too!  

I love this comparison of Camden's kindergarten picture and now his 3rd grade picture.  He's grown a lot!  LOVE this handsome boy!!!!!

First day of school morning started with cinnamon rolls!

Mr. Handsome, before heading to school.

I think someone's excited!

While big brother was at school, the rest of us baked cookies to surprise him with when he got home.  Anderson was a great helper, and Evelyn was great at licking the extra sprinkles off the counter.

We picked him up, he told me he had a great day, and we came home to a plate of cookies.  Nothing says "welcome back to school" like a sheet full of math problems, right?  At least he got to enjoy his treat while he worked on it. 

Looking forward to the many things he will learn this year!