First Day of School

The first day of school for KatieJo and Edward (a.k.a. Samuel who has chosen to go by one of his middle names) was Tuesday the 31st.  I have pictures, honest I do.  However, I can't for the life of me find the cord that attaches to my camera so I can put them on the computer.  So, you'll just have to trust that I have awesome pictures of all of the kids on the first day.

On Thursday August 26th both KatieJo and Edward (still a little weird to be typing that but I'm trying!) had to go in to do some placement testing.  It's standard procedure to see where kids are when they come in from new schools.  However, Edward...because of his age and the fact that he skipped 1st grade last year had to take an extra test to make sure that 3rd grade was an appropriate placement for him.  He placed appropriately for 3rd grade and so I have two 3rd graders.  It's a little bittersweet after the fight we've been through to watch him walk to his 3rd grade classroom with kids who are taller than him.  After talking to his teacher she says he's doing great, which is WONDERFUL to hear!

I find it a little funny that both KatieJo and Edward have been playing together at recess.  At Church they ignore each other during Primary, however at school they're stuck to each other like glue!  It's nice to know that they are there for each other, and that deep down they really do like one another. And if you are wondering they are in different classes at school.

Phillip misses both of them, and the first 2 days I couldn't get him to do anything because all he wanted to do was go pick them up at school.  Maija on the other hand is really good at telling them "BYE!!!!" at the top of her lungs.  She also says "SEE!"  which means see ya! to them as they head out of the van.

I did get Phillip to do some table time this morning after I let him play at the park for 1 1/2 hours.  He can now proudly tell you that A says a, ah & aw.  I really need to get the book out of storage to teach him to read.  He's excited to read and I'm hoping if he has something to do he'll calm down a little.

KatieJo started tap dance class this week.  We're thrilled because the dance studio we chose has sent students off to Juliard and some famous ballet companies.  Not that I expect that of KatieJo, but we are excited that she'll get actual dance instruction rather than what she was getting.

Both KatieJo and Edward are going to be starting the violin or viola this year.  The first 3rd grade orchestra rehearsal is on September 13th.  They are SO EXCITED!!!!  KatieJo wants to play the violin and Edward wants to play the viola. 

Besides that things are pretty normal around here.  Stuart is helping with football in the hopes that he'll get hired on as a coach...which looks like will probably happen.  He hasn't been getting home until almost 7 every night.