It started on the first day of school. My Facebook feed was FILLED with back to school pictures. It meant many of these parents survived the summer with their kids at home, it meant the kids were growing up and hitting important milestones, and a day to be celebrated. But what about every other day during the school year? There are many important days that happen in between the first and the last. Kids do the most growing in between this time, so why do we only excessively document that very first day (and often times that last day, as well)? Why not excessively document those days in between? Leave that to me.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 6. Also Dad's birthday!
Day 7
Day 8. Elizabeth wasn't happy about waking up after a weekend getaway.
Day 9. Actively raining. In their faces.
Day 10: "Max, mom's tryin' to take a picture!" "I don't care!" Clearly.
Day 12: Elizabeth declares me the meanest mom for reasons I can't recall.
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16: Donuts for breakfast and present wrapping before school.
Day 18
Day 19. Nothing like an argument in the driveway before leaving.
Day 20
Day 11: Max wouldn't stop for the picture because they were 1 minute behind schedule.
Day 13: Dad was in charge of taking the picture and this is what he presented me [huge face palm]
Day 17. I can tell from the variety in their wardrobe how moody the fall weather is.
Day 21: Down one (thanks stomach flu), first day of violin practice for the oldest, and a cold lunch for the middle.
Day 24: The oldest is over this whole picture business and the middle mini just can't wait to get to school, dragging the youngest out the door as she attempts to pose.
Day 28: The youngest had a doctor's appointment and went to school later than the boys.
Day 22: I had to bribe them with a picture by jumping in it too.
Day 23: Isn't school just one big fashion show for girls? (eye roll here)
Day 25
Day 26
Day 27: Rainy morning
Day 29
Day 30: A summer-like day the day before, to freezing this day.
Day 31
Day 32
Day 33
Day 34
Day 35
Day 36
Day 37. Someone was home "sick."
Day 38
Day 39
Day 40
Day 42
Day 44
Day 45
Day 46
Day 47
Day 48
Day 49
Day 50
Day 51
Day 53
Day 54
Day 55
Day 56
Day 57
Day 58
Day 59
Day 60
Day 61
Day 62
Day 64
Day 65 appears to be missing. I assume no picture was taken.
Day 66
Day 67
Day 70
Day 71
Day 72
Day 73
Day 76
Day 77
Day 80
Day 81
Day 82
Day 83
Day 84
Day 85
Day 86
April Fools Day
Down a mini
Down a mini a few days in a row due to a tummy bug.
Walking to school is more fun with friends
Dad makes an appearance
And finally.....THE LAST DAY!!!
We now have a 6th grader, 4th grader, and 2nd grader!
Day 41. I scared the grocery delivery woman by taking a picture. She thought I was taking pictures of her.
Day 43
Day 52
Day 53
Day 63. She insisted on a picture by herself too.
Day 65 appears to be missing. I assume no picture was taken.
Day 68: We were running late on this morning, so they chose to take a picture with Aunt Jenny downtown before seeing Aladdin at the Civic Center.
Day 69: Stay home day on a Wednesday. They didn't get to bed until after 11:30 p.m. after their night at the theatre. They got to rest and watch Christmas movies all day long. Cool mom alert.
Day 74: No before school picture, not even a before dance practice picture, but we did manage a decorating 200 cookies picture.
No Day 75. Not sure what happened that day.
Days 78 & 79 (top and bottom pictures). Elizabeth had the stomach flu/ate too much for dinner the night before/slept weird/she's got a weak stomach so we have no clue what's wrong, so she missed school.
And from here we lose track of days. There were snow days, days off from school, some sick days, spring break. I gave up keeping track of the specific school days, but for the most part, I remembered to take a picture nearly every morning. That alone is impressive (for me at least).
Crying picture. I thought for sure I had more pictures of them crying as they left for school, but it looks like we fared pretty well this school year!
Please notice the youngest's bright flowery skirt and a maroon cardigan. She paired it with a royal blue shirt (that you can't see because of her coat). Also, this was spring picture day.
They're all in jammies. I can't say for certain, but I'm assuming this was pajama day at school. If not, they totally wore them jammies to school.
And finally.....THE LAST DAY!!!
We now have a 6th grader, 4th grader, and 2nd grader!
Despite all of the mornings that began in tears, the fights about brushing hair and teeth, the arguments over why they had to eat oatmeal for breakfast again, and the days they wanted to stay in bed "just a few more minutes," all three excelled this school year and came out on top! I'm so proud of them (and us!) for making it through. We're thankful for their AMAZING teachers and school. But mostly I'm thankful that I don't have to say "smile!" every morning as they walk out the door!