Table Scraps: Final Friday of Summer.

As I typed that phrase "Final Friday", I felt a rush of anxiety. Back-to-school is always a time of busy-ness and mixed emotions. On the one hand, I am looking forward to settling back into a fall routine and having a couple of mornings a week while the kids are at school to do my own thing. I am excited for the kids to meet new teachers, new friends, and new learning experiences. I always loved school and they have a very positive attitude toward it so far, too. On the other hand, I am always sad/happy/nervous to see my kids growing oh-so-fast and to know that other people are having a key hand in shaping their little selves. It always reminds me how important it is to stay earnest in prayer for our kids and teachers and administrators as they pour their hearts and souls into learning and growing and thriving.

Last night, Kennedy visited her new second grade classroom and saw her new teacher, Mrs. Ferguson. She chose some of her new school clothes, including her new pink hat, and packed all of her new supplies into her new messenger bag (yes, we have now declared that backpacks are for "first grade" and that messenger bags are the new choice).

Here is Kennedy saying HELLO to Mrs. Ferguson. We have heard such wonderful stories about Mrs. Ferguson as a teacher, and we are looking forward to working with her this year:
Kennedy quickly found her name, chose a desk next to some friends from first grade, and got her textbooks organized in her new desk. We were excited to see some of the same kids from first grade in her class, but also some new friends to meet and get to know. Here she is with the new teddy bear that Mrs. Ferguson had waiting for all the kids.
We spent some time doing a scavenger hunt around the room.....find your mailbox, name on the birthday wall, look at the About Me board with Mrs. Ferguson's baby pictures, and find your locker in the hall.
Kennedy, as we were leaving the room, said "Mom, second grade is the best year ever!!!" Quite a statement, given that the year hasn't even formally begun yet!
Of course, we had to stop in to the first grade room to say Hi to Mrs. Hill and grab a quick photo. We will miss her this year for sure:
And a quick stop to see the fish and turtle in the pond:
After the open house, we headed for the football field for opening night. There is nothing quite like a high school football game to welcome fall and the new school year.....though it didn't feel much like fall, as it was very hot and sticky and muggy.....you can literally see the moisture hanging in the air. I can't wait for the crispy cool "wear your sweatshirt" type of football game nights.
My brother, Mitch, SIL Meegan, and niece Sam joined us. Sam enjoyed the game and especially the snacks!
Two little Bulldog fans (coaches' kids) cheering their favorite team and Daddies on to victory! It was a nail-biter, as we ended up coming from behind to win in Overtime. I HATE Overtime.....makes me so nervous! But, we are off to a great start and really developed some confidence tonight.
We are planning a relaxing day for today and most of the weekend. We may head for the Battle Creek Zoo tomorrow, but we are otherwise planning to stay home and rest, swim, play, and enjoy the last weekend of summer freedom. I also need to take Hayden to buy some "school supplies" to get ready for his first day of kindergarten on Tuesday.