school routines

Sorry it's been slow for updates lately.  We are all adjusting (slowly) to the new routines.  I am astonished we are 1/2 way through September and it's fall outside!  I feel like we were just at the beach?!

regardless, i can't stop time...and so here we are...back into the swing of everything.  School - so far both seem happy with their teachers.  I am reserving judgement until I have a good chance to chat with both.  We are also in the process of getting a new principal at our school.  I wish this had been sorted prior to the school year beginning - especially for those changing jobs 3 weeks in! - but I do not know the ins and outs of BOE administration.

Jake has made friends with a new little boy in his class.  They seem to be doing great and the little boy has fit right into the group of boys very nicely....they've just added one more to their gang of misfits HA.  They are all such sweet boys it's not surprising really.

Sofia seems oblivious to changes to her world.  She's in a split 1/2 class and doesn't seem bothered by any of it.  Yesterday she was thrilled to tell me how she, as a grade 2, would be doing "harder" work :).  As far as I can tell there are only a handful of grade 1's in the class - so that's the group I feel badly for really.  They are very disconnected from their peer group and at a young age.   I'm sure there will be no lasting scars as they are resilient but you always worry I guess.

Both are now taking piano - and both loving it.  Their teacher is really so spectacular that they fight for practice time through the week and countdown the days between lessons.  Jake is in tennis, Sofia in dance....swimming will begin again...each week we sort another wrinkle out.

and myself. I have started my new routine.  I have to admit I am pleasantly surprised by how nice it has been.  I was very worried it would feel as rushed and frazzled as the old system but it's been a wonderful transition for all of us.  The kids are so happy to have me there at pickup everyday.  we can schedule spur of the moment playdates, or linger in the playground a little longer with friends....the spectacular weather has really helped of course.  We are able to get to activities at more reasonable times, arrange after school snacks, have a check in on homework etc.  It's really a more balanced schedule.  My only hiccup is meal time.  I thought I might be able to plan elaborate dinners....I didn't quite account for the fact that I still wouldn't be home until 6pm....some days I do get home from 4-4:30 as we prepare to head out to our activities...but that's not really enough time to make a dinner and have it ready for 6pm....i can't leave the stove on haha.  I run directly from work to pickup so I can't even come home after work and try to start something.....I'm sure it just needs a little attention to menu planning - and once the colder weather hits we won't be outside so much after school....so for now we are all just adjusting to all the other changes - dinner will sort itself out sometime in october i'm sure! HA.

I also think Andre is enjoying the new schedule b/c i can get the kids, get snacks, and get to activities without it impacting him...he can still schedule late meetings or be picked up while we're en route to or from something.  He's even been able to pop up and see Jake's tennis lessons twice!  hooray for daddy!!!

Soon my attention will turn to halloween and sofia's birthday..but for now let's focus on late summer....one of these days i will sort through the vacation photos and choose the top 100 for you! HA.