First Day of School: 2012 Edition

BACK TO SCHOOL 2012 was a momentous occasion for The Carlson Crew...the first year with THREE kiddos heading out on a new adventure!!

After a fun summer, the kids were excited, and a little anxious, about heading back to school.  The girls got to go for a special "back to school" nail painting session, equipping them with sparkly purple nails with white polka dots.  Connor opted to stay home with Daddy. ;)

Connor started 4th grade this year, his second to last year at Doniphan (yikes!).  His classroom is now located in the "big kids'"  hallway of the school.

It was a bit of a rough start for the Con-man, as he was placed in a class without any of his familiar buddies in it.  His teacher, Ms. Campbell, is a first year teacher that he hadn't had the opportunity to meet yet, so anxiety was high.  As I type this, I am pleased to report that Connor is thoroughly enjoying his 4th grade year and is doing well.  He has made some new friends in his class and has really enjoyed Ms. Campbell, which has made things much more livable for him. ;)

Mandatory first day of school home pictures :)

Outside the classroom

Connor and Ms. Campbell

Kylee began her journey as a second grader.  Her teacher is Mrs. Graber, a warm, kind teacher with lots of experience.  As fate would have it, Mrs. Graber's husband (who has since passed away) is the realtor who sold me our first house.  It is strange how things circle around.  Kylee was excited to be in Mrs. Graber's class and has also had a great year so far.

At her seat and ready to go.   Second grade is the first year where kids have their own desk!

Kylee with Mrs. Graber

Hadley was not about to miss out on the action!

Our Doniphan Dolphins...ready to dive into a new year!

Just a few days after the kids started back to school at Doniphan, Hadley set off on her maiden voyage into Second Friends Preschool, where Ms. Marti is her lead teacher and Ms. Nicole (affectionately termed "Miss Cole" by Hadley) is the assistant teacher.   It is a bit surreal being back in the halls of Second Friends, but the familiarity is a blessing.  Hadley goes to school from 9-12 on Mondays and Wednesdays.  She is one of the younger kids in her class, but has so far done a great job of holding her own.  Ms. Marti does a great job working on academics and socialization with them.  Hadley is learning how to use a tripod grip to hold a pencil, as well as lots of exciting new things about letters, numbers, and reading!

The Second Friends experience starts with an Open House, where the kids can see their classroom and explore new surroundings.  Hadley had a great time!

Hadley with Ms. Marti (green shirt) and Ms. Nicole

Music Room!

Closely examining the calendar on the classroom scavenger hunt!

The traditional "in front of the school" pic after Open House

Miss Marti sent the kids home from Open House with a special story and confetti to place under their pillow to bring happy dreams and wishes for a great first day of preschool.  Hadley had a great time sprinkling the confetti under her pillow the night before school started (for the record, Daddy is way cooler than Mommy and suggested we let Hadley take the confetti out of the baggie to sprinkle it):

Before we knew it, it was Hadley's official first day of school!

With Mommy outside school

Ready to learn!  I had to laugh at the fact that she ignored the outlines of her name on the paper on her desk and instead just started scribbling.  The money invested in preschool will be money well spent!  LOL! :)

We feel so blessed to have kids that are thriving and enjoying their experiences at school!