August was a crazy month for us! And it’s not over yet! We have so many pictures to post, that it’s becoming a daunting task. I won’t worry about chronology, just post what and when I feel like it. For now – the kids returned to school!

Sam is in fourth grade this year. We were confused to see the name of his second grade teacher on his assigned class. It turned out that her daughter is actually Sam’s teacher! He’s excited about that, and he had some good friends in his class too.

Sam is having a phase where he refuses to smile or pose for pictures. I had to steal this pic at pick-up on his first day, when he had a genuine smile:

Jack is back at middle school as a seventh grader. He has widened the height gap even farther over the summer, towering over his classmates and being low key teased for voice changes. He’s in good spirits though, and says his teachers and classes are all great so far. He’s doing orchestra with the violin again this year.

The bus service is back after being canceled last spring. Fingers crossed that we can keep it for the full year! The route is less convenient for Jack, but he doesn’t seem to mind the commute. I’m thrilled that it drops off near the elementary school. I can take them both home from one place. And eventually, they can walk home by themselves.

Jack leaves to early for me to take a picture, but here’s one of him unpacking after the first day: