Hurray for School!!

And in the nirmal chaos of the first day, the bus came early, and this is the only photo I got...  

I usually look forward to the dog days of summer, but I have to admit that, for some less known reason, this summer has been grueling. The kids didn’t have any big summer adventures, camps, or excursions, but they didn’t have that last year either. Perhaps moving here last year was enough of an “adventure” that little more was needed. I do think we worked harder last summer to get out and explore, while this summer we worked at getting our home in perfect shape, taking care of each other and more R&R. I would say that this approach to summer was exactly what the tweens ordered, but probably paled in comparison for the younger two.  

Ava’s neighborhood friends and some of Liv’s friends took long vacations in late summer also. I going to venture a guess that this didn’t help the situation.   We did spend several weekend days getting together with our adult friends (and their kiddos) which probably didn’t feel as adventurous as our hikes on Mt Hood, trips to the coast (though we also did this), or voyage to St Helens last year.

Work for both Jon and I has been busy too, leaving us more tired most weekends. Thereby making our necessary weekend tasks that much more difficult. Our side projects, including both podcasts have contributed to this point for sure (even though it’s fun, it’s also a lot of work!). 

And, we got a dog! 🐶 I mean what is more adventurous than adding another mouth to feed?!? 

So Jon and I welcome the start of the new school year. We long for quiet boring mornings and long silent afternoons (okay, short afternoons with a little silence). Of course we also recognize that this bliss comes with its own sacrifices. Homework battles, early morning alarms, teachers (who are usually well intentioned, but just can’t “get” 4 kids, 3 schools, and multiple multiples with complex health and educational issues...), etc. 

Here is to another year, here is to our last 4th grade!