Back to School

All three returned to school in the last week, but they each went their separate ways for the first time.

Ruby returned to our elementary school, this time to a 1st grade class. She has a handful of repeat classmates, which will hopefully help her find some allies while she's at school. She was SO excited to return. Even though we'd discussed the schedule of events, when we went a few days before school started for our meet-n-greet, she wanted to stay in her classroom. In fact, when I said, "OK, Ruby, it's time to say good-bye.", she turned to me and gave me a hug, saying, "Bye, Mommy!" The first day was not a problem for her.

Maddux returned to her (private) middle school. As a seventh grader, the start of this year is pretty standard, being the middle grade and knowing what to expect. She was excited to return to the routine of seeing friends all day, definitely more excited than she was about the actual 'school' part of it. She had a few extra days at home without her siblings, which she filled with volleyball and friends.

The first week of Middle School always includes a few days at a camp nearby where the students go for a retreat. I love this tradition, and Maddux was very excited to return there with so many friends.

Eli started a new school this year: our local public high school. So he technically had two 'new' things to deal with. I will say, his overall demeanor the few days leading up to the first day was the most apprehensive I've ever seen from him regarding school, even Kindergarten. But I understand. Moving to middle and then high school is a big step, but even bigger when you've been at a small, family-feeling Christian school for a few years, feeling all warm and fuzzy in a bit of a bubble.

As we've discussed with Eli, the choice to move back to public for these last years is intentional, in part to give him a bigger, more realistic world view while he's still in our house and has a safe place to land each day. (As opposed to waiting until college or moving out after high school and having to face 'real world' without knowing you had people waiting for you at home who want to support you.)

But that doesn't make it easier, especially for mama bear.

The first day went off without a hitch for Eli though, complete with him making it to all of the right classes on time, AND having a friend in each of his classes (including lunch). And we've returned to riding the bus, which is working out well right now for him too. (Or at least it's working for the Uber-carpool driver!) Strangest thing for us so far? Wearing 'regular' clothes to school!!