back to school 2013

school started last wednesday with half days, and now full days this week.
as per our tradition, we take a picture of the kids on the first day by the front door.
this is the first year our first day of school picture was taken at our new house.

this is a big year for us as we have an eighth grader and a kindergartener.
andrew is in 6th grade this year, and ella is in 4th.
john is so excited to be at ssj with his siblings - i am thrilled to have them all at one school.

he looks so cute in his uniform, and wanted the long nike socks like his brothers.
i think he is the only kindergartener sport'n that look, and boy does he look adorable.
i overheard one of christopher's friends say, 'chris your brother looks awesome'.
it was pretty funny - his friend was smiling down at john as he said it.
john john got to his seat work right away...

ella was so happy to have most of her friends in her class.
and even got to sit next to her best friend elise for the first few days.
we have been off to a good start, getting to school early.
we have a wonderful carpool and carpools for after school sports too-
they have already been so helpful as i am a week away from my due date and slowing down.

here are my two younger ones on the second day of school, so happy and cute :)
the boys are both in the new junior high building, so wonderful for them.

i am still hoping to finish my summer snapshot series before the baby comes.
we will see if i get to it!
here's to a wonderful school year -
a bitter sweet as christopher will be off to high school next year!