launched!

Jeb, the week before went to school.
He is sooo funny.
Cracks me up all the time.
Cracks himself up, too.

Off they go!

Four of our kids went off to their first day of the 2011-2012 school year yesterday.
And a new school at that.
Eagle Ridge Academy.
A school we are very excited about that teacher in the classical education model.

Cooper started high school, as a freshmen in 9th grade.
He had a great day, came home with a huge smile and a pile of homework he readily engaged in on the screen porch.

Luke began his last year of elementary school in fifth grade.
He gave the day an 8 our of 10.  Not bad for a first day!
He met new friends, had a lunch that was super yummy, and thought his teacher was awesome.

Annabelle left with a smile and a skip in her step and returned just the same way!
My happy girl.
She loved it all and rated her day a complete "10'!
Three new friends to tell about and so excited about all she is going to learn.
The bookshelf in her room had me almost in tears of joy; engaging, wholesome classics.

Emma Kate loved it all and gave her day a "thumbs up".
Her only complaint, "Mom, WHEN am I going to start learning?"
We explained a lot of the first day is learning about how school works.  Soon she will do other kids of learning.
She loves her teacher, thought her lunch box was really neat, and being at school with her siblings?
AWESOME!



Our Jeb started his 8th grade year in Edina a week ago!
He has had a wonderful re-entry to school.
Cross Country is occupying his afternoons, homework is creeping into the evenings.
He has great friends and is happily off to school.

Doesn't really get any better than watching the children settle into the new routine, and embrace the year ahead.
We are so grateful for the ways the Lord has planted us in the places we are all growing and thriving this year.

It is good, indeed.

Me, you ask?
I am home alone for the first time in sixteen years.
I had one brief year when Anna went to first grade,
but I worked that year and we began the paper chase for Emma Kate,
so this feels so different.
Home.  Fulltime.  Kids at school.
Wow!
I wonder what this looks like?

We shall see!