And We're Back

We had such a wonderful summer.

Great trips, great friends, great fun. 

It was just delightful.

Until the last couple weeks...

when it quickly dissolved into a state of utter unbearableness.

I think my kids have been trying to set some sort of record for non-stop arguing.

(Is it that way for everyone by the end of the summer? Please tell me it's that way for everyone.)

There were days I was quite certain that World War III would begin in the Meeker home.

Specifically between Wess and Till (names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent).

BUT

we made it.

And just look how cute the kiddos are on their first day of 6th/2nd grade x 3...

Perhaps they're just happy that they are off to 4 separate classrooms...far, FAR away from each other.

Tess spent all morning curling her hair to perfection and finding just the right accessories.

She's so beautiful.

And growing up way too fast that one.

She's started asking me if her clothes make her look fat.

I can't believe we're to this stage already.

It's downright terrifying.

I think we've all been experiencing some anxiety as this school year begins.

The girls have had trouble sleeping.

They're up worrying about problems that they had with friends at recess 5 months ago.

Will is worried about feeling shy.

David was up with an upset stomach last night.

Even I woke well before my alarm this morning.

I guess first-day-of-school jitters happen to Moms too.

The kids get home in a few minutes. 

I can't wait to hear how it went.

I'm going to feed them ice cream and take them to the pool for a relaxing afternoon.

Because strangely enough the house has been a little too quiet this morning.

I hate to say it but I think I just might be missing all the shouting.

Posted with Tess' permission.

The world we've created for our children and Will loses his first tooth.

On Tuesday I helped out in the childrens' classrooms at the school.

Two things to note:

1. They had a "Lock Down Drill."

Not to be confused with your average fire drill.

A lock down drill is when you practice what to do should an armed lunatic come onto school property.

Lock the door from inside the classroom. Turn off the lights. Get under your desks. Make sure you can't be seen from the window in the door.

Seriously?

This is what our world has come to.

I felt a moment of true panic as I crouched underneath the table alongside the students.

What if this were really happening?

I can't believe my 6 year-olds have to practice this.

And yet, I'm grateful that they do.

On a lighter note...

2. Will lost his first tooth.

Up until that point he hadn't let us near it.

I had no idea it was so loose, until I happened to notice it hanging forward in his mouth at a 90 degree angle.

"Will we need to pull that tooth or you might swallow it during lunch."

He reluctantly opened his mouth.

After all, the tooth fairy won't come unless you have an actual tooth to put under your pillow.

Later that night, I asked Nate to get some pictures to record the occasion.

The next day I found these beauties on the camera:

Wow. Thanks babe. Those are...um....really great.

It's a cryin' shame you chose medicine as a profession instead of photography.