First Day of School 2021: Mellany & Johnny

 I cannot believe the summer is over, but here we are....BACK TO SCHOOL! Every year it gets harder and harder sending my kids back. We have the absolute best time in summer and even though the kids are always excited and ready, I'm over here shedding tears because they won't be home with me during the day until next May. 

So far, this school year is looking more normal than last! (All the praise hands!!!!!!) Our school corporation is currently mask optional and the kids were so relieved with this! They do still have to wear masks on the bus as it is considered public transportation and that mandate is still in place. 

We also got to participate in back to school night! We got to meet their new teachers, walk through the building, say hello and give hugs to previous teachers and chat with friends. I've never been so happy to be at a back to school night!!! It felt so good and so normal! 

There are some safety protocols still in place: recess in specific zones, assigned seats in the lunch room and no visitors; but I feel like we are moving in the right direction. (Many corporations in our area have mandated masks again this year due to a "surge" in the number of Covid cases-specifically the delta variant.) Hopefully as the school year progresses, the rest of the protocols will be lifted!

Pictures outside of the building have become a yearly tradition now. :)

"Back to School Brinner" is something I added last year and we were all really looking forward to this year!!! Another activity that we plan to do every year!

The kids got surprised with new lunchboxes!

First Day!!!!

4th Grade for Mellany

1st Grade for Johnny

....and they're off!!!...

Charlie was super sad :) 

Actually, he really is pretty sad they are gone through the day....he doesn't mind getting to choose whatever activity/tv show he wants, but he definitely misses them and constantly asks how much longer before they come home. 

The kids have decided to ride the bus to school each morning but then have me pick them up in the afternoon. I've been getting in the car line super early because it is just completely packed. One perk of waiting is getting to see inside Mellany's classroom. 

Johnny has the sweetest teacher this year who took selfies with each kiddo on the first day and then emailed them out.....she is definitely a blessing! 

Annual questionnaires

We know the kids will do amazing things this year; watching them learn and grow and develop is one of the absolute best things about being a parent! We can't wait to see what the year holds for them!

Kansas City Summer Trip!

 

The kids and I took one last summer trip and headed west to KC. This was the first time I had traveled with all 3 kiddos without John and I feel like I conquered the world! The kids did great on the drive, were super well behaved while we were visiting and I definitely feel like I could make the trip again with ease! Here's a look at what we did! 

All packed up and headed out west! 

First stop was Gammy's......mexican for dinner and too happy we made it.

Next stop was Nana's.....after playing for a bit, we grabbed Daxton and headed back to his house to grab a scooter and baseball glove. We made an impromptu pit stop for ice cream and some time in the splash pad. 

After getting back, we had a tea party and some dress up time with some of Papa John's old clothes and family heirloom's of Nana's. 

That same day, we welcome the newest family member, Quinn!!!! After a bit of a rough 24 hours, everyone is healthy and doing great! 

Next stop was some pampering! We hit the nail salon with Capri as our birthday gift to her. After that we grabbed lunch and joined the boys as well as Delaney and Emberly at the park for basically the entire rest of the afternoon! 

Papa & Teresa's for Sunday dinner! Lots of yummy food and some water time!

Quinn was coming home, so we set up a little surprise before swimming with the Jones crew.... 

Finally getting to hold this sweet girl!! This aunt needed some baby snuggles! Mellany was also in heaven and is so excited to no longer be the only girl on that side of the family. The boys were a bit more interested in Daxton's toys. 

Later that day at Nana's......Mellany wasn't going far. 

Nana and her granddaughters

Nana with the oldest kids

All 5 grandkids!

Johnny was missing Winston so we had to FaceTime John.....the look on Johnny's face was pure joy! He really missed his furry buddy.

Another afternoon at Papa & Teresa's house called for a golf cart ride for the boys

Catching up with childhood besties! 30+ years with these girls....we could have closed down the restaurant I think. It was so fun! 

Charlie taking selfies with Gammy

After an amazing, fun-filled week, it was time to head home!