First Day Back

Hear the sound of joyful laughter rolling over the hills?!? It’s parents who’ve just put their kids on the bus for the first day of school. Parents like my Hubby, who’s been humming “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” all weekend, and who greeted the bus driver this morning with rousing applause, because as much as we love our kids and they love us, we’re all glad summer’s over.

Last night, lunches were made, summer assignments printed, backpacks packed, and clothes laid out in anticipation of the Big Day. I even embarrassed the Oldest this morning by insisting First Day Pictures be taken. My kids were looking forward to today for lots of reasons. The Oldest couldn’t wait; summer puts a damper on his social life, making his daily audience unavailable (well, yeah, they were sort of available – lying around my house on the hot days playing Wii, chatting online, on the cell phone at all hours). The Middle Child, whose favorite subjects at school are lunch, recess, and gym, was happy to be going back to his friends too (and getting away from his bossy big brother and nagging mother). He is guardedly optimistic about his new teacher, so I can’t wait to hear what his first impression is. Even the Baby was happy to get all the attention to himself, and no one turned Curious George off to play a video game!

I’m looking forward to the return of the School Routine. It’s hectic and different from my Summer Routine, but the faster rhythm helps a list-making planner like me, and back-to-school demands (new clothes and school supplies, set dinnertimes and bedtimes) have enabled me to unclutter the house even more. But that’s a blog for another day. For now, raise your coffee cups as we toast the big yellow buses and the little red schoolhouses!