The Hendrickson Family: The First Day of School

Well, today was the first day of school for the boys. It was a pretty big day for all of them but especially for Jake as he rode the bus for the first time as he went to start middle school. He went to a two and a half hour orientation on Friday where older students showed the incoming sixth graders around. They played games, ate pizza, and had time to get comfortable with the school. On Monday, he told me that he was nervous about not being able to find the music room again. I reminded him that he didn't have any music classes so it wasn't a big deal :). We had his bag packed last night and then true to my first born's personality, he as up a 6:30am. When I came out to the living room at 7:30 he was already sitting on the couch with his bag next to him waiting (he doesn't have to catch the bus until 8:00). He was nervous about finding classes so we looked at his schedule again. Finally it was time (or at least not TOO early to head to the bis stop). He rolled his eyes as I insisted on taking the traditional first day picture and then off he went.

Austin started fourth grade today. He is growing so fast (like they all are). He is looking forward to a year with his best friend in his class for the first time ever. Tonight he had a page of "homework" that his teacher wanted him to do. It is a list of questions about his goals for this year at home and at school. Here is what he wrote:

1. This year I would like to try and help out more at home by...saving electricity (elestricity)

2. A new hobby I would like to try this year is...playing basketball (basickball)

3. I would like to try and become better at...getting my work done faster. :)

4. Another goal of mine at home is...being nicer to my brothers. (I LOVE this one - such a sweet boy he is)

5. I would like to try and do better in the area of...the classroom

6. This year I would like to become better friends with...Matthew (I really don't think this is possible, they are such great friends now!)

7. One study habit I would like to improve this year is...writing

8. Another goal of mine at school is...on tacking (I'm assuming he means staying on track)

These were answered all on his own and I think he did a great job with it. As a side note, I'm glad that I pulled that out of his bag for this as I discovered that on the other side there are questions for me!

Griffen started the first grade today. My little baby boy is now a full time elementary student! He was super excited this morning to get going. He chattered all the way up to the school and as we took Austin to his room first. Once we got to Griff's room he suddenly got very quiet and his eyes got huge. We had met his teacher on Friday but today he seemed like he had never even set foot in the room before. When we got there, there was only one other student and mom in the room. We waited until they were done talking with his teacher and then greeted her and let her tell us where to put things and how to get Griff started on his day. By the time he got home he was all smiles and said that he had a good day. I am looking forward to seeing all of the new things that he is going to learn this year!