The Zook Two Take on Gower!!

Today was the first day of school!  My two little ones were so excited despite being up about two hours earlier then they had been all summer.  Taylor was so excited to finally be a gator!  We all ate breakfast and got dressed and headed out early to get to park and walk the kids in.  Our school does not have a ton of parking and we had to park at a business next door so we left about thirty minutes earlier then normally.  

All smiles!!

 This mom is not so sure how she feels about having two kiddos in school and none at home during the day.  I think it will not really hit me till next week when he goes all day.  I was so excited today I didn't even tear up, but I think it will happen next week when they are both gone.  

 Daddy got to take the morning off and be with us for the first day.  We even sneaked in a coffee date while they were at school:)  Gotta make it work when you can!

 His first official first day of school picture.  He has always been with me or my parents and not in school.  So, he went today for his first time.  He did an amazing job. Walked in and did not cry or fuss.  He owned it and did great.  He earned eight points for being on task and respectful (the earn points for following rules etc).  He was so proud of those points, and also the smiley face and sticker her got.  He told us a few things about his day and seemed to already be making friends with a few girls of course:)  My ladies man!

 He loves this backpack and asked me to take a photo to show everyone.  He picked this out too!

 This girl was a little bummed to not have her best friend in her class, but was still excited to be going to school for her fifth year at Gower.  She is thrilled to have gotten the teacher she wanted!!  She decided to go purple this year for the first day, down to her shoes and nails.  She changed outfit choices twice:)  She also wanted her Anna braids.  I was so impressed on how long they now are when I braid them.  She was all smiles this morning and had a great day too!  She even tried the brunch they had in the cafeteria and said it was good.  I was shocked, but maybe she is finally branching out. She got to set by some friends and already made friends with a new girl to the school.  I love her heart.  

 Walking to school!

 Waiting for the doors to open, with their presents for their teachers.  I had fun making them for their classes.  

 Meeting his teacher, who was Emma's teacher in Pre K as well.  She has known Taylor since he was less then a year old.  I was so happy to have her again!

 Emma loves Mrs. Armstrong, we went to her animal camp this summer.  

After, the half day, we went to Mexican to celebrate with some cheese dip and chips.  We got to talk to the kids about their day and talk about the exciting things that are going to happen in the weeks to come.  Both kids are bummed school is out tomorrow for election day.  But they go back on Friday and they both want to, which is good.  We all took a nap while daddy ran to work for a few hours this afternoon.  It was a great first day for both kids and I am excited for a great new year for them both.  Life is changing and I better hang on and enjoy the ride. 

The Night Before School Starts

There are bags of school supplies, two sets of uniforms picked out and waiting, new backpacks waiting to be worn, and two little kiddos are sound asleep.  Normally I am freaking out by this time, the night before school starts back up.  But I am working hard on not doing that this year.  I would normally have sent a few emails and a text to Emma's new teacher with pointers etc.  This year I have decided to let the first day or two happen and then talk to the teacher.  Let her therapy teachers come and meet with the teachers and help her before overwhelming or over worrying.  Emma's teacher this year already knows Emma some and has been around Emma before.  Many of her support staff is the same and have worked with her before, and honestly the school loves and supports Emma so well.  I am not as worried this year.  We will talk to her new aid in the morning and go over a few key points for Emma's best care and then we will let things settle in and get grooving.  I honestly have just decided that this year I cant be anxious about what could happen.  I have to trust the people who have proven more times then not, that they will do amazing work for Emma and with Emma.  I am trying to pray way more and stress way less.  I feel things seem to be falling into place for a great school year for her.  She is excited and already changed her outfit choice twice before going to bed.  Her nails are painted, her bows picked out and her new flower backpack is ready to go.  God will protect my sweet Rose and He has a great plan for her I just know it.

Now, I also have another little one joining the Gator family this year.  Taylor will be joining the Pre K program there.  He is so excited to finally be a Gator!  He has Emma's pre k teacher and I am thrilled.  I think it will be really good for him to get to experience school and make friends.  I am sad to see my last little one become a big kiddo who goes to school, but realize that as hard as it is, it is a good thing.  I know longer have babies in my house, I have school kids.  He will be in school five days a week 8-2.  I will miss my little sidekick and our special trips to Cheekwood and our little hikes into the woods.  He is so ready and cant wait to wear his Batman backpack.  I just hope my mommy heart can handle the change.  

So, this night before school starts I will pray more and stress less.  Or go workout and try not to focus on the fear!!  Dear God, protect all the staff, teachers and students as the prepare for another great school year.  Amen!!!