Mandi: Today I saw another one of the big differences between a Kindergartener and a 2nd Grader: the Kindergartener kisses Mom profusely, yells bye, and gives Mom and Dad a high five; the 2nd Grader blushes profusely when Mom tries for a kiss, waves bye shyly, and rolls his eyes when Mom puts up her hand for a high five – but he does it anyway! And I learned that this mom is just as teary and nervous when the second child goes off to Kindergarten as the first. My little girl looked so tiny, walking through that door. I am grateful for the wonderful teachers who welcomed both of them into their classes this morning and whose rooms were already filled with lesson plans, books, great displays, and all the markings of people who love their jobs and are dedicated to helping their students. I’m ready for this next family adventure and glad to have the support of such amazing teachers, staff, and a great principal on the journey with us! Finn 2nd, Jocie Kindergarten
Deanna: New state (FL), new school, new smiles (braces for Ryan and an expander for Brandon), and new shoes! Exciting times for the Hill boys! Ryan 6th, Brandon 3rd
Deb: This fall, my son, Chris is finishing up his final course work at Drake University. He has one foot in the world of work and one foot in the world of college. I am proud that he has so many of the college and career ready skills that he will need in the very near future. His most noteworthy attribute is creativity. Go to his web site ChrisHansenProductions.com to see all the ways he expresses his talent in video production. It seems like it was just yesterday that he made his first video with his Steven Spielberg Lego Set.
Circe: My, how have they grown! I’m still reeling from how much my life changed when Jacob entered high school just as Taylor entered junior high last year. This year, I find myself on the first day of school reflecting on how critically important the social aspects of schooling are to my children. They were both happy to go back to school (thank goodness!). Most of what made them happy was that they would see their friends and have social activities to engage in. Academic learning will come, but … wow … access to high quality academic content really is NOT what my kids were thinking about as I took their pictures. And that is not only okay, it’s important for us adults to remember. Jacob 10th, Taylor 8th
Valerie: It’s a gift to watch children grow from wee ones who depend on you for everything, into young men looking forward to an open and limitless (we can all hope) future…I am grateful to have the pleasure of being mom to my three boys…they are what gets me up every day and help motivate me to be a better everything for them. Best wishes to Jacob (5th), Nathaniel (8th) and Isaiah (11th) for a wonderful school year.
Bonnie: My youngest started his Senior year and will graduate early so in six short months our lives will change in ways I have long planned for but still can hardly imagine. Both of my boys will be up and out in the world and all of us will find new freedoms and challenges to chase. Braydon’s school life has not always been a positive experience. Seeing him here, having navigated this stretch, makes me proud, relieved, and excited about his future plans and the possibilities that lie ahead for him. Braydon 12th