Back to School

Eli has been very excited to start 2nd grade. We heard that his teacher was a lot of fun. One boy told Eli that she had pajama parties when they met goals, etc. So he got ready and headed out with no concerns. When I took these pictures, you can see that he was having serious doubts. When I tried to leave he held on to me and cried, so I quickly took him outside the portable so we could work it out without his being embarrassed. It was late before I was able to extricate myself. The third day it happened again. He's been fine going in since then, but he doesn't like school. I was worried that it was because he really didn't know anyone in class. The school is so ridiculously large, that it is very possible to not know many kids from year to year. (There are a few boys from his kindergarten class, but none with whom he was close.) I prayed hard that he could find someone that could be a good friend. At the beginning of the second week, he came home and said that he had played with Camden, a boy I had encouraged him to get to know because his family is in the neighboring ward, and I really like his mom. He said that Camden had divided up some long pine needles and said they were "best friend" needles or something like that. He had Camden's phone number and wanted to play with him that day. I could have cried, I was so happy. They have played several times since, and seem like a good match. His teacher is kind but very firm and organized. Eli's quite bright, but he just doesn't really like school. If I were in a position to do it, I would consider home school. But maybe it will get better. Anyway, here are his sweet little pictures:

Tori is thrilled to be in kindergarten. She has the same teacher Eli had and we just love her. Tori is a shy little thing (as is Eli). She officially started class the day after Eli. (The first day was just a brief meeting.) When I took her, there was no one in the classroom still, so we snapped a few pictures inside and then went out with her teacher and class. When I left, she was lined up with the others, standing completely still and not looking at or interacting with anyone. I cried a bit after leaving both of them. It's hard for me. Anyway, although Tori is still pretty shy around the other kids, she considers several girls her friends. She enjoys it.
Why was I hovering around taking all of these pictures? Who knows.

It's hard getting two kids ready on time. I can only imagine how it will be when they're all in school. In any case....here we go!