First Day (and the positives!)

 The boys headed off to their first day at our local public school.  This year marked the end of our homeschooling journey -- something we had discussed for months -- but it was still hard.

In the past, they had attended a weekly enrichment program for homeschoolers through the public school system, so we had these pictures for "First Day of School" the last 5 years. This year was different, though.  Instead of driving them to their program, they took a bus down the road.

I already talked about the hard parts of yesterday, but I wanted to balance it with some good parts. I have always wanted them to take music lessons, but a variety of things stood in the way. The school offers orchestra for the 4th grade and we told Colin he would be participating.

I believe music lessons are important and worthwhile and I think that he will enjoy it. He refused at first, but when we went back to the multi-purpose room after meeting the teachers, he saw a table for chess club.

Another pastime I think is worthwhile, and one that I know he enjoys.  So, I bribed him a bit and said that I didn't want to hear one more complaint about orchestra and I would sign him up for Chess Club as well.  He loved that idea, and Nate was happy as well.  (He was bummed he couldn't join orchestra yet!)

Lydia was still sleeping this morning, so Bo walked them to the bus stop. I'm anxious to hear how their first day went (especially recess!) and I don't feel very motivated to get much done today (although I have a to-do list that needs to be tackled.)  I think Lydia & I will go run some errands and wait for them to come home.

We had an amazing summer -- culminating for the boys with a trip with their dad to Milwaukee last weekend.  They had an awesome time with dear friends & their cousins (who they haven't seen in years) We're headed into new territory, but I know we're all up for the challenge!!