Back-To-School 2016

The younger boys started off the 2016-2017 school year on August 15th.  Tommy entered what he called the "grade years," with Mme. Cote for first grade.  Luke has the amazing opportunity to attend the 4th-grade-only naturalist school program out at School in the Woods and has Mrs. Zanarek.  And Josh headed into his middle school years, starting 6th grade out at Mountain Ridge with Ben.

As I write this, we are two weeks into the school year, and, so far, it's been great!  All three boys are excited about their classes, are enjoying school and like their teachers.  Although he doesn't like being at AIES all alone, Tommy has come home with an abundance of "purple" and "blue" days, the best kind of day.  After a year of hearing Luke whine about homework, he is no longer enthused for that, but hopefully we can get him excited about it again.  It's definitely not too hard for him!  Luke hasn't once said he didn't want to go to school, a huge win, and loves every aspect of his SITW adventure from being outside in nature frequently to building a wikiup to taking the bus.  He even did his homework on the bus a couple of times, all by his own choice!  The first day of school, Josh said he liked middle school *SO* much better than elementary school, and he is still holding to that.  He's going out for swimming and enjoying the flexibility of the middle school schedule. 

Zac, Ben and I stuck with tradition and, for those who get the bonus summer day because the 6th and 9th grades have "jump start" at the middle and high schools, we went to a movie and lunch on the first day of school.  We saw the new Ghostbusters and really enjoyed it, even though both Ben and I had some good startle moments.  Adam joined us for a sushi feast before leaving for Chicago for work.
A work trip.
On our anniversary.
And during the first week of school.
That is not awesome.
Really the worst timing.
But...I held on tight and we got 'er done.

Zac and Ben headed off for their first days of school on the 16th.  Zac is a Sophomore at Rampart High and Ben is one of the Kings of the School: 8th grade at MRMS.  They both seem to like their classes and enjoy their teachers.  Zac was surprised by how much he loves his AP European History class (yeah!  history ROCKS!  fist pump!).  Ben is on a great team this year that should challenge him nicely, plus, he heads to Rampart every other day for his Algebra 2 class.  He is excited about that, even if he feels tiny.

After four back-to-school nights, Adam and I agree: our kids have the opportunity to attend amazing schools, and, for the most part, have fantastic teachers that are eager to educate, engage and challenge our kids.  I think it's going to be a great year!

*Zac and Ben had a delayed "first day of school breakfast" over the weekend, because, well...because I just couldn't get it all done solo.  But they're awesome, so they didn't even mention it.

Off to 6th with his sax!

Josh and his neighborhood bike riding buddies, Jack and Canyon.

In he goes.  *heart breaking*

Cannot wait for School in the Woods!

Taking the bus from AIES with his friend Nathan.  A first for a Conlin boy!

 

First grade, here he comes!

My baby is in 1st!

It's a little true, but don't be fooled, the dark glasses are to cover the hot eyes.

Who you gonna call???

Sushi!

At least he was thinking of me while on his business trip...a new one for the collection!

First day of 10th.  No.  Nope.  Stop it.

Jake and Zac.

And now to send off my 8th grader.  Also no.

Ben, Micah and Ryan.

Better late than never!