Soccer and School!

We have had an abrubt transition from a laid back, carefree summer to a very scheduled and insanely busy school year. It's amazing what a difference a week can make! We're running all over the place these days but I tell myself it will calm down. (It will, right??)

Jaren finally was old enough to start soccer and he LOVES it! And he takes it very seriously. His first games were Saturday--he had 2 mini games as a kick-off to the season. He puts his boundless energy to good use and runs from one end of the field to the other. He is the first guy back on defense and he is usually the guy bringing it towards his goal. He is very entertaining to watch--when he scores a goal, (3 on Saturday) he does not smile, wave, or do a thumbs-up to his parents like all the other kids. No, he hands the ball to the ref, rests his hands on his hips and gets himself ready for defense. It cracked us up watching him!

4th grade for Kaelyn--how is this possible? We crossed our fingers, wished, and prayed really hard to get into a certain Charter School. Just a few days before school started, we found out both kiddos got in (they pull names out and make wait lists...) so we were thrilled! It's a smaller school, a fun, integrated approach to education, and a mandatory parent volunteer policy so each class has extra hands throughout the day. The downside? It's on the other side of town and with Jaren being in half day Kindergarten, I drive it 3 times a day!!

Sadly, my little man is growing up and off to Kindergarten. I would have been perfectly happy to keep him around another year but I guess I have to let him grow up. :( Jaren has the absolute nicest teacher ever and loves going each day. He is in a room full of busy little kiddos and for the first time ever--he does not stand out as the most energetic kid in the room. Phew!! (That may have been a little concern of ours...)

Kenna didn't want to be left out of a first-day-of-school-picture so, here she is! She does not quite know what to do with herself without her sidekick around. She turns five next week and I can't seem to convince her she is not starting school next week. She believes she will just go ahead and start after her birthday... At least I get to have her around this year!! I love the beginning of a new school year, so full of energy and change, but I am looking forward to settling into a less chaotic routine. (Hey a girl can dream!)