Back to School

We had the busiest and best summer that was filled with so many adventures, fun, and memories. Both of the girls didn't really want to go back to school but they both had back to school nights that helped with the excitement and on the first day there were nerves and excitement and they both handled it so well. It is now back to schedules, lots of back and forth in the car, learning, growing, new opportunities, new relationships to be formed and old ones to be rekindled, and all the many things that happen with a new school year.

This year we have a 2nd grader and an 8th grader!

Paige is now the king of the school and in her last year of middle school. It's crazy to think about and middle school has flown by. I know she will crush this school year, and I'm excited to watch her grow in confidence and grow in learning. She is excited to do track and gymnastics again. She is an incredible young women, daughter, sister, and friend. She is a natural born leader, and I know she will be an asset to any class that she is in. She is kind and will be a light to her world and people at school. She is pure goodness, and I know she will do amazing things this school year!

Here's all about Paige as an 8th Grader:

• Favorite Color: Light Pink
• Favorite Food: Fettucine Alfredo
• Favorite Treat: Chocolate Cookie Crumble Ice Cream or Brownies
• Favorite Thing We Did This Summer: Going to Idaho, San Juan Island Youth Campout, and spending lots of time with family
• Some Things Paige Loves: Family, Bed, Being Outside, and the Beach
• What Paige Wants to Be When She Grows Up: A Mom and Photographer 

I love our back to school photo shoots. The girls love going shopping for new clothes and it always gets them a little more excited for the new school year since I have a firm rule that they can't wear them until school starts. 

Paige is a full blown teenager, and it is just so crazy! She is a beauty inside and out and I love these pictures of her. She is stunning!

We have a big Benson Boone fan in our house!

Baylor was more confident this school year and ready to go and really has a feel for the school and school procedures and just how things are done. She loves her new backpack and lunch box which made starting school even more exciting. She is excited about her teacher and on the first day she has already made a new friend. She is an amazing friend and loves to be friends with lots of people. She is excited for math and I'm excited to see how much she will grow and learn especially with her reading and comprehension skills. I hope that she becomes less shy at school and that people at school get to see the fun and silly side. She will be such a kind friend and an amazing helper to her teacher. She is always quick to listen and loves to do her best. 

Here's all about Baylor as an 2nd Grader:

• Favorite Color: Light Blue
• Favorite Food: Chicken Noodle Soup in Bread Bowls
• Favorite Treat: Homemade Oreos or Marshmallow Brownies
• Favorite Thing We Did This Summer: Going to Idaho and Playing with Cousins
• Some Things Paige Loves: Family, Bed/Blankets and Stuffed Animals, Slime, and Swim Lessons
• What Paige Wants to Be When She Grows Up: A Mom 

These pictures just make me smile. Baylor is true to who she is, and she just lights up when she smiles. There is always a little mischievousness in that smile and her eyes and freckles are a sight to be seen. She is an adorable 2nd grader!

This series of pictures makes me smile because when Baylor smiles and laughs, it lights up her entire being. She is fun to the core!

Two cute sisters, ready for a new school year!

Of course, when we are taking pictures of sisters, the little one doesn't want to be left out. And boy was she in a mood for silly and fun pictures. She makes the best and silliest faces. She is by far my most expressive child and I'm grateful that I will have her at home to keep me company. I plan to get her potty trained as soon as I can. I also want to do an at home preschool with her and do fun letter crafts and activities. I'm sure there will be lots of trips to the library, the park, and to the store. She will be my little sidekick and she sure is a cute one!

The first day of school was exciting and fun plus a few nerves. Paige had a three hour delay so for this one day, Baylor got to go to school first. Paige was still sleeping but we had a nice morning complete with chocolate chip waffles with homemade whipped cream. She picked out her favorite shirt and most comfortable shorts to start off her day. She had an amazing day and was excited to tell me all about it when she got home.

Paige got to sleep in for the first day, which is wonderful for every teenager. She had time to do her hair and look picture perfect for her first day. She is excited to be with friends and start her classes. She had a very quick first day but is excited for this fresh new start. (I told her for the bottom, right photo to do a face for how she really feels. It was a quick serious face, straight to a smile.)

And of course, little sister didn't want to be left out in the back to school photos. McCall asked about her sisters a few times during the day and struggled to stick with one thing for very long but she will get used to just having mom around and I know we will have some fun together.

There's always a first day of school note from dad to help brighten the girl's day and then it is back to naps in the car for McCall when picking up Paige. Another amazing start to a new school year!