Well, we survived the first day of school. Strike that, we loved the first day of school! I was the only one who cried :).
I posted this pic of Sunday morning…where did those babies go?!?! I remember taking that picture! They had been watching Mickey Mouse on my bed before they went to sleep and I honestly thought they would stay little for-ever. #iwaswrong
Now…they’re big like this…
Oh my heart! I love these two so much!
On Sunday afternoon, we got our stuff together. Both kiddos helped me pack up their backpacks…
…and we made lunches too.
After showers and pjs, I read this book to Smith before bed. Last year, I read it to Kensington and then wrote a note to her on the inside and dated it. On Sunday night, I did the same thing for Smith. I cried. I didn’t bawl hysterically or anything, but I totally got choked up because I’m going to miss my sweet boy so much during the day.
Kensington’s new first grade teacher gave her this envelope on Meet the Teacher night and so we opened it in her bed and read the cute little poem together.
After that we tucked them in for their first early to bed night in three months :).
Side note: while we were getting all emotional about them getting big and not being babies any more…as we were lamenting the fact that they’re growing up and we’ll miss them being young at home…their three year old sister was keepin’ it real by crying her head off in her room because we wouldn’t let her watch any more TV. #sigh #threeyearolds
So, as sad as I am to be sending two off…I most definitely have myself a toddler at home who reminds me that my work is not done :).
(The new school bedtime was not setting well with Miss Ashby. Apparently, we were cutting into her Peppa Pig time…)
And then yesterday morning…
…it was the first day of school and we were all excited!
This happened when I asked Kensington to kiss Smith…she’s pulling him close and he’s running off…
…little brother was not interested in a kiss!
Three of my four favorite people.
Obligatory backpack picture :).
They were just so excited!
Walking into kindergarten (insert me holding back tears here).
Kensington had already turned to go into her class when she turned back around for a big hug from her little sister (insert me holding back more tears).
And then there was one.
Oh my! This kid and I have BIG plans while her big brother and sister are at school. It’s hard to believe I get THREE years at home with her before she starts kindergarten. She’ll do a two day a week preschool class just like Kensington and Smith did between now and then, but that’s not even all day. She and I are going to have LOTS of fun over the next few years. I missed out on her first 2.5 years, so I have time to make up for with this sweet girl :).
Don’t forget that tomorrow is What’s Up Wednesday!
All you do is answer all of these questions on your blog…
Bonus question for the month: what’s your favorite back to school tradition?
…and then link up on Wednesday!
To see last month’s What’s Up Wednesday, click here.
To see last month’s What’s Up Wednesday, click here.
Back in the school swing and needing some quick supper ideas for those busy nights? I’m here to help!
Click here to see my Quick & Easy Back to School Slow Cooker Suppers.
Have the best Tuesday friends!
Kimberly says
Darling photos – everyone looks so happy! The backpack hook area in your house is a great idea – I love the signs and chalkboards. I hope everyone has a wonderful school year!
Kimberly
Very European
Erika Slaughter says
Another great first day in the books! I asked Nix if he played with Smith during recess and he said, "No, I couldn't find him". Hahaha!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahaha! That's because Smith went to the restroom! He said that was a mistake because it took the entire time. Apparently a counselor walked him there and then stopped and chatted in the hallway, so by the time he got back, recess was over. He told me from now on, he's going to potty during class instead. Funny kid!
Ashley Pate says
What a small world! I somehow happened onto your blog a couple of years ago through one of our mutual friends. I noticed our sons are in the same kindergarten class!
Not A Mom says
That last sentence killed me, "I missed out on her first 2.5 years, so I have time to make up for with this sweet girl :)." -insert sobs for real! Glad they had such a great first day and SO glad they were excited, that always makes life easier. Thanks for sharing!
Linds @ Not A Mom
Narci says
Yay!! What a fun day for your sweet boy and girl!! Love!! 🙂
kelsey @ so much life to live says
I LOVE that first quote :):)
Paula says
Such sweet photos!
Johannah says
I love the signs above where you hang the kids backpacks! You may have mentioned it before, but where did you get them? =)
kimm atwood says
So glad the first day was a success
Donna says
That is one of my favourite quotes! I love Kensington's first day outfit. So glad your two bigs had a great start to the school year and you are looking forward to creating some awesome memories with Ashby!
Angela Ellingson says
Great first day! They are adorable and so blessed to have you for their mama!
Amy says
Hi Shay,
Would you be willing to share the poem from Kensington's first grade teacher? I, too, teach first grade and am always looking for new ideas!
Thanks!
Whitney S says
I was initially sad too when our two older boys went to school, but I have learned to embrace the time! Each day goes so quickly! How did Ashby do? Our little guy is only one, but he seemed lost the first few days. He would look for them around the house and would peek into the back of the car when we would go places! Glad you had a great first day!
Laci Murray says
The kids look adorable!!! They will have a great year!!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
The Shull kids looked precious on their first day of school! I bet Ashby was so excited to go pick them up!!!
Juliene E says
Hello! I am new to this state,so I don know laws,but you mentioned that you are going to have three years with ashby before she goes to kindergarten. Are you not sending her when she turns 5? Can one keep their child til they are 6 to go to kindergarten here in Texas? I have 4 more years with my first baby so I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
We are going to send her when she turns six since she has a summer birthday. People do it both ways here…and as of now, I think she needs one more year before we send her since she's developmentally a tad behind. Who knows though? We could change our mind later down the road! As for now, that's our plan!
Kelly @ Familiar Joy says
My youngest has a late June birthday and we won't send her to kindergarten until she's 6 (we did the same with our oldest boy who has a spring birthday). As a high school teacher, I can tell you it's the best decision! I always say, start with the end in mind. Where do you want to see them as a senior (or graduate)? I'd prefer to have mine be older and more prepared for life after high school. Besides, selfishly, I get an extra year at home with my kiddos. My middle two have winter birthdays, so there wasn't really a choice, but when you are given it, I say wait! =) Just my two cents!
Laura says
Cute, cute pics! I'm glad I'm not the only one that takes the "obligatory backpack picture!"
TheHortonFamily
Jamie says
Adorable pictures! We read The Kissing Hand to each of our girls when they started Kindergarten too (they are 3rd, 5th, and 7th grade now). This post brought back sweet memories!
Holly Reeves says
My mom always read that book to me before the first day of school!
Jenny says
Aww… I love back to school pictures! So sweet!
Mama Of Boys says
OMG so cute, am so glad they had a wonderful first day xxx
Afrodite says
Hi from Greece, wish all the best for your babies!!! Very moving post 🙂 xxxxxx
Christi says
As a mom to "older" kids, trust me that your work isn't done with the older two. They very much need you, and in a few years with all three in school your life will be crazier than ever imagined. Tears are okay, they don't mean you're sad but celebrating each milestone. There are so many ahead of you. I fall more and more in love with my three every day as I'm sure you understand. Just wait until you have 3 kids at different schools! It's crazy, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Starbucks is my friend though…
Leigh Clark says
They are beautiful – looks like a great duo heading into school together! We just ordered the same backpack as Kensington too!
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
They are all getting so big!! I just sent mine off to PK4 and it about killed me, so there's no telling what it's going to be like next year when he starts Kindergarten!
Andrea Worley says
SO sweet! My daughter's kinder teacher read them The Kissing Hand on back to school night! FUN!
Jen Cho says
So sweet. After reading your post yesterday about your kiddos growing up so fast, I gave my 4 yr old a tight hug & kiss. I love Kensington's 1st Day of School outfit!
The Rohman Family says
I do NOT know how you held it together!!!
Elizabeth Birenbaum says
Oh my goodness, the sweet hug! I love that Kensington turned back around for one last hug from her sister. I would have to hold back the tears too! So glad they both has such great first days!
Emily says
Do you do just 2 days a week every year for preschool? If so, did you feel transition to Kindergarten went well? We are holding our Summer birthday daughter back a year as well.
Also, I have a new baby named Smith!
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! I bet your Smith is really cute and sweet too :). I did two day a week all the way until kindergarten and it worked well for my two older kids. That's my plan for Ashby too unless for some reason we feel like she needs additional days to catch up. As of now, I'm hoping two days is all. It was a nice balance for us!
Lauren says
So enjoy your pics and sharing your sweet babies with us! Question? What type of colored chalk do you use on your chalk boards? Markers? Regular old chalk? Also on real chalk boards or chalk paint?? Sorry for all the ???'s thanks!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Chalk markers! They're "Bistro" brand that I bought on Amazon :).
Tiffany Bagalini says
So sweet and I LOVE your backpack command center! Adorable!
Bekah Bruce says
I love your backpack station! I showed my husband because we are doing a locker type system but with a bench but I love yours!!!
Hope your kiddos are off to a great first week!
Brittan Sutherland says
Looks like the backpacks are Pottery Barn kids ???? I have a little boy, Charlie, going to kindergarten this year! What size did you get Smith? Small or large? I’m worried large will be too big!!