Back to school

Right after vacation, another school year got underway.  We're in week 3, and things seem to be going well so far.  Devon started 3rd grade, and it was an easy transition back. Only one of his friends is in his class, but he's worked out a schedule for when he  sees everyone, and he's feeling like he gets good time with all his favorite people (playing with one at the before school program, a different group at recess, and others after school).  He seems to like his teacher, and usually says that he had an awesome day. Homework ramped up, which is a bit of an adjustment for him, but we're developing some strategies for coping with that.

Rylee was super excited to start kindergarten. She requested some Spanish games to play at home to help her practice, and she has been spending lots of time trying to brush up on her vocabulary. She's mastered colors, basic greetings, shapes, and counting to 50. She adjusted well to the new school, and the before/after school program. She comes home exhausted every day, but happy. She's working on making new friends, and really likes her new teacher.

We're back in our full schedule of activities as well. Both kids continued with swim lessons into the fall. Devon's doing Taekwondo twice a week. He has a new instructor - which was a surprise - but his new Grand Master seems really good so far, and I think will be more effective in helping Devon improve his skills. Rylee starts her next series of ice skating classes in a few weeks, keeping her on track to reaching her Olympic goals. Both kids joined the school's chess club - Devon's been involved since kindergarten, and I'll be back for my third year as a parent helper. The chess club is wildly popular, with almost 200 of the school's 750 students participating, so they always need lots of grown up support.

So far, we're off to a good start!

First day of school!  Rylee is showing off her new mermaid back pack, of which she is very proud!

Back to school themed treat made by Grandma Lea with help from Rylee