The first day of school was yesterday, many of us parents are doing the jig at this point after a long summer of 7AM wake ups, kids asking for food every 30 minutes and battles over who looked at who.

I am in that group, I love my kids, but I do enjoy the peace of them returning to school. Summers are too long, not enough to do and for a photographer it is even worse as this time of year is my busy season (though I took an easy summer with the baby this year!). By week two of summer vacation I have ran out of ideas for entertainment and the kids incessant whining has me considering locking myself in the bedroom all day with a bottle of wine (though I’m sure my kids would know how to pick the lock).

Though we got through it, with several different weeks of sleep away camp and day camp to break up the monotony, but the last week before school starts is always the worst. I can see the finish line, where my schedule becomes real again. Everyday is planned out and they know what to do. I know that my only arguing with be about waking up in the morning (but they get up at 6:30AM during the summer just fine) and what to wear (how do you not have any uniform pants? you have 5 pair!).

Nicholas is a 3rd grader at Lincoln this year. This is the first year in 4 years that he has a new teacher, which is exciting and daunting all its own. We have both grown accustomed to how his teacher did things, she knew him well. All his quirks, how he learned. Everything. Like my son I at times do not like change, I enjoy knowing what is going to happen so this year could be a challenge for me. So far after 2 days Nicholas likes his teachers, so lets hope for smooth sailing.

Francisco is in 6th grade this year at LaSalle and of course new teachers. Every year with Francisco is a journey. With his past history of neglect and abuse, he is learning how to manage his own fears and anger in a situation where there is little wiggle room. The upside to school is that it is a black and white environment and expectations are clearly listed, but there are days where his mind wanders to things that bring him comfort. Perhaps its an origami day and he just cannot wrap his mind around math or social studies, which leads to tossing his books or yelling at a teacher.

Luckily his school has worked with him well. They are trying very hard to get it, to understand what may or may not set him off and that he thinks much deeper then it appears he does. He is exceptionally bright, which they also recognize. We just have to hand hold him a bit as he grows.

Cecilia is a Jr. in High School this year (she’s growing up so fast!) . She is on an entire new journey in her life as she is staying with her biological sister in Florida. So many factors went into this decision, but we feel it was for the best. She will learn to reconnect with the biological family that loves her dearly and thought they had lost her to the abyss of the system. She is their prodigal child returned! She has almost finished her first week and it seems that things are going well so far.

So here is to another school year! To all the parents who made it through 10 weeks of chaos without pulling their hair out, we rock!