Eli & Mommy Go Back to School

Summer break has officially ended for 3 out of the 4 Kennedys! Boomer truly never had a break from work, but Eli and I have now joined him in the back-to-school routine. Eli's first day was Monday, August 7th, and then I had my first Teacher Workday on Tuesday, the 8th. I was nervous that Eli would be clingy since he has loved our laidback summer schedule and had said multiple times that he did not want to go back to school (eek!) However, much to my surprise, he has adjusted quite easily. After the preschool's Open House on Friday, the 4th, he was very excited about being in the Bluebirds classroom with his new teacher Mrs. Judy. He was especially eager to play with the new car track he spotted at Open House. When Emmy and I dropped him off that first day, he bounced right into the room with hardly a glance backward. Mommy, on the other hand, was a little teary eyed. I felt the same wave of emotions that seem to hit me every year, when it's apparent that they are growing up and time is marching on. I'm glad that it has been such an easy transition, and I pray that it is the start of a wonderful school year of growth, learning, and friendships. Yay Eli!

Emmy is the lone Kennedy still enjoying summer break. Her elementary school doesn't start until August 28th, so she has been enjoying time with Grammy and her cousins. She and I had one day together, the day that Eli started preschool but I did not have to be at work yet. On that day, we went for breakfast at the bagel shop, rode bikes at Reynolda and Wake Forest, got a sweet treat from Dough Joe's, and then discovered a new park in Walkertown. It was a fun Mommy-and-Emmy Day. She has been with Grammy every day since then. Grammy is a rockstar planning fun activities for the Three Amigos (aka Emmy, Maddox, and Zander). She even manages to fit in schoolwork, so that their skills stay sharp for the next grade level! Their adventures have included visits to the park, fun crafts, bike rides, and the pool. Grandpa has joined them for a few of their outings, like a movie in the big theatre and a trip to the driving range. Emmy is very sweet to not share too much with Eli so that he isn't jealous :)

Last weekend, between Teacher Workdays and the official first day of school for me, we took it easy on Friday evening with our usual Friday Movie Night. Then on Saturday, we went to High Point City Lake Park. Sadly the train was not in operation, but for the same price (only $2 each!) the kids got full-sized ice cream bars, so all was considered a success! :) That evening, Boomer and I had a double date with Ashley and Jared to Printworks Bistro in Greensboro. We arrived a little before they did, and we enjoyed drinks at the bar, like fancy adults. It was a wonderful weekend!

This past weekend, the kids and I went to the Kernersville Honeybee Festival at 4th of July Park. With the three of us out of the house, Boomer was able to mow the grass and do several other chores on our to-do list. There were a lot of people at the festival, but I snagged a sweet parking spot; the kids got a lot of free stuff; and I only spent $4 on honey sticks and a tip for a train ride - overall, a success! Today, Boomer, Eli, Paw Paw, and Trivett went to a Dash game. Since it was Sunday, the kids zone in the outfield (with the bounce house, carousel, and pitching game) is free, and kids get to run the bases. Eli was in heaven! 

One other update: my position at work has changed a little this year. I am still in the same role as College & Career Advisor, but I am at both Forbush High School and Starmount High School. This year I will split my time between the two schools, still mostly overseeing dual-enrollment with the college classes and also being involved in other college/career initiatives. I love the work that I do, and it is exciting to be able to interact with an even larger population of students. That's not to say that I wasn't a little nervous at first. The folks at Starmount have been very welcoming, and I already feel like I'm a part of the staff. The two high schools in general are big rivals, but I am finding that both schools have a great environment and a hard-working staff. Oh, and on top of my work duties, I also will be wrapping up the final requirements for my graduate program. This fall semester, I will be completing an internship at Courtney Elementary School. Yes, that means I will be at three different schools throughout the week - whew! As long as my car remembers where to go each morning, I have a very positive feeling about the school year ahead. Let's do this!

(my desk at Forbush HS)

(my desk at Starmount HS)