Thursday, September 3, 2009

BACK TO SCHOOL


I just have to tell you right up front that there are a ton of pictures in this post!! Some pretty important things are going on and I want my family to see. 

I have so many fun memories of back to school time. My mom (and dad :)) really made it a great time for us. My mom would take each of the kids out on a separate day to do school shopping. We also got to pick our favorite restaurant to eat at. I remember being so excited and felt so special that I got my mom to myself for a whole day. This continued on until I was a senior in high school - and I loved it. I think I may have chosen to eat at El Matador 99% of the time!!! So I wanted to do the same for my kids. 

It was Kade's turn first. Of all places to pick to eat - he chooses McDonald's! He was thrilled to get some alone time and had a permanent grin on his face the entire time. It was so fun to see, and reminded me that I need to do this way more often - you know, in my spare time!

Here we are before our big outing




A couple of nights later it was miss Kenley's turn. She was much smarter about the food selection and chose to go to Olive Garden. She just loves the bread sticks and white dip!! We both stuffed ourselves on the salad and bread and didn't even touch our pasta!!
Kenley was much more opinionated about the whole shopping thing, which made things a tad more difficult, but what can I say, that's my Kenley!! We had a great time together!! She says we should go out with just the girls more - and I agree!
Then on Friday we had kindergarten orientation. They go to the cutest school ever. It is set up so awesome. They only have kindergarten and 1st grade at the school, which allows for really great class sizes. I think they have 14 kids in their class. We met their teacher and got to take a look at the classroom. It really made me so excited and really panicked at the same time. I love their teacher and I think it's going to be a great year! Here are some pics before we left.




We even got to take a practice bus ride to get ready for Tuesday. They were loving it!!!!




So then on Saturday we decided to go have some fun before school got started. We went to a children's museum and had a great time!!! Here is Kade making grandpa Mark proud!!


He had a great time driving the tractor!!



Marcus ringing up some groceries



Kenley at the cash register



Face painting







So then Monday night we also carried on a tradition from my childhood....... a back-to-school fashion show!! The kids really got into it, I was laughing my head off!!! The best of all though, was Justin. I expected him to just sit there like my dad did and act like he was interested and oooh and aaaah in all the right places. He shocked us all by being the best fashion runway announcer I have ever heard. He was hilarious!!!!! It was so much fun and is sure to be a Woodruff tradition!! Here they are striking a pose


Then we ended the night with father's blessings. They were so cute and held so still, I think they felt really special. Of course I was crying the whole time. I'm so happy for them to go to school, but so sad that they are growing up so fast!!!! I love them so much!!
Then finally ( I told you it was going to long!!!!!!!) Here they are on the first day of school


Getting on the bus. This was the hardest part for me, it was breaking my heart!!
Have a good day!! Remember not to pick your nose, or fart with your armpit, or hit other kids, or any of the other embarrassing and weird things that you do at home - PLEASE!!!
Then I ran inside and cried my eyes out and called my mom.  I'm trying to stay positive and it's only half day, so I know I will be fine. They just grow up so fast. I have to stop now or I will start crying again.