Pros and Cons of School Starting Again

Pros:

1. We are back on a routine. Because the kids have to get up for school the next day, Jason and I have gotten much better at putting the kids to bed at night. In order to be ready for bed at the appointed hour (8:30), that means homework needs to be done, piano practiced, the dog fed and watered, supper over and the dishes done. Well, maybe not the dishes done. Who am I kidding?

2. Janica is in kindergarten and is gone half the day. She loves it!
She feels like one of the big kids. On her first day of school, she was so excited, she had her backpack on 2 1/2 hours before we needed to leave! When she comes home everyday, she loves telling me about the stories they read, the songs they sang and the new friends she is making.

3. Tegan is old enough to walk to and from school. Not only does it give him exercise, it also means I don't have to plan my day around getting to the school in time to wait with all the other parents. Plus, Janica walks home from school with Tegan. They are so good about walking home that I can set my watch by when they will get home. 3:45 every day. It is great!

4. The children are excited about learning. Especially Tegan. He wants to learn about history and is also showing great interest in math. Tegan is a fantastic reader and speller. He loves the new books to read and really loves his teacher.

Cons:

1. I have to get up earlier in the morning. Yes this really is a con! I wasn't worried about getting anywhere at any particular time. It was so nice to be able to sleep in!

2. Poor Kierra is bored. When Janica goes to school, Kierra doesn't cry, but she sure misses her playmate! She wanders around the house, mopey. Poor girl. Once we are back from our big trip, I will be checking for story time and other things we can do in the afternoon.

So thats it. Four pros and two cons. Even with having to get up earlier every morning, it seems like school starting again is a good thing.