We are exhausted!

Okay, so this is posed because I missed my photo op, but this really is how I found Alden yesterday. School has begun in earnest and I don't know which is worse - end of summer where the kids and I are bored of the easy life or the school year in full swing. Now that we are back in the swing, we have Alden in school in the mornings and then home in time for some babysitting on my part & playing on Alden's. Babysat kids are picked up in time for our big kids to come home from school, which includes our beloved friend Danielle (Alden's best friend that I babysat last year) for an hour. I teach piano lessons while kids hang out/relax/play, and then we are off again for soccer (for either Hannah or Ethan), homework, dinner, and bedtime.
Alden fell asleep yesterday after Danielle left and, with the exception of waking up to be dressed for bed, slept all afternoon and night.
Today I was suppose to go grocery shopping but instead, we are taking it easy. My excuse is that I also need to do laundry, but really it is because I am just too tired.

First Day of School

No tears at my house this morning. We have had a lot of fun this summer between vacations with family and a lot of pool time, but my kids are bored (too much tv and and too many house chores). They are ready for some stimulated learning and friends that aren't siblings (as great as they are). Alden was thrilled that it has finally become his turn with K4 every morning, Ethan is in 1st, Isaac 4th, and Hannah 6th. Where has the time gone? My oldest wishes that 6th were really at a middle school like some of her other friends and my baby is no longer a baby.

As for me, Dave thought I would be sad to loose Alden but I am celebrating in a little freedom. Two and a half hours every morning. A little time to accomplish the many jobs around my house that I never get to and to recommit to getting some exercise in an effort to fight this aging process that is so obvious as a parent of four. I have to admit that while I was productive this morning, the quiet was a little weird.

And so we resume another school year full of school, homework, piano lessons, and soccer. Wish me luck.