First Day of School 2013

Today was a big day.  Elizabeth and Ella started at new schools.  I decided it was time to simplify our lives and changed to neighborhood schools.  With the old school we left the house at 8 and didn't get home until after 6 and then still had to have supper and do homework.  The pressure of that became too much and we made a change.  I am still looking for a Chinese language program for the girls but I think we will have way more family time together.  Here it is 7:15 and supper is done, homework is done, dishes are done and the girls are relaxing and I am finally updating the blog.  I know there will be more pressure as the homework increases but I believe this was the best decision for us.

The school  hours are earlier too so that even leaves time before supper to get that homework done.

Here are the girls this morning at the classic picture taking time:

Ella is going to the same school I went to as a child.  St Marks was a great school and I think it will be the perfect fit for her. It is a smaller school, even smaller than Yinghua, and it is made for a gentle soul like Ella's. 

Elizabeth is going to Ramsey Middle School and it is huge.  That will be a big change but my independent girl will do well there.  She is excited to move with the big kids and who doesn't like wearing shorts to school?  The hat is cute too but was kept at home. 

Love my girls and they were both happy to be on a new adventure - one in a uniform and one with her own style.  Perfect combination.  Ella and I walked into school with Elizabeth but I wasn't able to take pictures there.  There was alot of activity and Elizabeth seemed a little nervous with the amount of kids but didn't want me to stay to help find her locker.  Proud of your braveness and strength E.  

Then I brought Ella to St Marks.  There were a few boys there and one was in Ella's class.  So we chatted with them a bit.  Two of the boys had cleft lips like Ella so she chatted a bit about that.  Then I asked if she wanted me to stay and she did.  I thought she was doing great and wanted to give her room if she wanted it.  After that she went up to a group of girls on her own and said "Hi, my name is Ella, are you in 3rd grade too?"  Turns out they were 4th graders but they were very nice and looked out for her.  At that point Ella went to other kids and introduced herself and when the bell rang she found me, gave me a kiss and said it was going to be a great year.  Yup... it will 

After school reports were good.  We went and got some more school supplies and then went out to eat to celebrate.  It will be early to bed tonight so we can have a good day tomorrow too.