Back to School 2025 - 2026

Another school year is beginning...and I can't believe it! Summer flew by and we're already here. First we had the kids' open houses where we got to go meet their teachers. I didn't get any pictures of Eleanor's open house because...middle school.

Jane's classroom - she has tons of friends in her class this year. It's her last year of elementary school!

Rosie and Ben's class - they have a couple people in their class they know but hopefully will make some new friends.

Organizing school supplies...

And then it was Monday! Eleanor was up and out early, but we luckily had everyone wake up just before she left for a group picture.

Off to7th grade... her second year of middle school. This year she's taking her first high school credit class - Algebra I. She's also taking English, Science, History, P.E., Theatre, Choir, and Flute.

The middle school bus stop crew:

Then it was time for the elementary schoolers!

Jane is off to 5th grade - her last year of elementary school! I can't believe it...she's taking trumpet this year as well as all her standard classes. She also will be switching classes for Math and English.

Ben is of to 2nd grade! He has one of his best friends in his class this year and is very excited about school.

Rosie is also off to 2nd grade - same class as Ben. She seems happy about her teacher and has some lovely girls in her class that hopefully she will make friends with!

Maybe a new tradition? Ice cream cones on their way to school!

Elementary bus stop crew:

The first day of school went smoothly and we are so thankful! Here's hoping 2025-26 will be a wonderful year for all these kiddos!

SM Summer Retreat

Eleanor had the opportunity to go on our church's summer retreat in August. She had such a great time on the winter retreat. They go to the same place, but for an extra day in the summer.

All packed up and ready to go!

Most of the "6th grade girl" group - now 7th graders.

Pictures from the leaders at camp:

All smiles (and tired) at pick up. I think she napped all afternoon, hah!

We are so grateful for our church and for the small group Eleanor is a part of there. It has been such a great experience so far in middle school!

Eleanor's Birthday

Happy birthday to our wonderful Eleanor! She is becoming more and more her own person every day and it's so fun to be a witness. 

Her day actually started out the evening before. She was having a sleepover with friends on her actual birthday but wanted to do a dinner just the six of us so we did it on Thursday. She had ribs, green beans, mac and cheese, and biscuits. We also did cake! This year she wanted a chocolate espresso cake with vanilla icing.

Last night with our 11 year old!

She woke up early on her birthday and followed her birthday string!

She opened fun gifts! Her siblings made her such wonderful and heartfelt cards. Ben made her a 3D otter and a coupon book and taped a quarter inside his card for her. Jane made her a crochet and beaded bracelet and a crocheted jellyfish. 

And then Chris took her out to breakfast at Duck Donuts!

Later that day she headed to our church for Fun Fridays and hung out with friends.

And then that evening she had friends over to spend the night! They did sprinkler in the backyard and on the trampoline, plus a water balloon fight.

They did a bunch of minute-to-win-it games...

And then they did ice cream sundaes for dessert.

They headed up to watch Ever After (one of my favorites when I was 12!) and stayed up late doing all the things 12-year-olds do. 

Meanwhile, Hannah's mom's gift to Eleanor was taking all the other siblings for a sleepover to keep them out of their hair. What a great gift!

Happy birthday, Eleanor!!! We love you so much!