Starting the school year!

Lizzie started 5th grade.  She felt nervous because she struggles with Spanish so much, but after the first day she reported that she really likes all her teachers. Liz asked if she could do both choir and band which was exciting for me because originally she didn't want to do band.  At first she planned to play the flute, but after her first class she switched to the trombone (she's playing Drew's from high school).  Other extracurriculars this year: piano, soccer (Drew's coaching again), and girl scouts (I'm co-leading again). 

Alaina started preschool this year (Tuesdays and Thursdays).  After two years of doing in-home "mom" school I was excited to have her go to an official school.  She's been in two weeks now and loves it.  Other extracurriculars for her this year: soccer and dance (her favorite).

Ellie also started preschool this year, same place, same days as Lainey.  She's supposed to be toilet trained and isn't yet, but the teacher has been nice about it (despite multiple accidents the first few days of class).  She also loves school and I'm hoping it helps with the training.  Ellie's extracurricular: dance class with Lainey.

Each preschooler was given a bag to decorate and use at school. 
 Lainey's class decorated theirs in class, Ellie did hers at home.

The night before school we had a fancy, candle-lit celebratory dinner with the kids.  They picked the menu: tilapia, rice, and grapes.  The girls especially liked using goblets for their punch.

At back to school night Lizzie's band teacher thanked us for letting her play the trombone.  Apparently she has 20 flutists and only 3 trombone players (one of which is Lizzie's same-sized friend).  Liz is small and she can't fully extend the trombone because her arm is too short (which I think is kind of funny), but the teacher is unconcerned (probably because she was so excited to have something other than another flute player).   

Last Sunday Drew gave Liz a quick trombone lesson.  All the girls took a turn actually.