Back to School Pictures

School starts next week. I must say, I am ready for it. I enjoy the summer and the freedom of doing whatever, but there is something lovely about routine, and the kids absolutely adore school. They are so excited for it, and that makes me happy. 

I will be back to just having Henry around with me during the day. It will be a big change after having all the kids around all summer long. I think Henry will wonder what is going on. It is going to be so quiet, but I have never been one to mind a little peace and quiet. I am ready to turn on my Nat King Cole station and start inviting in the beauties of Autumn. I saw some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies the other day, and without hesitation, I threw them in my shopping cart. They tasted like Heaven. Mmmmmm.... yummy! 

We have been back to school shopping, and the store was full of Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. I know it is kind of pushing it, and it seems that they pull the seasonal things out earlier each year -- but this year, I am ready for it. I love the coolness of an Autumn breeze, and the glorious colors and smells that Idaho produces. I have this thing for pumpkins, they just make me so happy. I just think they are so cute and fun! 

This year Sammi has early morning seminary, so we will be facing the world at the crack of dawn. I am looking forward to it. I am not generally a morning person, but I know with practice I can become one. (If we can get to bed early enough!) I do love to drive my kids to school in the morning, especially when we get to enjoy the sunrise together. We listen to scriptures in the car on the way to the junior high, to start our day out on the right foot. 

Life is really just flying by now. I can't even wrap my brain around it. My Sammi is a 9th grader, which means she has 4 years left with me -- only 4 years! That will go by in a flash, and then it will just be the boys. Before I know it, I will be a grandma. I am kind of freaking out about how little control I have over making time slow down. 

Since seminary starts on the first day of school, I thought I would take some pictures today... 

William is going into Third grade, he is so excited!  He will be the only van Ormer in elementary school this year. He loves school, and he really loves his friends. He is growing so fast, I can't even believe it. I sure love William, he keeps us all giggling with his great sense of humor. 

Daniel is going to be with Sammi at the middle school. He is a 7th grader. How did that happen? Daniel is going to be participating in band and choir this year. It should be pretty entertaining with all the music concerts between him and Sammi. He is planning on switching back to playing the trumpet, last year he played the baritone. I want him to learn how to play my favorite song, La Vie en Rose, so he can play like Louis Armstrong. We are not sure if he will be doing any sports, I think he wants to do Basketball, so we will see when it comes time. Daniel loves school, and he especially loves math and music. 

Daniel is my tough boy. He can pick me up with ease. This boy has been repeatedly given blessing that he will have "broad shoulders" so he can bear the burdens placed upon his back. He is such a cool kid. I sure love him!

Sammi is in 9th grade. She continues to think school is the best. She loves school, not just for good friends, but she actually loves the teachers and homework! Crazy? She is going to be pretty busy this year since she is technically in high school. It is time to make it happen before college. She is participating in honor society, student council, and the Jazz performance choir. I do not like to over-schedule my kiddos, so we will see about any sports for her this year. If she has a choice, she will always choose music.

She is still, and always will be, our Sammi Sunshine! I love my Sammi!

Hooray for school! :)