Pre-K for Jacob

 Jacob went to bed ready to start his new school this morning.

We made a deal that if he wore my pick of "baby clothes" on the first day that he could wear "dude clothes" the rest of the year. This is the end of an era. :(

Drop-Off looked a little different (doesn't everything?) during all the virus precautions, so we arrived to the church playground a few minutes early to snap some pictures since I could not walk him in.

He had no problem happily jumping out of the car and heading into the building with his teacher during carpool.

When I picked up him, he told me he wants to go back every day. I know this is going to be a great year for Jacob!

We also added another component to our school schedule. Maggie and Tuttle started taking the bus to school this morning. It pulls right up to our driveway and saves me 45+ minutes in the car. Tuttle loved the idea. Maggie was disgusted. I was thrilled to have a few minutes to eat breakfast alone before Jacob woke up. :)

Sea Buddies

 Jacob and I attended his Meet the Teacher for his Pre-K class this week. He was very excited to have his turn to start school!

Jacob loved the scavenger hunt around the room to find things like the calendar, book shelf, and most importantly, the treasure box. The lead teacher was unable to be there, but the assistant teacher, Ms. G. was so sweet. We are looking forward to a wonderful year in the Sea Buddies Class!

To celebrate our final day of summer, it only made sense to visit the Georgia Aquarium to see all of Jacob's favorite sea buddies! It was a different experience with the pandemic prevention measures, but it guaranteed a small crowd. Today was the perfect day with my shark loving boy.

After the longest summer break in history, all THREE Thorne kids will be in school starting Monday. All the prayers that it stays that way....

Soccer and School Update

Tuttle was asked by his former soccer coach to play goalie in a tournament this past weekend. He was honored that the team wanted him to help out, so we made the drive back to Brookhaven to defend the goal for Buckhead United. 

It was extremely HOT, the boys were crushed at every game, and Tuttle was injured (He is fine now. Just a sore wrist), but I loved watching my boy back on the field. It was definitely a learning tournament for the team. Although Tuttle is broadening his sports experience with baseball this season, soccer will always be important to our family. 

We have successfully made it to another week of face to face school for Tuttle and Maggie. Two high school have already closed for two weeks due to positive COVID cases, but I am praying and crossing my fingers every day that we do not receive the dreaded phone call. The big kids have made a lot of new friends, love their teachers, and seem to have better attitudes in general. We decided to prioritize their mental health over the fear of catching the virus, and it was the best decision for our family.

Jacob starts Pre-K next Monday! Hallelujah! He desperately needs to meet little buddies and have a change of scenery and toys.

Jay reminded me that Jacob will most likely lose most of our favorite "baby" words he still uses and to document them, so we never forget. The top winners are breastkiss for breakfast and blanna for banana. I melt when he uses his pronouns incorrectly- like "Hims my friend." The last baby traits are fading fast, and I am not ready!

First Day of School 2020

We were packed and ready for the first day of school at Arnold Mill Elementary.

It was an early morning after five months of sleeping in. The 6am wake up call will probably guarantee everyone jumps back into bed tonight without a struggle. Jacob wanted to know why I woke everyone up in the middle of the night for doughnuts. :)

Tuttle and Maggie are looking forward to meeting new friends and finding a sense of normalcy in their lives. I know this is going to be a GREAT year!

School, We Are Coming For You!

After the longest summer vacation in history, the big kids are starting back to school FACE TO FACE on Monday. We are one of the only counties in Georgia that has offered the option to return to the classroom, and for our family, I could not sign up fast enough.

Jacob's Pre-K program is in a different county, so he will be attempting virtual learning. I am not very optimistic that online instruction will work for a group of four year olds, but maybe he will surprise me! :)

Maggie and Tuttle are eager to meet new friends and get a break from all our forced family fun since March. While Tuttle is dreading the early morning wake-ups, they were both impressed with their new school.

I put together some quick "Bowls of Sunshine" this morning to surprise our teachers. I always love am excuse to search Pinterest for a little project.

The school day will look drastically different this year with face masks, distanced seating, and limited movement around the school, but it gives us a glimpse of normalcy, so we will take it!

Third and Fifth Grade, see you on Monday!

End of Summer

The Peace Family hosted a family birthday party as one final celebration for Maggie as well as Aunt Peach and Grandaddy. It is so convenient to live close to family in Roswell now especially when you are running late. :)

We have hit the final week before Tuttle and Maggie start school. Luckily we are in one of the few Georgia counties that is offering face to face instruction. I do not know how long it will last with the risk of another COVID-19 outbreak, but we are optimistic that we can begin to return to a more normal life and schedule.

Jacob's Pre-K program is not in the same school system, so he will be attempting virtual school in a few weeks. I cannot begin to understand how a group of four year olds will successfully learn in front of a computer screen, but maybe I will be surprised...

This has been a LONG summer, but it has been full of lots of memories. We are excited to start a new adventure at a new school!

Eight Is Great

Our Maggie Moo turned EIGHT yesterday! The years are flying by with this Katniss Everdeen loving, brother obsessed, gymnastics star, sassy but sweet girl.

Our typical big parties were toned down this year due to the pandemic, but it turned out perfectly for Maggie. She requested new nail polish from the Dollar Store for makeovers, homemade nachos, baking and decorating cupcakes, Netflix movies, and a sleepover with three close friends. 

I told Maggie they could stay up as late as they wished as long as they stayed in the basement. I really thought a movie in the dark would cause sleep to come quickly after a busy evening dancing, swimming, and laughing. Boy, was I wrong! I checked on them at 2:45am to find a gymnastic meet going on! :) I hope everyone is ready for a nap soon!

2020 has brought on so many changes. A new house, a new gym, a global pandemic, and soon to be a new school. Despite all the uncertainty, we know Maggie will continue to shine and excel in everything she does. Especially if it involves any competition!