Happy Wednesday! I know that we usually share a photo post on Wednesdays here at Mommy's Block Party, but today is the first day of school for my kiddos for the 2025-2026 school year, and it seems fitting to share a few words.

I can't believe it's already August. Actually, we're almost one full week into August. What in the world? It feels like summer break just began. While we did take a trip or two over the summer, our break was pretty low-key. The kids slept late most days, we got knocked completely off our normal schedules, and routines flew right out the window. Sweet summertime.

Today marks the first day back to school for my older kiddos. We have been heading back to school earlier and earlier each new school year, but you know... I won't complain too much about that. I am certainly a creature of habit, and while I enjoyed some lazy days this summer, I am ready to be back to what has become our norm for the school year.

B started high school today! I know! The little guy who helped me launch MBP in 2011 is a freshman in high school. I have been crying invisible tears for weeks, realizing more and more that my baby boy is a young man, and is growing up faster than my mama heart can handle.

Earlier mornings for all! HS starts half an hour earlier than ES/MS, so we're up thirty minutes earlier, and also out the door 30 minutes earlier. I'm not used to everyone in my house being up and moving around at 6 am. I guess I'll set my alarm for 5 am instead of 5:30 from now on. Mom has to have her quiet time in the mornings!

Reverse pick up. Switching which side of the building we pick up on. This really only affects the grown ups, but it'll take some getting use to.

Less homework?

We'll see. Here's hoping!

More opportunities for S.

S is finally old enough (4th grade this year) to start participating in extracurricular activities at school. She is auditioning for the school musical this fall!

For now, Baby C will still stay home with me during the day most days. It's easy for me to homeschool her while I work from home. She'll have a leg up once she's old enough for us to enroll her in the private school we want her to be in for preschool. Her late birthday prevents her from being old enough to enroll for this school year. 

Back to early dinners, baths, and storytime... and early to bed, too. No complaints there.

I can't wait to hear how their first day of school went. I am counting down the hours until I leave to pick them up.