Getting Ready For Back-to-School

We're getting things in order for the new school year!

Preschool starts on Wednesday for Will and he is so excited. This year, he will attend on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week and Craig and I will share at least six helper days throughout the school year to be a part of his day.

There are really no school supplies to purchase for Will's preschool except for some tissues and paper towels for the classroom. And a large majority of Will's clothes still fit him, so we only purchased a few new clothing items this school year so far (not including hand-me-downs).

Nonetheless, preparing for a new school year is such an exciting time and really involves getting on a good mental track more than anything. Getting psyched up for any schedule adjustments and getting organized in all areas that will help make the school year a successful one. Granted, preschool is pretty simple and it's only a few days a week, but it's still an adjustment (especially for a four year old) and good practice for future school years.

We're already in good shape with regular bedtime and evening routines... Just going to be limiting those later evenings that happen a little more often in the summer time. And Will has never had a problem with getting up early! Some of the main adjustments for us will just be to stay on top of school activities and demands with the calendar and to get on track with breakfasts and packed lunches on school days. My mom will once again be picking Will up and dropping him off from/at the sitter's on school days so transportation and after school care is thankfully not an issue. But where he typically eats all meals except dinner at the sitter's on weekdays, we will switch to feeding him breakfast and sending a lunch to accommodate the timing of his transportation. No big deal. I just like to start getting myself organized for healthy, simple, meal ideas and to start getting into the habit of that. Ahh, one of my favorite things to do! :) (More posts on this topic coming soon.)

So!

1) Backpack out and ready?

Check!

2) Laundry all washed and clothes picked out for the week?

Check!

3) New lunch box and inspiration to pack it?

Check!

{Oh my goodness. Sooooo much more to come on this subject. It has literally been on the brain for weeks and I've seriously put a ridiculous amount of thought and research into this decision. Thanks, Nichole, for the extra input!}

4) Preparing some foods (including two kinds of muffins for the freezer) and a list of ideas for nutritious (quick!) breakfasts on school mornings?

Check!

5) Practicing our (completely-unpracticed-over-the-summer) handwriting for back-to-school by writing "Good Luck" cards to three of our friends that will be starting their very first day of preschool on Tuesday this week?

Check!

{There is still some practice needed, but this is a drastic improvement from even the end of last school year! He can write any alphabet letter on request now and, for the purpose of sending a card to someone he knows, there is apparently great motivation to practice! You can tell the pink card was the first one he did this night.}

{Popping our good wishes in the mail the next morning and hoping they arrived on time.}

6) Family Fun Time planned for Labor Day weekend including a couple outings, a family movie night and a favorite dinner planned for Tuesday night?

Check!

7) A special, handmade "Good Luck" card of my own for Will and some prepped "lunch box love notes" to let him know I'm thinking of him even when I'm at work?

(Almost) Check!