Back to (home) school II

Our back to school night was a lot of fun. Good food, cute kids and cookies. What could be better?

On our back to school day we start by taking pictures. Someone mentioned in the comments from yesterday that they can't always afford new clothes. I don't always buy new clothes either. For one, I buy clothes when they go on sale. For two, we're just here. So no big deal.

This year, however, we did have some new clothes for everyone. The girls get super excited about new clothes. It's like Christmas to them. I mean seriously. The only thing they more excited about is chocolate candy.

I take a picture of each of them in front of our old pine tree, and then one of them together. Now, a little known secret. We have a HUGE yard and Jeff usually only mows part of it. This does not bother me, as I would rather have more time with him than a spectacular yard. HOWEVER, the only time I care AT ALL is when I take back to school photos in front of the pine tree and it didn't get mowed...so we have to move. Yes, I'm all about doing it exactly the way we've always done it. I had to take my pictures in front of the Bradford Pear that's still a baby. Not the same.

I got some awesome photos that I will share tomorrow. Asa decided he only wanted to be in the picture when I didn't want him there...so I didn't get any of him alone.

Then we all come inside and they get their school supplies. I usually just buy whatever is on sale in the weeks leading up to our first day back. Plus whatever I know they need/want. They had a BALL with them. I got a ton of stuff this year. They spent well over an hour looking and coloring and cutting and having fun with it all.

Next, we do a questionnaire. (Yes, I really dig those.) The first page is a handwriting page. It has name, address, phone number, and favorite subject on it. We like to compare it to previous years to see how they have improved.

The second one asks questions about school like your favorite and least favorite subject, your favorite thing about homeschooling, best friend, what you want to be when you grow up and similar questions. Everyone always enjoys this because, hey, who doesn't want to talk about themself.

Lastly, we went over their goals from last school year and their new goals for this school year. We decided that Kati and Kori are both old enough to help choose goals so they got decide things like how many book reports to do and what to learn about in science.

Then we started a new tradition. We went out to eat with Dad. The girls all voted (with Asa chiming in with his copy cat ways) to go to Golden Corral. Which is great for me because all I want lately is salad. Not so great after the fact. Jeff and I have gotten sick both times we've eaten there (Kati picked there for lunch on her birthday).

So that's it. Don't forget to use Mr. Linky if you want to blog about your traditions or just leave a comment. You don't have to homeschool to contribute.

I look forward to reading your traditions so I can add more to mine.