Middle School!

 Well, shockingly, we have been in school for almost a month now! Our county went back on July 28th (the earliest we've EVER gone...but I've heard it will be July 27th next year). We do get out mid-May, but it still feels really rude to begin in July.

Yes, James is actually that much taller than Will. He's HUGE. He is right at 5'8" and Will is around 5'2" currently. James grew a TON the summer after 6th grade so Will will catch him in about a year! :) 

Both boys are in MIDDLE SCHOOL this year. James has always really liked the independence that came with middle school, but Will is THRIVING so far. He wants to sign up for ALL THE THINGS (James came home really excited about clubs in 6th grade as well) and his social life has taken flight. He got a phone over the summer and he's constantly making plans with neighborhood friends. Last night at around 7:45 he came in and asked to go ride golf carts with some friends. It's been a fun transition!

Both boys have been on swim team all summer and will roll into school swim in October. Will likes it, but I think is a little intimidated by it. Will is also joining Robotics on Monday and a club called Skills on Tuesday. He's pumped about both.

James is taking an online construction class this year. He has to finish 23 modules by mid-May and he has already finished 6. It sounds like he will need something else to keep him busy after he finishes that!

We've already had back-t0-school germs hit our house. Will and I have both had congestion and a cough and sore throats. James woke up this morning with a fever and a headache. He also has a weirdo skin infection happening. We will see if they're related. Woof!

We've been working on plans for a fun Fall Break trip and James has enjoyed helping plan the itinerary. He completed an itinerary for Pigeon Forge and it was not approved by Granddaddy so he's back to the drawing board with a few other cities to pitch. It's been really fun to watch him research!

My school year kicked off on August 9th and it has been wide open so far. This is my 7th year as director and each year seems to come with brand new challenges! It has kicked my butt so far since the end of July. I'm hoping for smooth sailing from here on out!!!!

Eddie changed positions at his company earlier this year and that has also created a little learning curve for him. He was working from home several days each week, but he hasn't since the beginning of the summer. He's been pretty busy!

Overall, we are doing well! The pre-teen and teenage years have had their share of ups and downs thus far. It's hard to remember to slow down and enjoy them sometimes because it seems like there are so many things crammed in!