Back to School Surprises

Last night, Tim got home from preseason camp a little earlier than usual, so we were all able to sit down to dinner together, talk to the boys about the upcoming school year, & give them a few surprises.  I included a fun new dish with dinner (loaded baked potato salad) & it was nice to have the 6 of us at the table just eating & chatting like normal.

After eating, we mentioned what a big year this will be, with each of the boys making a big transition. Then, one by one, we talked to each child about their big step, followed by a little basket of surprises...

We started with Timothy, who is headed to high school. We told him how proud we are of him, what a great role model he's been for his younger siblings, & how the next 4 years will probably whiz by. We told him what an academic challenge they will be, but that we know he'll do great; & these years will give him great times with friends, provide the opportunity to be part of great organizations, & help him discover what he wants to do in life & his career after high school. We advised him to really enjoy every moment.

Then we gave him his basket w/a few goodies - Baker HS car magnet & shirt & socks (the kind he likes) & a new stylus for his devices. He was his usual excited self...lol.

Next was Taylor, who is headed to middle school. We told him we are proud of the student & friend he has been throughout elementary school - making good grades, joining sports & clubs, & being the ultimate social butterfly. We described the big step up to middle school; focusing on how independent & responsible you have to be as you tackle 6 classes, navigate the building on your own, & learn what friends & activities you want to be associated with. We reminded him of the great role model he's had in his big brother & how we expect him to be the same for his younger siblings. We want him to be more responsible while enjoying these new life experiences.

Then we gave him his basket w/ a few goodies - Causey MS shirt, "Certified Awesome" shirt, Bama notebook (he's always filling notebooks w/ games, ideas, stories, rankings, etc), & a new stylus for his device. He was genuinely excited, & also got emotional while we were talking to him.

Finally there was Tanner, who is headed to kindergarten. We explained how exciting it is to go to "big school" & how different (& more important) it is from preschool. We told him about some of the great things he'll get to experience in elementary school, like the lunchroom, P.E., computer lab, & library. He'll learn to read, add & subtract, take tests, & make lots of new friends. This year will be full of fun new things that he'll never forget.

Then we gave him his basket w/ a few goodies - a TMNT sandwich holder & snack container (they match his new backpack & lunchbox), a book about 2 friends starting school, & a super cool minions shirt {complete with cape). He was absolutely thrilled & could hardly contain his excitement!

Well, we couldn't leave out our baby girl. We told Kallie we're proud of all the milestones she's hitting & love the sweet new things she's been doing. We're excited to continue watching her grow, learn, & try new things! We let her unwrap a new book; it's one of those touch & feel books that she likes.

We ended our little family time with a few more words from Daddy & held hands as he prayed for our children as they head back to school on Monday. He prayed for a safe, productive, challenging, fun school year for each of them.