school. our big step!



"Sissy! PLEASE take your backpack!"



I think everyone has a vision of what the first day of school will look like. I've watched my friends and family post beautiful, smiling photos of their children standing of their porches, with shiny hair, new school shoes and darling backpacks. But I'm no dummy. I knew that even getting my kids in the same photo would be a feat.

I struggled to make it happen, and cursed a bit under my breath, and then I remember this post, which I, thankfully, just read last week. We're NOT the typical family. Our hair may shine, but it's still often uncombed. Our shoes might be new, but they will also be big, red, glitter-covered boots. We might have the cutest backpacks ever, complete with homemade tags by Mama, but they aren't going on anyone's backs....

So, our photo of the first day of school is Oliver, wearing his backpack, smiling, and trying desperately to get his sister to take her bag. Violet, would not allow me to touch her hair nor would she wear her (LITTLE BEAR!!!!) backpack, and insisting on taking the full menagerie of animals with her. How could I possibly pretend it was anything but us?

I got Violet's bag, mama!

And what a huge relief that felt like- to let go of those expectations.

And, really, the rest of the day went beautifully!!

sometimes it's good to have a horse to ride to school!



 because, really the boots ARE fabulous!

we're here!





cousins!!!