First day of School 2017

This 2017-2018 school year is another year of change for the kids because we moved houses and, of course, because....

Katya started high school!

She is one of the young 9th graders this year as she turned 14 in July. This is also her first year of going to seminary which starts at 6 am in our area. Seminary is a daily scripture study program for youth ages 14-18 through our church. It's wonderful for the boys and girls to get together (even at this crazy hour) and to start their day with a spiritual uplift. There are about 23 kids in Katya's class, and that's just kids who are in 9th grade. We have a TON of youth in our area. 

Although school starts at 7:20, Katya has to get up by 5-5:15 to be ready to leave at 5:45. We are fortunate because we are able to carpool with our neighbors and get to sleep a little longer some weeks when Katya gets ready on her own.  It's quite challenging to even eat breakfast for her at such an early hour let alone decide what to pack for lunch (and she likes to pack things like hot pasta in a thermos), hates sandwiches or anything that your normal teenagers enjoy.

Alex started 7th grade this year! At a different middle school than last year. 

Alex met a lot of kids in our church ward that go to the same school as him. That should make his transition to the new school easier. He is also very excited because this new school has a very greatly supported music program! He is going to be a band percussionist and try out for the school musical. He takes a bus to school and back. 

Mark started 3rd grade! He had to switch schools as well and is very excited because his friend who lives across the street ended up being in the same class as him. He is also very excited because he gets to be taken out from his class to go to the 4th grade Math. It's huge for him as he is finally not bored during math! The only sad part is that he misses recess with his own class and has to hang out with the 4th graders because of the schedule. He also takes the bus that has an extremely short route (which is fantastic!)--basically just two stops at our neighborhood of 87 houses and two more stops at  random houses on the way to school. 

Because Katya leaves so early and then Alex leaves around 7:10 to catch his bus, Mark and I get to spend a lot of time in the morning getting some stuff done. He doesn't have to leave till 8:30! 

Mark's second year of riding American school buses (still very exciting for him:)). 

And here is the after school picture. Everyone survived and had a great day!

Lyana.