1st day of school 2009 was a success! Outfits looked awesome, friendships were renewed, Tori didn't get lost in her new Middle School, for the most part we had all the right supplies purchased, and we made it to school on time.

Tori started 6th grade, her school is right on our block, so she can walk out the door and be to school in like 3 minutes, all on her own too. Woo hoo! She made it through her first day, getting to all the right places at the right time, managing to unlock her locker each time she needed to. She got placed in French class, we were hoping for Spanish, but are also just really excited that she has the opportunity to begin learning a 2nd language. 5th grade was a stressful time of applications, interviews, auditions, and waiting. But we prayed hard through all of that and Tori is so happy to be in the school she is in! We are so thankful she is there too. An added plus: they have open lunch, so Tori came to Postmark yesterday for lunch with about 7 of her friends, it was fun seeing her midday! Today, though I think she plans to try out a different restaurant in the neighborhood.

Ali is now top dog at her school, 5th grade. She is excited about it, and I guess we are pros now at the whole middle school application/interview process, we have that to look forward to again. Yikes! Ali has the same teacher Tori had last year, Tori loved her and Ali is excited about having her, but already this morning said she hopes she didn't have to hear "Tori this" and "Tori that" all day again today. Ahh, the joys of being the 2nd child. A friend of Ali's from Kindergarten and 1st grade returned to her school this year, she was excited about that, especially since her closest friend from the last 2 years moved to Texas over the summer. Yea 5th grade!

Well, like it or not, here goes another school year. We love how the schools afford us even one more opportunity to be a part of community! There's just something about urban life that lends itself to relationships. So, here we go -- another year of relationships and opportunity!