School Days are Here Again

Summer seemed to pass by in a flash. After Hunter’s wedding was over, July and August unfolded in a much more low key but fun fashion. We visited the Jenkins in Charlottesville, Nene and Pops came for a visit, and the boys enjoyed their summer camps and weekend pool visits. Sara ended up being a wonderful substitute nanny for us while Annie was out on her maternity leave with baby Millie, for which we were very thankful. 

But just as summer seemed to arrive out of nowhere, fall too snuck up on us. Annie came back to work and the boys were so excited to see her again. They were surprisingly tender and sweet with Millie, entertained and interested by everything she did. A week later, school started up! This year, both Powell brothers got to embark on their own scholarly adventure! 

Carter started in the Blue Room at St. Stephen’s with Ms. Lis, and Ms. Aimee on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am so excited for him to have friends of his own and special teachers to learn from. Though he’s had some hesitancy at drop off, he seems to be adjusting really well. We joke that he has a crush on his young, attractive teacher Ms. Lis. He gets a dreamy look in his eyes when he talks about her. Annie told us Ms. Lis bent down to hug Carter goodbye one of the first few days of school and Carter seized the moment by going in for a kiss on the lips! Very smooth move, Carter-bean.

Brooks continued at Westminster but this year joined the Awesome Owls pre-K class, 5 days a week with Ms. Messick and Ms. Lalor. He’s got 17 kids in his class and many of them were Piglets with him last year. So far, he seems to love everything. They are learning a different letter of the alphabet and what sound it makes each week and starting to practice writing their names. Lots of new and exciting skills! He even stays for lunch bunch 2 days a week and carpools home with Ms. Hadley, Emmy, and Chase. 

We’re so grateful for the various people in our children’s lives - Annie, the teachers, the classmates, the other parents - who have helped enrich their days and challenge their brains. As a nerdy lover of all things school, September has always been one of my favorite times of the year. A new season of promise! It’s so fun to watch them learn and grow, and I’m proud of my two little students for transitioning so well to this next chapter of toddler-hood.