Going back to school this year will include a lot of unknowns. There is no question that things will be different with new protocols and procedures in place to keep the staff and kids safe during a pandemic. As with everyone, our kids are experiencing a little anxiety. To ease the first day jitters, we have always planned a festive Back to School Breakfast and this year it is even more important to continue the tradition.
DONUT worry you’ll have a sweet year! Donuts are a favorite around here, so this year’s theme centered around the apple donut idea. Keep reading to check out all the details of this breakfast including FREE printables to add to your Back to School breakfast too.
Ready or not, the first day of school is here during this new normal. Ever since the day the kids started virtual learning, we have been debating what the return of school will look like. These thoughts have been running though our minds all summer. Our teachers have been working hard planning and executing many changes for the new school year. We definitely appreciate the extra effort and many hours dedicated to helping keep us all stay safe and have a great year.
At the beginning of each school year, we give a gift to each one of our teachers. Our teachers are superstars and they deserve so much more. In previous years, most of the back to school teacher survival kits have included items for the classroom and a few special extras just for the teacher. This year we add some different but necessary options. Read on to learn more and get the free printable to use with your gift.
Deep breath in and deep breath out….this is what I have been focusing on these last few weeks as we start the process of back to school. There are so many questions and anxiety around our kids going back to school. Most schools are offering various options from virtual and in-person learning to a hybrid of them both. Plus there is also the option to homeschool your kids too. As parents we feel a lot of pressure to make the RIGHT decision for our kids but you know what? There is NO right answer and NO bad choice.
As a family on numerous occasions, we discussed with our boys what going back to school will look like. You know as well as I do that it is a lot of information to take in and process as a child. My heart hurts that we live in a day when this is what normal looks like. Sad that a piece of their childhood is forever affected by this virus. I want the boys to understand the gravity of the situation without fear, however, it is a fine line to walk. I can’t begin to count how many times we went back and forth on what to do with the kids and back to school. Obviously, I don’t want them or anyone around them to get sick but I also worry about the emotional impact that this will have on our kids.
Preparing For The First Day
As in previous years, our family has back to school traditions that ease the first day jitters. This is now more important than ever with everything going on in the world. In the weeks before school starts, we shop for new school clothes and the first day of school outfit. This year we ordered new clothes online. Let’s be honest, my boys don’t like to shop so they prefer online anyway.
First Day of School Signs
One of our must do’s on the first day of school is to get a photo of each of the boys holding a sign displaying their new grade. It is so fun to compare the last day with the first side by side. I don’t need to tell you this but kids grow so fast.
Here are two FREE signs to download and print for your first day. Pro tip: We cut foam board and glue/tape it to the back of the sign.
About 5 years ago when my oldest was entering Kindergarten, we started a tradition of a fun themed breakfast for the first day of school. We serve owl pancakes or pencil waffles with some of their favorite breakfast treats. Each of the boys also gets a new school-themed book and a few little presents like a watch, stylus, cute erasers, locker magnets, and more. Check out this post for some inspiration at Back To School Breakfast With Target Dollar Spot.
Back To School Traditions
Start creating your own traditions too like packing a special lunch, conducting an interview, or having their favorite after school treat. Find 12 Back to School Traditions That Your Kids Will Love to start creating more memories with your family.
Let’s remember that we are all in this together and support each other. We will be praying for all of you and hope everyone has a great school year.
The Peach Truck came to town yesterday delivering sweet Georgia Peaches and we were there for it. You will never taste a sweeter peach than these. My boys actually eat them like candy! This year I plan to share the goodness with friends again and learn to can or freeze them. My mouth is watering for Peach Cobbler and Peach Jam.
Count me in for any chance to spread some happiness with a giftie. I decided to put together a themed gift baskets with all things peach. After a quick Target curbside order and grocery visit, I ended up with several items. I included a peach colored tumbler, peach scented candle, peach gum, peach green tea drink packets, peach rings, peach sparkling water, dried peaches, peach pie Oliver wine, and of course fresh peaches from the Peach Truck.
Spoil that special dad in your life this Father’s Day. Whether it’s your dad, your husband, grandfather, or any other man in your life, we rounded up some gift ideas sure to please them all. Let’s be real, the men in your life are notoriously hard to buy for because they get whatever they need when they need it. Check out these 25 unique gift ideas with some local options for that last-minute purchase.
This summer may look a little different but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun. Yes, I won’t deny that canceled vacations are a bummer. Most people have a hard no on flying right now due to the pandemic. However, there are still plenty of things to do and places to visit that are just a short drive away.
Thinking about starting a garden? This year with the current pandemic and summer activities canceled, we decided it was the best time to start a garden. Plus all the empty shelves at the grocery stores have most of us thinking about alternate ways to get or grow our own food. Gardening can also be a great learning experience for the entire family.
Who’s ready for a fiesta? When Taco Tuesday falls on the same day as Cinco de Mayo, you have to celebrate! As a family, we always like to celebrate life to the fullest, but sometimes our busy lives get in the way. The current pandemic actually cleared our schedule and allowed for us to have the time to celebrate this year.
With our love of tacos, we have always wanted to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Although, I must admit that it was a little challenging to gather all the supplies. We decided last minute to have a celebration and due to COVID19 most of the stores were closed except for curbside service. With all the bright accents, tons of cactus, and a taco bar, we hope you find lots of inspiration for your next party.
Calling all Star Wars fans! Do you celebrate Stars Day with your kids? We are huge Disney fans and recently started watching all the current Star Wars movies in order. It was actually the perfect time to binge-watch each one since we were on shelter in place orders due to the COVID19 pandemic. It seems like May the 4th Star Wars Day is celebrated more and more each year. We had dressed up in Star Wars gear and posed for photos in the past but nothing too elaborate. Given the fact that we are living in a challenging time with the current pandemic, I decided that we needed more JOY in our lives. So we went for it!
There are tons and tons of crafts and activities that you can find on Pinterest or through organizations. We actually followed along with the planned activities from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis like Yoda Yoga and creating your own critter from another galaxy.
