First day of school 2014

After a summer of travel (and illness), we had about a week to get over the jetlag before getting ready for a new school year.   It's a big year for us as Regan leaves the comfortable confines of the elementary school where we've spent four happy years.  She spent the first 3/4ths of 5th grade worried about moving to middle school but after the wonderful transition activities the school planned, she decided in May that she was ready.  And I agree - this 11 year old is ready for more independence.  She has had a great start!

Jane had an easy transition to 4th grade as she was fortunate enough to have almost all of her friends in her class.  Anna also had an easy transition to kindergarten as our school has a pre-K year (called KG1 here) so she was just down the hall from where she was last year.

Meredith has had the toughest transition back to school.  She had the same teacher for both kindergarten and first grade so after two years of the same teacher, having a new one has been a big change for her.  Fortunately she has just a lovely teacher who has created a wonderful environment and each day is getting easier and easier.

We feel fortunate to be starting another year at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi!

The three big kids' first day of school.  Regan (middle school!  6th grade!!), Jane (4th grade), Meredith (2nd grade)

What Anna did on her sisters' first day of school (the kindergarteners didn't start for a couple of more days).  Anna and her friend Cora had a fabulous time at the pool during their last two days of summer.

Anna's first day of kindergarten.  Her sisters' third day of school.

My little kindergartener happy with Jane's hand-me-down backpack

Family fun at the bowling alley (too hot to do much outside) to celebrate the end of the first week of school.

Sweaty, happy middle schooler after soccer try-outs in the 106 degree heat!

Some pre-school, end-of-summer pedis

Good-bye summer!