Back-to-School~2026 🍎

I’d be lying if I said I was excited to write this post.

Back-to-school season is filled with so much excitement. There are new backpacks, fresh school supplies, first-day outfits, and the promise of a brand-new year. I truly love all of that…but if I’m being honest, it also leaves a little empty space in my heart every single year.

In fact, every summer I briefly think, “Maybe I should homeschool.” But then I quickly realize I’d only be doing it because I selfishly want more time with my girls. They are thriving where they are, they genuinely love school, and I know this is exactly where they’re meant to be.

The truth is, I just love being with them.

This year feels especially emotional because it’s Kate’s very first year of school. I can hardly believe that after eight years as a stay-at-home mom, always having at least one little sidekick with me wherever I went, I’ll suddenly have four hours each day to myself.

It’s such a strange feeling. I’m incredibly proud of both of my girls, and I know this new season will be good for all of us. But I’d be lying if I said my heart wasn’t hurting a tremendous amount as we turn the page to this next chapter.

Enough about me…let’s look at the first day of school pictures this year!

Kate’s first day of Pre-K 4!! She is actually wearing the same dress Caroline wore on the first day of Pre-K 4!

And this one…gosh I can’t believe she is in 3rd Grade!! It feels like we were literally just starting Pre-K 4 with her the other day!

I was so thankful Kate was so excited for school! She did soo great! I couldn’t believe just how happy she was to get ready and go to school with her big sister!

Thank God I had a mom friend who hosted a bunch of us other moms for a back-to-school brunch! I don’t know if I would have gotten through the day without them, truly!