My kids are finally back to school! For those of you who didn’t know, the BC Teachers were on strike so our usual two-month summer break was extended to 13 weeks of desperate uncertainty. We had some good times: beach days, summer camp, family vacation. But once the middle of August hit and there was no end in sight to the summer, it all kind of HIT THE FAN.

See, my job is demanding and unpredictable, so finding last-minute childcare for all three girls was a relentless challenge. They were also bored out of their skulls and when they are bored, it turns into fighting, which makes me frustrated and yelly and exhausted. We were all so hungry for some routine again, and last week, after what felt like an eternity, the kids finally went back to school and I AM SO HAPPY!

(So are the kids. They were beyond ready and excited to return, too.)

(Walking to the bus stop.)

All of the back-to-school hustle can be more than a little jarring, but it’s been a welcome change. Our children’s school offered the option to purchase school supplies online through Staples this year and that was amazing. With the click of a button, everything they needed was ordered and delivered to their classroom and I didn’t have to spend three hours at a big store while my girls hem and haw over which pencil case they should choose. It was also cheaper, too. Yay, Staples!

We also got their backpacks and lunch boxes there this year and the kids love them.

I bought some LunchBot stainless steel containers to fit in their lunch boxes and I am well on my way to being a better hippie.

Oh, and I took the plunge and purchased a fitness tracker as well and with all this routine, it’s been nice to refocus on some health-oriented goals and track my activity. Yay for routine!

So, to sum up: the kids are back at school, I bought some stuff to make the transition good for us all, and life is rolling along merrily.

I LOVE SCHOOL.