Back to School Times Two

It's October so naturally I'm writing about back to school! This school year because of our move the majority of our girls have had two first days, one of them just last week. The first day of school after summer break is exciting. You get to see your friends and show off your cool new school clothes, you've got some sweet school supplies; there may be some nerves but for our kids it's mostly been a happy time each year. The first day of school after a move is less exciting and more nerve racking than anything else. 

Natalie is a fourth grader this year and it's kind of crazy to think that we're almost done with the elementary school years in our family! Natalie's favorite subject is math and she basically loves going to school. She's not the most organized student in the world and she definitely needs more handholding to stay on task with her homework, but Nat's a smarty pants who loves to learn. In her new school here she is in Mrs. McCann's class but she rotates through a team of teachers each day and even has a locker.  She's been making friends here but still misses the friends she left behind.

It's middle school for Samantha this year and she's the only Moran in her school which doesn't often happen for our girls. She loves reading, excels at math, and is a creative soul who would take every music, art, and drama class the school offers if there was room in her schedule. Opening her locker was a breeze and she made the transition from elementary to middle school without a single bump along the way. Samantha's new school is on a different base from the other girls' schools so she's lucky enough to ride a bus to and from each day.

Abigail is a freshman and she is killing high school so far! In Maryland she was part of a special performing arts academy at the school. They don't have the same option here so she's had to change up her classes a little, dropping Chorus and adding German I.  Jumping into a language class almost a full quarter into the school year is a challenge but she's going well. Luckily she's had a little exposure to the language in the past! Abigail's been running cross country this year and has gotten a little better each week. After three days at school here she had her first meet and got a PR!

Emily is a junior this year and is as much of a perfectionist as ever. She works hard in her classes, at her sports, and at being a good friend. Saying goodbye to her friends and teammates in Maryland was especially tough on her. Like Abigail, Emily had to make some changes to her schedule when we moved. After a couple of days in one of her new classes we changed it again but I think she's set now. We're excited that she has been able to add band and the bass clarinet back to her life in our new school but she's a little rusty after almost 18 months of not playing. Emily is still loves to play volleyball and had a great start to the season at Chopticon and will finish up here at Lakenheath High.

Madison seems to be loving college life! She's doing well in her classes, likes her roommates, is working hard at her job, and even has a calling in her student ward. We miss having her with us but are so happy to see how well she's doing on her own. As a parent I've worried that maybe we've not done enough or taught her all she needs to know, and while our job's not done yet, it's gratifying to see that Madison is thriving out in the world. We're looking forward to seeing her in December; six months is a long time to be apart!
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