Hear that sound? It's the muffled sobs of mothers lamenting the end of summer, followed by squeals of delight as they taste the freedom that comes with fall.
Whether you're happy or sad, there's no escaping it — our kids are heading back to school. Life marches on like that. And my kids are marching while carrying swanky new back packs!
My daughter has packed and unpacked hers a dozen times over the past week. The kid sleeps with her back pack beside her bed. Excited much? As the parent of a child with special needs, this thrills me more than I can say. She enjoys school so much that she can't wait to start Grade Two. How wonderful.
To say that my son is excited is a stretch. He enjoys school, but he enjoys the carefree days of summer more. Can't really blame the guy — we had one heck of a summer; a trip to a cottage in New Brunswick, Summer Camp in Michigan, adventures at a resort up north. As far as summers go, this one was stellar.
My boy is going into grade five, so I pulled out an old album and shared some photos of me in all my bowl cut fifth grade splendor. Seems like only yesterday. Time goes by so quickly, doesn't it? My "baby" is growing into a giant tween with an appetite to match. His "little kid" lunchbox is no longer cutting the mustard. The boy can eat. This school year he'll be PACKING HIS OWN LUNCH *fist pump* in this extra large lunch bag. (Hilroy brand, available at Walmart Canada).
I bought these BPA free containers (Lunch Bloks by Rubbermaid) for snacks, sandwiches, pasta, etc. They come with an ice block to keep food cool on days when I put mayo on his sandwich. Correction...on days when HE puts mayo on his sandwich. He will also be responsible for cleaning out his lunch bag and washing the containers. Man, I love grade five.
There's another large pocket in the front of the bag for more food and a side mesh water bottle holder. This boy won't be starving by 2pm this year.
I donated his old back pack which was still in good shape. But now that he'll be toting more books and a heavier load, we've graduated to a more "back friendly" bag. This large Ergo back pack has a unique padded shoulder strap design — the straps are attached further down the pack — which provides "superior load compression." Basically this means he can walk or bike to school while carrying his pack without straining his little man spine. (Five Star brand, available at Staples Canada).
It also has an external zippered pcket and organizer panel and pockets to protect his iTouch and new cell phone. Yes, cell phone. More about that Bubble Wrap Mom story later...
My kids are ready to take on anything the school year has to offer. The question is, am I? *sob whimper laugh squee snort cry*.... it's a mixture of emotions all up in here.
Happy BTS everyone!
Disclosure: ACCO Brands sent me these back packs and lunch bag for the purpose of this review. Thoughts and opinions are mine and my scholarly children's.
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