New School

     Two weeks ago the girls switched to a school in town called Pierce.  We had just decided to buy the Whitmer's house (located in the Pierce district) and it was the start of a new trimester so we decided it was the perfect time to change schools.  The girls were a little nervous but also a little excited.  Friday night, when they were tired, they cried about leaving their friends, teachers, librarian, and everything they loved about Inyokern School.
     Luckily, all 3 of them LOVE their new teachers and new classes.  They are making friends and they are learning to enjoy the positive aspects of attending a larger school.  There were some neat things about the smaller school that we really liked, but now we get to experience the fun things about a big school.  For example, yesterday was Jr. Olympics.  The school went all out!  Each class chose a country to represent.  They spent time learning about their country and making flags.  They were asked to wear their countries' colors on the day of the olympics and they had a parade of countries.  After the parade each class did a cheer for their country and then there was a tug o' war.  Since there are 2 classes for each grade, each class went against another class of it's own age.  The kids had so much fun and I think they are really going to love this tradition.
     Another new thing about Pierce is that the kids can wear school uniforms.  They aren't required to wear them, but if they do, they can earn rewards.  Natalee wasn't excited about it and since she only has 1 trimester left in the school, I didn't feel terribly inclined to buy her a new school wardrobe.  She also said after the first day of school, that only one kid in her class had worn a uniform and it was a boy.  Haylee doesn't seem to care one way or the other.  Mackenzie is insistent on wearing the uniform.  It consists of either navy or khaki bottoms (shorts, pants, skirt, skort, or jumper) and any solid-colored polo shirt.
     A few days ago, Mackenzie climbed into the car after school and she was so excited to tell me some news.  I forget their names but it went something like this:  "Mom!!!!  Today I was wearing the same pants as Susie and the same shirt as Laura!!!  And yesterday I had the same pants as Betty!"...followed by a big giggle.  She is going to have a great year if she loves wearing the same clothes as her classmates and she keeps wearing her uniform!