Let’s Talk School Days

Today I’m joining Erika & Andrea for the Let’s Talk series and today the topic is school days.  
The summer has flown by and in a short 4 weeks  my kids will be headed back to school. Both will be heading to a new school this year; Carly intermediate and Dillon high school.  Last August I took a walk down memory lane with quite a few first day of school pictures which is really the only back to school tradition we have!  I have mixed feelings this year as I know how short the next four years will be and I will be sending yet another baby out into the world.  
So instead of me getting sentimental and risking an anxiety attack, let’s focus instead on what I will be doing to get these two ready to start back to school shall we?  

Backpacks

PB Kids or PB Teen has been my go to for Carly’s backpacks for several years.  I have found they hold up so well and I am really going to try and have her make it this year without ordering a new one.  The fact they will monogram before sending is an added bonus.  I’m seriously loving this print but envisioning Carly Jo rolling her eyes at the sight!  Today is the last day to use the code GET20 today for 20% off!  
Boys are so much easier!  Dillon could care less what his backpack looks like and it has been a nice treat to have Riley give him all his TCU hand me down gear.  I did notice his backpack is full of last years supplies and I should probably assist with that cleanout soon.  

Ordering early is the key as they also have the matching lunch box but they will sell out quickly. They are also sturdy and aside from being a little dirty on the outside, Carly’s made it the entire year. I typically pick up a set of these utensils as well to keep my girl from grabbing my good spoons.  
I really wish my kids were cafeteria eaters and Dillon did branch out this past year but typically they take their lunch.  Even though both of them have packed their own lunches probably since 1st grade, making sure to have lots of choices available for them to grab easily is something I have to consciously stay on top of.  Last year I wrote What’s in Your Lunchbox with tips on how I organize the items for them to choose from to make our mornings a little smoother.  

Shoes

My kids are fairly active and especially once they pass elementary I think finding a good pair of shoes to start the year is important.  I typically try to buy at least a 1/2 size larger than they need to try and make it to Christmas but my kids are super hard on their shoes!   Enter the #Nsale and the chance to grab some higher quality sneakers at a little discount.  Carly is wearing a size 6 but thankfully I can still snag them in the kids sections so I ordered the Asics above.  
My boys are so plain!  Dillon has been skirting by the past 6 months shopping the 21 pairs of shoes Riley left in his closet when he headed to spring training.  I decided to grab this pair of Nike’s to give him a great start to the year while they were on mark down.  Dillon’s favorite pair of shoes right now are the black converse high tops his Aunt Amy recently grabbed for him.  

Clothes

It’s August in Texas which means it is still hot, hot, hot.  This will be the first year Carly has a stricter dress code and to say that is my biggest stressor is no joke.  Everything must measure no shorter than 3 inches above the knee and for a mom who has survived buying matching outfits from Justice, this is quite distressing!  It is the one time I really, really wish she was required to wear a uniform.    
These bermuda shorts from Justice I’m hoping will be long enough to pass.  They come in tons of colors and are cheap.  Plus they are super soft and my girl is just a tad picky.  Knowing the PE classes will be just a tad more active this year and she will be working out in whatever she wears to school has me thinking these will be a good option.  
I will also be picking up another pair of these cropped jeans with the soft waistband.  

School Supplies

The most dreaded part of back to school for me!  I cannot even tell you how much I dislike shopping for school supplies and I am going to try and knock that out this week while the kids are at camp. Thankfully elementary is behind me so I do think it will be a little simpler this year.  The hardest part with the oldest is actually getting him to take the supplies to the teachers who request them!!  I seriously found like 10 glue sticks in his backpack at the end of 7th grade!!  
So what are you guys doing to start the prep process for Back to School?  
Katy and I would love for you to stop by tomorrow and link up with us as we share our Favorite Summer Indulgence as part of the Spiel the Beans with the Queens linkup.  
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