Back to School Traditions, Part 1

My bloggy friend Michelle wrote a great post talking about back-to-school traditions. Since Snapper is starting school tomorrow, I thought I'd use Michelle's post as a jumping off point for a post of my own. I don't remember any back-to-school traditions when I was a kid. That's primarily because I was homeschooled. I was always excited to start school, but there was never any meeting a new teacher, wondering who was in my class, or shopping for supplies and clothes. So I'm a total newbie when it comes to back-to-school traditions. But if you've been following my blog for a while, you know that I'm a sucker for traditions, and look for every way possible to infuse my children's lives with tradition. I believe it helps ground them, gives them security, and strengthens our family's identity.

The first tradition I've started is taking pictures of Snapper within the week before she starts a new grade. We're now on our fourth year of these pre-school pictures, and it is really fun to look at the pictures to see how she has grown and changed each year. I also get a list of her favorite things.

Here are the pictures from the last 4 years!

Second Grade, August 2009



First Grade, August 2008



Kindergarten, August 2007



Pre-K, August 2006




Tomorrow Snapper will start 2nd grade at a new school and Pepper will begin his first year of preschool! I have to get pre-school pictures of Pepper today. He has been so contrary and grumpy recently! I tried to take his pictures yesterday when I did Snapper's, but he would have none of it. Mr. Grumpy Gills! Today I may just have to bribe him with ice cream...

The first day of school has its traditions, too. But I will hold off and save that for tomorrow. I'm always on the hunt for fun ideas I can implement with my family. Please leave me a comment and tell me your favorite back-to-school tradition, whether from your childhood, or something you do with your kids.