Yep,

it's Exhaustion Week for teachers and students, as we reenter the kennel as Pavlov's dogs -- eating and pottying only when the bell tone signals.  We, teacher types, well, we're training the new pups in our classes to set a productive, positive tone and pattern for the rest of the year, and this phase is THE week of leavin' it all on the field.  Rest is for the weak.  Okay, not really.  My brain and voice and legs are totally weak right now, and I am plenty hungry for rest.  My own pups, at home, are thrilled with the new start in their classes and with their teachers, but are plenty tired, also.  After a weekend of rest, we'll be ready to settle into the newly established routine and to have the spring back in our steps.  Maybe we'll even look a bit more like these four young ones did at the start of this four-day saga  .  .  .

Lord, bless her teacher.  This child has been about ready to come out of her skin 

due to excitement for the new year  .  .  .  since three weeks ago!

He'd rather spend all day with his brother, but school has become a

wonderful place for this young man who has overcome previous gaps 

in learning at an incredible pace!

So, he doesn't yet fight me about taking this annual photo, 

but he does find his silly brother (behind me) rather funny.

And who's this confident, young lady?  

How kids grow mentally, emotionally  .  .  .  

is remarkable!