Year of the 5 year old

Well well well, I didn't know we'd be MIA for so long! Sorry about that and I hope to post some pictures a little more regularly. The year of the 5 year old is BIG.  Meaning big changes this year for our boys.  They have a totally new schedule, new school, new friends and new teachers this year. And I must say I am so proud and impressed with how well they have adjusted to it all.  (I think I'm still adjusting, but a bit slower.  But then again, I'm not 5 so I think that's to be expected??)  They are enjoying Kindergarten so much.  Just yesterday Holden's teaching assistant for his class was just gusshing over him (I'm not kidding... gusshing) over how it is so fun to see a student so excited to learn.  He gets excited and gets his classmates excited about learning! She says she has never seen a student with such enthusiasm and she hopes he never loses that. (That really meant something, especially since she is in her late 60s or 70s... so she has seen years and years of students).  She just hugs on him and sends nice notes home, etc.  Branson is a split personality student I'd have to say.  He is so well-mannered, follows the rules, is always a wonderful student, teachers love him - while he is away at school.  But then when he gets home after school.... it goes a little differently some days.  It's like he has been so good for so many hours that by the end of the school day he is just tired and let's it all hang out when he gets home. A little whiney or a little hard-headed/hard of hearing. Sheesh!  I guess I'll take it though, I'd rather him be good all the time but if I have to send him out into the world I choose for him to do well out there than at home.  He's just my parenting challenge child somedays and other days he is as sweet and loving and helpful as can be.  I mean "hello" he's five.  Afterall, it IS HARD being five!