Tanner started preschool

 It was finally Tanner's day! He couldn't wait to go to school this fall. He had a great first day (and second day as I write this). We had some last-minute changes to his school, which worked out in the end.

Ashton went to a preschool at a church that was recommended to us by a mom in the ward. We moved the summer prior to Ashton doing preschool so we went off a recommendation. We loved it! However, the church a few blocks from us also does preschool. I decided we would enroll Tanner there to avoid driving 10 minutes one way to Ashton's old school.

Then COVID happened. The new school decided to make some rules that didn't quite make me happy. Nothing super strict or odd, but little things like no backpacks, kids have to stay in their rooms all day (except outside time). When we toured it, one of the first things I noticed was how small the rooms were in comparison to Ashton's preschool. Knowing all of this and knowing Tanner, I knew he wouldn't thrive there. Plus, they had outside check in so I'd never "see" his teacher.

When these requirements were released, I quickly called Ashton's old school to see what they were doing. Backpacks were allowed, room movements were allowed, they were already installing large shade covers over the playgrounds so even during rainy days, the kids could still get outside. And then I asked, "who would be the MWF teacher?" The director named the person and I said, "What?!?" Ashton's two teachers had retired at the end of her year. The new 4s teacher, the sister from our ward who works at the preschool! Knowing that I could call/text his teacher and she knew us well from church meant so much. Even though Tanner didn't remember her very much, I knew it would be helpful. 

So we're back to driving 10 minutes one way three times a week. But Tanner had a blast and I am grateful we can pull it off. I don't know what I'll do for Gemma and Lydia. The local church is definitely a convenient location but going with what you've done before is nice too. We shall see.

Yes, shoes on the wrong feet. The kids change into school shoes once they're inside the building so he wears these to school. That's an odd rule that I haven't heard of other places but I don't mind it. It's one less pair of shoes for me to keep track of.