Happy Back to School Season!

Back to school will always remind me of You’ve Got Mail.

Something about those freshly sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks just makes my organizational heart happy.

I live in a house with 5 little boys currently though.

First day of school mornings tend to be a little…chaotic to say the least.

1. Buy First Day of School Outfits Early.
   • I always buy their first day of school shirts (or outfits) early! {I’m talking end of July} and then I save them in a bin labeled “First Day of School.” This may seem ridiculous, but in my house things tend to go missing quickly. I put everything in that bin- hair gel, socks, shoes, a comb. Anything I need for that morning rush.
   • In the morning, it makes it so much easier to make sure I can get a picture if I don’t have to worry about if I like what they’re wearing.

1. Wear neutral or plain shirts.
   • Bold colors and busy patterns (while absolutely adorable!) can be distracting from your chid’s face.

1. Take their picture in the shade.
   • Under a tree. Under a porch awning. Anywhere with shade. If you can’t have shade, have them stand with the sun at their back. Squinting eyes tend to make for crabby kids 🙂

1. Take the picture the morning before.
   • I know. I know. It’s controversial. But for me, the reason why I want the first day of school picture is to remember how much they’ve grown throughout the year. Getting out the door and setting a new routine is hard enough without adding in taking pictures.
   • Always take it the day or two before school starts. Not after. I’ve learned the hard way that I forget to take the picture once school has already started.

1. Use a clean background if possible.
   • A garage door or a plain front door are best! Let your little student shine!