Back to school......and statues in the park

Summer is over for me, as I returned to school this week for workshops, planning, setting up my classroom, and meeting with my new students and their parents.
I met about half of them tonight and it seemed like a good group of kids.
I always worry that I will get a few challenging ones that like to disrupt, but
I'm sure they are hoping just as hard that I won't be a "mean" teacher.
The night before school starts will probably mean a restless sleep for all of us!

But,
not for these kids below.

This little group of kids are happily playing in a little country park where my mother-in-law grew up. This statue was a gift from all of my husband's siblings to his parents.
Cool, isn't it?

It overlooks the new playground.

The old band stand sits near by. Can't you picture Harold Hill, The Music Man, conducting his little band of beginning students here?

These old trees have been standing guard for many years. Think of the memories made under their shady branches.These three sisters (sitting) all grew up down the street. Imagine all the fun they had living on a farm, being courted by their husbands, marrying, and then leaving the safety of the little community for the "big wide world".

We recently celebrated a family reunion here with them and some of their posterity.
All the cousins had a lot of fun vacations and reunions here, too.


Ken's parents have done a lot of community service, here and in other locations where they have lived. They have truly made the world better for many people.

I'm sure the little statue has found a happy home!

Now, if I can just create a classroom that will foster some good learning and a few fun memories.
Wish me luck!

JoAnn