Back-to-school in August?

We old folks often say: “I remember when………..” But it’s true; we do remember when school didn’t start until after Labor Day, a more appropriate time. Anything before September just seems outrageous and wrong, and yet, for most of our own children’s lives and definitely our grandchildren, it’s been back to school in August----even mid-August for those in Tennessee.

I started a tradition when my own children were school age to have a big party the week or so before the kiddies were to go “back-to-school.” So naturally that tradition kept going once I had grandchildren living by me who were school age. It started out small with just Trey and Allie, but it’s grown and grown. The type of activity changes through the years. Here are a few pictures from “some” of the “back-to-school” parties we’ve held. Starting with the most recent one.

And hey, we haven’t had a giveaway for a long time. So make a clever comment including the word SCHOOL, and you may be the winner of a Target Gift Card so you can buy those school supplies. Everyone is welcome to enter---you don’t have to belong to the Barber family to enter. Here’s hoping the air conditioners don’t break at the schools this month. This giveaway will end Monday, August 16 at 12 noon. School starts in Knoxville on August 17.

Everyone who attends the party goes home with a

gift bag full of school supplies

2010

2009

A few of the party-goers: Allie, Emma, Jonah, Carter - 2005