Controlled chaos reigned as children returned to Grand Ridge Elementary School in the Issaquah Highlands on Tuesday amid wind and rain.

First-grader Mina Lee’s smile peeked out from beneath the hood of her platinum parka, as her little sister looked around bewildered and clung to mommy’s hand. Mina’s brother, also starting school on Tuesday, had already disappeared into the throng of students.

Makenzie Brown, another Grand Ridge first-grader, held her mother’s hand as she strode to get lined up with her classmates. Makenzie loved her half-day kindergarten last year and was excited to now attend school all day. Her little sister, trailing behind with a yellow umbrella, was less enthusiastic and burst into tears as her playmate walked away.