Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave Shares an Emotional Update on Her Kids: "I Cried"

Back-to-school season is in full swing — and Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave has mixed feelings.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum returned to Instagram this week to celebrate the official kickoff of the 2024-’25 academic year. Like countless other parents, Teddi documented the big day by rounding up her kids for an adorable family photo.

The August 27 snap showed her three children — 11-year-old daughter, Slate; 10-year-old son, Cruz; and 4-year-old daughter, Dove — rocking their matching uniforms as they prepared to hit the classroom; however, this semester was especially emotional for Teddi, as it marked Dove’s first-ever day of school. That's right, her little girl is growing up so fast.

Why Teddi was brought to tears on her children's special day

“I cried because…?” Teddi began the caption. “1. I’m going to miss them. 2. They’re getting older which means I am too. 3. I can actually work in peace throughout the day. 4. A combination of all the above.”

The carousel included the cutest video of Dove rocking a green and navy plaid skort, a baby blue polo, and a light pink backpack embroidered with her name.

“Buh-bye, I’m going to school,” Dove said in the clip as she opened the front door.

“What in the world?” Teddi replied, prompting the youngster to rush back and kiss her momma goodbye.

Teddi's husband, Edwin Arroyave, takes us inside Dove's first day of school

Teddi shares her children with her husband, Edwin Arroyave, whom she married in July 2011. The Colombian-born entrepreneur also documented Dove’s big day in an August 26 Instagram post, which included a video of him and his daughter near the school playground and a photo of Dove in her new classroom.

“Dove’s first day of school,” he captioned the post. “She’s quickly becoming not-so-much-of-a-baby Dove!”

Teddi opens up about her blended family: "An unbreakable bond"

In addition to the three children he shares with Teddi, Edwin also has a teenage daughter, Bella, from a previous relationship. Teddi gushed over her stepdaughter in a 2023 Instagram post, in which she also shed light on her blended family dynamic.

“From the moment I met Bella, I was changed in so many ways,” Teddi wrote. “The instant love I had for her helped shape me into the mother and stepmother I am today. And while the growing pains of coparenting had its tough moments, nothing would break the love in my heart for her. Now, at 14 years old, our blended family is stronger than ever, and I look forward to our ‘girl time’ together, continuing to build an unbreakable bond that transcends bloodlines.”

She continued: “[Christina Mecklenburg] has been the most incredible mama to Bella; I’m blessed I get to be a part of their world.”