And now we're back at it. Brandt went to middle school registration last week. He got a t-shirt, had vision screening, got his new student ID, and we paid fees ($159! So much for free education). We wandered around the school and found where all his classes will be so that he'd have some idea where he was going. Last night I took Brandt and Blythe each separately to Back to School Night. Brandt and I found all his rooms again, met all his teachers, and saw some of his friends. We didn't run into anyone that had the same classes as he does, but Will Weidner and Jacob Avery both have first lunch, the same time as Brandt, and we suggested they meet up. He's got an A day schedule and a B day schedule, he alternates between the two, and that means he's got six places to be every day, but six other places to be the following day. I know he can work it all out and it will be fine, eventually, but this first day, I'm a bit nervous for him. He's a bit nervous, too. He didn't eat much breakfast, but he's got first lunch, so I don't imagine he'll starve before noon. I can't believe we've reached this point in life. Going to middle school is for big kids, and Brandt is still our little boy, though don't tell him I said that. He'd be offended. And of course, he's not little. He's confident and brave and I believe he'll be able to stand true to his standards, even in the face of those who might behave inappropriately.
Blythe's teacher is new again to Rock Canyon. She taught sixth grade several years ago, then went away, and has now returned. She's tall and lovely, and Blythe is excited to start. Ellen Mason is in her class, as well as Evan Runia, Hailey Hall, and several other kids she knows from years past. She sits next to Evan on one side, and Slade Porter on the other. Slade has autism and acts differently from others, and that makes her a little nervous. Kent and I both encouraged her to be kind and patient. It is those people who are a little different that most need our kindness. We'll see how she does. She had a lengthy list of things to do this morning, with over twenty items on it. She wanted to get up at 6:40, a full two hours before school starts, and while I tried to convince her to sleep a bit longer, she was determined, thinking about all those things she needed to do. She had breakfast almost immediately after she got up, showered, I braided her hair, she had her backpack all ready, and although she was early, she left the house at 8:12, unable to contain herself a moment longer. She is her own person, determined and fierce. She's likely to conquer the world, and fifth grade is just a step to the top.
Kent gave the children sweet father's blessings on Monday night for family home evening. He blessed them both that they would have sharp minds, healthy bodies, and a determination to stick with things that might be harder to learn and understand. It's a blessing they both need. They are apt to throw in the towel early in a learning process, without realizing that it takes time to learn something new and not everything comes super easily. We've got such great kids. We want them to be happy and do well, and we want them to be kind. Probably kind most of all. Here's to a great new school year for our seventh and fifth graders.
Ellen and Blythe, twinners and besties.
They are in the same class this year.
Woohoo!!
Does he look ready for middle school?
Brandt has band today, so he pedaled off with his trombone in tow.
Our bright Blythe off to school with chapter book in tow.
It's one I read to her, but she liked it and is reading it herself.
This picture was on the school's Instagram page.
There's Blythe, front of the line to get into class, ready for her first day!
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