Back To School!

 School started today and everyone had good things to say about the day, so I call it a success.  On Sunday we had our traditional back to school dinner.  Each year we have a special dinner and I introduce the theme for the year which I have prayerfully chosen.  This year it's "Your strength is in me" - the words of God to Edward Partridge when he was called to be a bishop.  I wanted to help the kids see that school presents challenges and opportunities of all kinds and that they should embrace them with the Lord's help.  He will make things possible for them and he will help them throughout it if they rely on him and let him prevail in their lives.  We had a really good discussion about this and the kids stayed at the table longer than any dinner in a year. 

 Bella made brownies for dessert but forgot to add eggs, so they turned into bubbly toffee that became more of science experiment than dessert, but luckily the mistake made for even more time spent around the table.  Then we got on the topic of physical strength and strength training and an arm-wrestle competition broke out.  The award for overall strength went to Kelly as he was undefeated.  The winner of "cutest battle" went to the wrestle between Christian and Peter.  

Monday night Kelly gave all the kids a father's blessing and today they started school.  Benjamin had to be there for marching band at 7am.  They were supposed to play as a welcome to everyone.  So, he had to go before it was even light out and our traditional backyard school pic became simply an indoor one. 

When the other two were dressed, I got them to pose for a picture.  It's amazing how much they change in a year.

I will miss having them home.  I really enjoy having them all close during the summer.  However, two things make me happy that school is starting again - 1. less screen time for the kids and 2. time alone with Peter.  He gets short-changed a lot as the 4th kid and it'll be nice to have a chance to focus on him without constant interruption.

I'm also really excited for them to be back in person.  I pray they have great opportunities with other kids and positive adult role models.  May covid stay at bay so they don't have to shut down again.