2nd Graders are so big, and Kindergartners too.

Dalton and Joe's first day of school really started the night before. For FHE we decided to get Back-to-School haircuts, and have Doug give the kids Back-to-School blessings. The boys looked so handsome with their short styled hair, and after quick showers to get the pokey's off, it was time for the bedtime routine.

Doug gave very personal blessings to each of the boys and then Sophia reverently climbed onto the ottoman for her turn with daddy's hands on her head. She sat still the whole time, which was an absolute miracle, and gave daddy a big hug afterward. Joseph had a hard time understanding why we didn't read scriptures, and we explained that a blessing is scripture just for him. He was confused, but satisfied. They each picked a song, and then we said prayers. "Huk-an-kikkas", comes right after a loud, "Amen" from Sophia, and then bed.

It was only then that Dalton asked me, "What is the weather tomorrow?". A question I hadn't heard since May. "I think I heard it was going to be about 90." He was devastated! All of his new clothes are nice long pants, and the exact outfit he had laid out for the past several weeks was not only long pants, but the matching long sleeved T-shirt too. He was quick to point out that I hadn't done the shorts load of laundry either. Just like the end of any other day, I was in an "oh well" mood. He, on the other hand, rushed off to the basement while I went to lay down. I heard him messing around in the bathroom, and reminded him that he needed to get some sleep before his big first day of 2nd grade. He quickly said, "I'll be done in a minute, and I promise I'll get to bed." The following morning I woke up before the boys, and noticed his favorite shorts hung over the towells, a little damp. I was sure they had a few clumps of beans and salsa on them, but after inspection they were clean, and smelled of my gardenia hand soap. He woke up excited for the school day, and was about to cry again when he realized they weren't dry yet. I rushed them down to the dryer while he jumped in the shower. I couldn't believe that he took the time to hand wash his own clothes, what a great solution.

There was some miscommunication with the buses around here, so we ended up filling the van with our whole lot, and a couple of neighbor kids and headed to Wasatch Elementary. Dalton and his two friends were quick to jump out of the van, and knew exactly where they were going. As an absolute afterthought, he said "I love you too", and was gone for the day. He has reported loving recess, where they play some game with all the girls chasing him the whole time, remembering his lunch number from last year, and getting to sit next to his best friend Devin. Pretty good start.

We then drove Joseph up to his first day of Kindergarten at Ensign Elementary. He was happy to be a little early with some time to play on the playground, but responded in like manner with all of the other kids to the sound of the bell by heading straight for the door. He found his name on a hook, and hung up his back pack. We quickly took one picture, and he ran right into his classroom giving us only a wave goodbye. I guess 2 years of pre-school takes the newness of Kindergarten away. He has reported loving the treasure box, understanding the classroom stoplight, and that some boy named Jacob didn't follow any of the rules. I think he's going to have a great year.

Now for Sophia and I... well I'm feeling more patient with her. We've been spending more time doing naked body dances, and loving being just girls. She gets to play with the neighbor girls each morning, and the house is so quiet for her nap that she sleeps even longer than before. I think I love school.