Back to School!

Finally getting around to a Back to School post. It has been a tough school re-entry for the Walsh clan, so I didn't force the kids to take too pictures. Colton let me get pictures of him in his handsome uniform on his first day, but the big kids weren't much into pictures. But I finally got pictures yesterday as the kids left the house with the bikes for the annual bike rodeo. Both Cadie and Ranger were excited to be able to ride bikes for the first time in the rodeo. Cadie has been begging for a new bike, so Grant surprised her with a beautiful bike as an early birthday present.

We have LOVED being back at UP in the new school. The mornings are so much easier because the kids can sleep a few minutes longer and both Cadie and JR are able to walk to school. JR also buys lunch at school this year and even just that one less thing to remember in the mornings is helpful. It has been nice that the logistics have been easier because the emotions have been a bit more complicated.

Teachers:
- Colton in Kindergarten with Mrs. Michelle Rickman and Miss Vaughn Camp
- Ranger in 2nd grade with Miss Reed
- Cadie in 4th with Mrs. Williams in the morning and Mrs. Rousch in the afternoon

Cadie has a rough start because she wasn't thrilled with her teacher and none of her closest friends ended up in her class. She has started to feel better over the past few days because she really likes her afternoon teacher and we are working hard at creating opportunities on the weekends for her to stay connected to her friends. Colton had a tough few days getting into the rhythm of school and sitting still longer. After a few days of coaching after some poor teacher reports, he finally got a Fruit of the Spirit award for self-control. Here is the conversation that followed.

Colton, "I got a self-control Fruit of the Spirit."
Ranger, "Wow! That is pretty much the hardest Fruit of the Spirit."
Mom, "It really is. Most adults struggle with self-control. How did you earn it, Colton?"
Colton, "Well... the main thing is to listen to the teacher and obey her."
Mom, "Yep, that really is a key to success."