too school for cool

Back to school– perhaps the least creative of all blog entries and yet among the most useful for reminiscing.

Despite whining all summer about school starting far too early (August 21st), when Wednesday dawned everyone was more than ready to go. Is is the new pencils and glue sticks? Reuniting with friends? Or the simple joy of settling back into routine after late nights and crazy days?

Hans left way too early for a photo (6 am!), but Gabe was more than willing to share Xander’s spotlight as he set off for ninth grade (still jr high where we live).

get out of the photo, Gabe!

fabulous tee courtesy of Kel George

Gabe got his moment 90 minutes later when leaving with Mary for 6th and 3rd grade.

wait, let’s stop and admire Mary’s dress we finished sewing the night before and a hairstyle we’ve been perfecting all summer (we call this the ‘Swiss Miss’).

The first day of school calls for a celebratory dinner (with lemonade to drink!) and father’s blessings. A Mormon tradition the world over, fathers lay hands on their childrens’ heads and bless them for a year of learning, friendship, kindness, peace and any other needs (ponies not included). I always ask for a blessing too; I need heavenly help as much as (or more than) anyone around here.

Taking photos during a blessing is considered irreverent, but I snapped a few as they sat down in the traditional chair.

And for the first time in Erik’s 21.5 years of parenting, he received a back-to-school blessing too. As an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood, he can give blessings, heal the sick, bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, ordain others…

And finally, an photo of cute Hans (11th grade) with Ben who doesn’t start for another two weeks (when he moves out again…sniff, sniff).