The pictures are pretty self explanatory. I have three children in elementary school. I'm still trying to figure out how this happened. I was filled with angst and longing all day. I can still recall the timid kindergarten Luke heading off to a school where he knew no one. It was quite the contrast to fifth(!) grade Luke confidently greeting friends as he made his way to his classroom, anxious to say good-bye to me. I can also remember a crying Noah, clinging to me while I tried to drop him off at a preschool right after we arrived in Utah. Isaac should still be a babe in arms, as far as I am concerned. These boys are growing faster than I am ready for. So there's that.
On the other hand, I am finding that I really like these little men that they are turning into. I find that I genuinely enjoy their company. Luke has especially grown into an age where he is fun to be around, aware of others and good at interesting conversation. They've grown into (mostly) polite gentlemen that I really enjoy. I am trying to focus on that, finding joy in their growth and celebrating the people they are becoming. I also find that I love having a variety of ages around.
Isaac is five going on fifteen. He's independent, bright and determined. I am often in awe of the way his mind works and the problems he's able to solve. He somehow knows how to count to 300, count (and find) money and sound out most words. He's also super strong physically. We tried to run with the boys a couple of times a week all summer and I loved watching Isaac. I am excited for his kindergarten adventures but I'm sad to lose my side kick.
Noah is a little joy (until he's not which always catches us off guard). He's a social guy, always wanting to be with his friends and is a peacemaker among them. He is bright and engaged in whatever we're doing as a family. One of my favorite things this was watching him while we were camping or hiking. He's quick to find a weed or stick and then spend time exploring it and learning about it. He gets everybody interested and soon we're all having a discussion about the bug tracks under the bark on the stick he just found. He's also my little worrywart. He's terribly concerned about following the rules and convinced that he might just break one on accident. We spend a lot of time reassuring his worried, sweet little heart. He's so tender and it's part of what I cherish about him. Second grade has never known a sweeter boy, always concerned about others.
Luke, my oldest boy, is a the best big brother for all the boys in this family. He wants so badly to be good. I love that this is the example that he is giving to the boys around here. He also wants to be grown up. I've spent a lot of time talking about the joys of childhood and telling him that there's no need to rush it. He remains unconvinced. Luke is a talker. He wants to talk about his feelings and experiences and he wants to be heard and understood. When I remember this about him he is easy to parent. He's still a voracious reader, which I love. Fifth grade promises to be a great year with a wonderful teacher and his best friends in his class.
Here's to the 2014-2015 school year being our best yet!
