How is it that we are sending off a fifth grader and a seventh grader today? I don't understand the passage of time.

Last night was a solemn night….the last evening of summer as the boys put it. Owen, Ernie and I trotted off to our last Dr. Howard Meet the Teacher night. Owen was quiet but seemed kind of excited by it all. Fifth graders will have two teachers this year…one for morning and certain subjects, and a different one for afternoon and the rest of the subjects. I think this could be kind of nice for him. He seemed excited about Ms. Posey's class so I was pleased.

We got back home and started dinner. Owen had requested a special meal—sort of like a Death Row prisoner requesting their last meal. He thought steak would be suitable so Ernie obediently went and bought some ribeye. He was a bit sad as we ate, although he liked the steak (with watermelon/tomato salad and corn on the cob). You really would have sworn he was heading off to the chair. He sniffed occasionally and said he'd miss summer.

Lord I love that boy.

Later I reminded Leo that the computer had to be off at 9:00. He glowered but went along with it. He immediately went to bed as there's really no reason to be up if you can't be minecrafting. I went up to kiss them goodnight and they were both curled up in their bunks reading. My sweet peas.

This morning went pretty smoothly….let's see if we can keep it up….

And here are the annual first day of school pictures. You can see that Leo has made a HUGE concession and NOT put his hand in front of his face. I was honored….