Finally First Day of School

So this year it took one full month for all of my kids to have their first day of school.

Those here in Merced started in the middle of August, Scott started the first of September, Doug the middle of the month and Ben has his first day tomorrow.  So here are their pictures - except for Ben, because I forgot to get his picture.  But you can always follow Karin on instagram and see his picture.

 Emily is in 4th grade and is already busy studying California history.  She has a teacher who loves reading and so she will read and write about lots of books this year.  She is playing tennis and we go out to the college courts and practice in between lessons.  She also has a fantastic piano teacher.  She has memorized a 14 page (including orchestra parts) concerto and will perform in November.  I love having her home with me, it helps to ease the sadness I feel having my older kids gone.

 Thomas is a freshman at Golden Valley.  He started seminary - always a rude awakening.  He made the JV soccer team and was selected as co-captain.  He is playing trumpet in the band and is pretty good at the guitar, but don't tell him I told you because he doesn't like me to make that public.

 Scott is back at BYU, getting some GE credits done and starting to narrow in on his major classes.  He is rooming with friends from his freshman year and has two jobs - receptionist in the English department and referee for intramural sports.

Douglas is in Rexburg, and so happy to be back with Dr. Steve Thomas.  He spends several hours each day on beautiful Steinway grand pianos and is having fun living on his own.

Ben is starting his MBA program at UCLA.  He has been involved in orientation activities for the last two weeks and he and Karin are back in student housing after living in Walnut Creek for the last 2 1/2 years.

So how am I?  It is really hard to have your children leave home.  I can't help but get teary-eyed during the day and I find it really easy to cry over silly things.  I love when all of my family is gathered together, so I'm really looking forward to holidays and family reunions.