And just like that we have a Freshman in High School and a brand new Middle School kiddo.
When the boys got home on Friday after their last day of school - and by "home" of course I mean into our car - they each earned their new school hoodie.
I'm pretty sure the hoodies will be worn out before school ever starts. But thats ok.
The hoodie is key because they are obviously super comfortable and they serve as a walking billboard advertising to everyone the kids meet "hey this is where I go to school". When you are new in the neighborhood, it is a good idea to let people know where you are going to school in the fall.
My boys drive me crazy. They argue and are not very nice to each other often. They are picky, they eat a ton of food, and they are dirty. I tried very hard to raise clean, kind, loving boys, but if today was the day of judgement on them, I failed.
But, I'm so incredibly proud of these kids. They left their neighborhood and church of 4 years, their schools, their friends, their big comfy house, and they never looked back.
Fearless. They stood at the registration counter to sign themselves in to their Sunday morning classes at a new church we were trying out. They each headed off to their own classes, alone, new, and they didn't seem bothered by it at all.
After service, the very first Sunday we ever tried out this new church, Eli asked us to send him to Summer Camp with the youth group.
Boldly. That kid will head off to a 4 day camp with a whole bunch of people he doesn't know seeking friendships, a good time, and to find his new place.
Sure they are were Army brats so they are totally used to moving, however, this time was different. This time the Army didn't decide we needed to move, we did. This time they had dug deep, grown roots, dreamed about being in our house and neighborhood forever. Eli rode past the High School every day and thought about what it would be like when he went there. He talked about riding his bike to the grocery store or fast food place up the street for a first job. This was their home and probably the most "home" of a home they ever had.
And now we are here.
In a beautiful neighborhood nestled in the foothills.
Not so far away from the friends that we'll never see them again, but far enough away to feel the distance and loss.
These boys haven't complained yet.
And it has been a whole week!
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