Back to School

When we got back from Kanakuk, we jumped right into the action. One of Atticus’ buddies hosted a get-together where all the boys shaved their heads in support of his friend James’ little sister, who is undergoing chemo. It was incredible to see a whole crew of boys willingly do that to show their love and support.

Meanwhile, Finley and her friends celebrated the end of summer with a foam party and lunch at Chicken and Pickle to gear up for middle school.

This year is a big milestone for us — four kids in four different levels of school:

• Briley, a freshman in college at UNO

• Baylor, a freshman in high school at BVN

• Finley, a 6th grader at LMS

• Atticus, a 5th grader at MTE

It’s been a busy start, but so fun to see everyone thriving. Baylor and Finley started a day early with freshman and 6th-grade orientation (thankfully only half-days), and the next morning all four were officially off to school. I took Baylor, Briley drove Finley, and then I came back to take Atticus to his 5th-grade donut breakfast and class photo. Hard to believe we’re in our last year of elementary school with him.

Briley and I spent much of that week prepping for her big move to Omaha. Since UNO has apartment-style housing instead of dorms, there was a lot more to buy — kitchen, living room, and bedroom stuff — and it felt like we were placing Amazon orders daily. Finley couldn’t come along because of a dance clinic, so Sunday morning we dropped her at the Brawners and then headed north with two fully loaded cars.

After checking Briley in, we met her roommates and dove into move-in mode. It was hot, but with Baylor and Atticus on box and trash duty, and Briley and me setting up her room, it all came together quickly. Her space turned out amazing. Saying goodbye and pulling out of that parking lot was tough — leaving my little girl to start life on her own — but I know she’s ready, and I know she has the best guardian angel watching over her.

Everyone has been off to a strong start. Briley had her first college cross country meet last week, and we drove up to watch. She crushed it — 16th overall, a new PR of 18:07, fastest on her team, and 5th-fastest in program history on that course. She was ecstatic, and so were we. That same weekend, we rushed back to KC for Baylor’s first high school meet. Even with a cold, he ran lights out — a PR of 18:41, 3rd on his team, and named BVN Rookie of the Week.

For labor day we went back to Kirksville for a fun filled weekend.  Baylor's girlfriend Dorothy went with us and was an instant hit with all the little girls.  We spent the weekend hanging out by my parents cool, taking dips in Jeff and Julies new hot tub, and hanging out with the Cleavers where the kids had the time of their lives riding go carts and playing pickle ball.

Finley’s calendar is packed with soccer and dance, while Atticus keeps us busy with soccer and flag football. Between all four, our weeks and weekends are full — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.