Olivia and Cor had their first day of school today. They still have to wear masks within the school building, as a precaution against COVID-19. But still, it’s good to remember that things are way better than they were at this time last year. They get to be in class five days a week. They don’t have to deal with plexiglass barriers dividing the lunch tables into quarters. And they don’t have to worry about catching COVID-19 themselves (since they were vaccinated back in the Spring).

Olivia is starting her senior year at Kent Theodore Roosevelt High School today. She’s also going to be taking two “College Credit Plus” courses per week at Kent State University. She’s especially excited about some art classes that she gets to take at the high school this year. And Olivia will also be a part of the school’s top choir — which should finally get to have some performances again.

Cor is starting his freshman year at Kent Theodore Roosevelt High School. He’s excited about playing a leadership role on his Soccer Team, and he continues to look for a sponsorship deal from Adidas. He’s actually kind of excited about his math, and social studies, and language arts classes! And he’s switching from band to choir this year, so it will be kind of fun to have two siblings in the same music program at the same time.

We didn’t get to watch one of our kids board a big yellow school bus for their first day of school this year. Instead, Olivia did the driving in the little yellow Sonic she’s borrowing from her grandparents. It’s crazy to watch time pass and suddenly have our youngest two children in high school. But we’re proud of them! We’re wishing, hoping, and praying for the best this school year!

(In case you were wondering, Elliot will start his freshman year at Kent State University tomorrow. He still has a blend of in-class lectures and on-line learning this semester. But he’s very excited to be living in an apartment with friends.)