Back to School

Eli’s name was placed on a Duck’s Unlimited Plaque in the northern part of our state, commemorating private land going to public hunting grounds. Eli’s enthusiasm about the event was contagious. When he came downstairs Sunday morning, he told us, “I think I am going to be famous or something.” You would have thought he was going on national television.


2 hours in the car one way was actually quite peaceful as Sidney napped and Eli had his DVD’s. When we got out we were suddenly reminded that this type of hunting land is usually in the middle of the country with zero shade. Nevertheless, as Eli complained about how he was “sooooooooo HOT,” I told him he had to tough it out. This is the first time when I have actually told Tom to get Sidney into the air conditioning. She was her typical spunky self, and I couldn’t get her to stop running around. She was starting to look overheated, so towards the end he took her to the air conditioned vehicle. Eli thought it was cool to do a rubbing of his name on the plaque with around 200 other names.

On the way home, we took an unexpected detour. Off the interstate was the community college where I met Tom. I shushed an enthusiastic Tom, as we drove around the campus. He was in full story telling mode, and I was certain neither of our kids needed to know about our lives at the age of 19 and 20. What a surreal feeling to drive around with 2 kids in tow.

Today Eli was off to 3rd grade. His attitude about going has improved significantly since last week, and he is more than ready to spend his daytime hours around kids his own age. Sidney is trying to wrap her head around what is going on. I think she remembers the routine, but she was not happy that her “Ly Ly” was not coming back with us after the opening assembly. They have formed an even closer bond over the summer. Last year, we were only home from China for 3 weeks prior to the 1st day of school, so it was great for them to spend such an extensive amount of time together.

With Eli back in school, we will also schedule Sidney’s echocardiogram soon, as well as a renal ultrasound. When a child has anomalies like Sidney’s, this is a preventative measure to make sure we are not missing something. We completed a skeletal scan in June. This came back showing no other anomalies than her hands, leg, and missing toe. Wonderful! We are optimistic there is nothing else, but as we have known throughout this process, God is driving the bus and we are simply along for the ride.