Everyone is ready to go back to school. They’re excited, they’re anxious and they were driving me crazy today with all that energy. It feels as though we’ve been doing “back-to-school” things for weeks now, although that might be a gross overestimate. Each kid had their time alone to go get school supplies, plus there was some other running around to grab this or that. Plus going to grab school IDs, meeting teachers, walking class schedule routes…they’re ready. I’m ready. We’re all ready!

Tonight we had our traditional back-to-school dinner. The event in and of itself is a tradition. However, everything else seems to change. The theme, the decor, the place settings, the food, the treats – its all different year to year. But it’s funny to hear your kids talk about certain things as if that is the tradition. For example – today Bennett was talking about his excitement for the yellow candy I put on the table. The candy I put on the table once two years ago because it matched the color scheme and I had a cute bowl to put them in. Cannon was excited to draw on the table – yet again, something we did one time and it became a tradition in his mind.

I like to keep them guessing! Although I did pick up Panda Express again because the kids love it and getting food from a restaurant is a treat. And because I’ve done it two years in a row that will be the expectation next year. Which just means I’ll have to zig when they think I’m going to zag. 🙂

This year our theme is to stand tall. Stand tall for what they know to be right – despite the consequences. The kids talked through examples where they can stand tall. Not surprisingly, honesty became the top action talked about. Being honest even when you might get in trouble. Being honest when doing school work and taking tests. Being honest and not stretching the truth with friends. I think we can all use some reminders to stand a little taller and be a little better. (It’s pretty easy to decorate for this team – we pulled out everything that measures!)