school bookends

 hard to believe we're just over a month and a half now into the new school year.  this post comes a bit late, but hey, at least i'm predictable :)

bookend years for these two boys.  AJ starting grade 12 while Cree just begins his school journey in JK...crazy, we know.  i love these two so very much.  and i remember well AJ heading off to school at Cree's age.  a bright eyed, affectionate and social little guy who i remember feeling reluctant to send, as i'd already missed out on so much time with him prior to his adoption, and i hated that school came so quickly...he, of course, was more than ready.  he couldn't wait to be going to the same place his older siblings were off to every day.  he was super excited.  some of that school excitement might have waned a bit since then, which is entirely normal too i'd say...

AJ isn't sure what comes next for him beyond highschool, but for now he's enjoying a busy football season with the senior team.  there have been some close games, an exciting upset, and playoffs are upon us.  

Cree is settling in so well.  we still have the expected after-school fatigue and resulting meltdowns from time to time, but just the last two weeks been much better and there is definite improvement.  it's understandable really, he's been immersed in a full French classroom, which on its own must be tiring.  as it turns out, his French abilities are strong.  he's picking up so much vocabulary already.  his teacher reports that he's doing very well and saving the less than perfect behaviour for us at home.  i'm glad about that, i think...  

he's making friends and constantly singing songs and saying prayers in French.  we are brushing up on our own limited French abilities now too.  very soon he'll surpass us in his ability to be conversational with this second language.  amazing what young brains are capable of.

i know his face so well...the moment above required such courage on his part.  he bravely moved on to the school doors, to be welcomed warmly by support staff and teachers, with such visible trepidation apparent to me, that i struggled to hold it together.  honestly, i felt his discomfort.  we hugged and said goodbye and i assured him i'd be back in the afternoon, and that i'd be excited to hear about his day...he is a such a brave little soul.  i walked to the van and did the ugly-faced cry.  thankfully, we are both adjusting.

i'm so grateful we live in a country where school attendance is accessible for my kids and education is a basic right for all.  i hope and pray it's a great year for them!