First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Trey's first day of school. Fortunately, I was able to get back in time from Washington to take him to kindergarten. He loved it! When he got home I asked him how everything went. His response was typical: "We got to play on the playground and everything!" He then informed me that they are learning about the important letters of the alphabet (I presume they'll be the vowels) and today's letter was "I". There are a couple of his friends from church who are in his class, so he feels right at home. Here are a few pics of him getting ready to go:

Since he goes at 11:45 AM, Trey grabs lunch at home

He really likes his new backpack. I think he was as excited to show off his backpack as he was to go to school.

At this point, Trey was beginning to ask "Is it time to go yet?" over and over. He gets that from me. I hate to be late for anything. In fact, I prefer being there early. When I was a kid going to the Bible Holiness Church in Frankfort, IN I would be the first one there; by at least 15 minutes. I'd sit there waiting for someone to show up and open the doors. I didn't want to miss a thing. For the record, the second person to show up at church was my Grandma, so you see where I got it.

Lori and Trey cheese for the camera. We both (Lori and I) made it without tears. We are proud parents, though!

Once again, Kassady steals the show.

Kassady insisted on getting in on our picture this morning. I'm a lucky man!

World, My Son Starts School Today!
World, take my son by the hand--he starts to school today!
It's all going to be strange and new to him for a while, and I wish you would sort of treat him gently. You see, up to now, he's been king of the roost. He's been the boss of the backyard. I have always been around to repair his wounds, and I've always been handy to soothe his feelings.
Buy now things are going to be different. This morning he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand, and start on a great adventure that probably will include wars and tragedy and sorrow.
To live in this world will require faith and love and courage. So World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know.
Teach him--but gently, if you can.
He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just--that all men are not true. Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every enemy there is a friend.
Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest people to lick.
Teach him the wonders of books. Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill.
Teach him that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd then everyone else is getting on the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and to take only the good that comes through.
Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidders but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob--and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.
Teach him gently, World, but don't coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
This is a big order, World, but see what you can do.
He's such a nice little fellow.

By Abraham Lincoln
An essay written when Tad, the youngest son of our 16th president, began his first day of formal education.

(thanks, Sue, for sending this my way)