Back To School

Well, the children have been back in school for a month and I've just realized that I never posted their first day of school photos!  Oops.  Harris is a junior this year!  It's very strange because, due to Covid, he really hasn't had a proper high school experience.  Right as he was getting settled into high school and getting to know others, school went online!  This year, he is in person full time (wearing masks) so I'm hoping things can stay that way.  

Grace took a selfie for me on her first day of classes!  Grace is a sophomore in college.  Her small group tutorials are in person this year but large lectures (35 students or more) are all online.  I can happily report that she loved her in person classes.  Neither one of our children cared for online classes so we are super excited and hopeful that this year will be better.  

Color Run

I've wanted to do a Color Run for a long time not because I run (I don't), but because it looks so fun!  Our town's Art Council recently hosted one at the park up the street from us, and I jumped at the chance to do it.  

It was a family event and at only one+ mile, very doable for our family of non runners!  Though I think it was too short for Bryce and Harris as they did the loop an extra time.  Overachievers, they are!

Of course, we missed Grace, but it was fun and now we can check that off of our list.  

Pier Walk

One of the things that really appealed to Grace about St. Andrews were the traditions that are a firm part of the school.  Last year, she didn't get to participate in many, if any at all.  This year, I believe she is embracing them all!  The pier walk is one of the most iconic of traditions where the students wear their robes and walk on the pier jutting out into the North Sea.

The pier walk commences after opening chapel and I was thrilled that Grace and a few friends attended the chapel service before the walk.  

As you know, we often pick up special pieces to commemorate special things in our lives.  I found this piece of art in St. Andrews and brought it home.  While most would not recognize what is happening in the painting, we can see the dot of red robes, the cathedral ruins in the background, the North Sea and overcast skies of Scotland.  It was painting by an alumnus of St. Andrews and the frame was made by an artist who owns the fine art shop.  I love it.  

Grace's Room

Last year, I was sad that I didn't get to take the ubiquitous photo of Grace sitting on her dorm room bed so I made sure to get those pictures this year!  She's thrilled to have her own room and she loved the opportunity to make it uniquely hers.  Here are a few photos!

St. Andrews, Scotland

Grace's flat, second floor

We arrived in St. Andrews and got to work getting Grace's flat set up and cleaned.  The process of securing a flat this year was absolutely grueling and so were were thrilled to have a place to land!  We spent our days doing some shopping for items needed for the flat, exploring St. Andrews and working on her room (I'll post pics of that eventually).  

The town of St. Andrews is wildly charming and beautiful.  I can't imagine that Grace will get to experience living in a place like this any other time in her life. 

I absolutely loved my time with Grace!  I cried, of course, when I got on the train to head back home, not for her but for me as I'll miss her so.  However, I'm thrilled that she's there and pray for her to have somewhat of a normal year.