And the Tooth Fairy is . . . JAKE?!

I just had to post about the package that came in the mail for Ethan while we were traveling last week. In all the hubbub of arriving home over the weekend and then scrambling to get ready for school on Monday, it slipped my mind to give it to him. I finally remembered to have him open it today, and guess what he got? A bag of Blow Pops from his cousin Jacob.

Here's the back story: During our family reunion in July, Ethan lost his first tooth, which was of course super exciting. Jake was really happy for Ethan and, for some reason, decided that he want to buy a whole bag of lollipops for Ethan to commemorate the occasion. (If I recall correctly, he had just seen a bag of lollipops at a convenience store and thought they would make a great gift. You can't argue with that logic.) After we got home from the reunion, Ethan mentioned a few times that Jake had promised to send the lollipops to him, and I told him that probably wouldn't happen because, 1) kids promise things all the time that they then either forget about or can't deliver on, and 2) Jake's parents likely wouldn't want the hassle of mailing a bunch of lollipops, not to mention the fact that they would cost twice as much to send as they would to buy in the first place. Not a big deal, anyway, since Ethan eventually dropped it and moved on.

Well, it turns out that Jake both has a better memory and is far more dependable than the average kid. When Jake gives his word, you can take it to the bank, baby! It also turns out that Jake's mom is both more patient and more willing to support her child's charitable impulses than the average parent. (Okay, fine, I'm talking about me.) Which isn't breaking news, believe me. So I've posted a picture of Ethan with his lollipops and, if you can make it out, the little gap where his two bottom front teeth used to be. (He lost the second one a couple of weeks ago.) The first words out his mouth when he saw what was in the package were, "I knew Jake would keep his promise!"

You've earned Ethan's undying trust, Jake, through the best possible means for earning any kid's trust--candy. Thanks for being such a great cousin. We love you and your sisters so, so much.

First Day of School

Everyone is off to a great start this year. Chloe is in fifth grade with Mrs. Powers and will be learning to play the cello for the school orchestra. Olivia is in third grade with Mrs. Thompson, who Chloe says is strict but Olivia insists is nice while Mom--in her own defense--claims "strict" and "nice" aren't mutually exclusive. Ethan is in his first year at Larson Elementary with the girls, and his teacher is Mrs. Carroll, a dear friend from our ward. She taught both of the girls as well and is a born Kindergarten teacher (meaning, she has the patience of a saint). Ethan loves being at the girls' school, his favorite parts being the cafeteria and the playground. Typical boy! Here are some pictures showing their downcast faces on the first day of school:

Such rejoicing! Like three convicts being let out of prison. I guess that gives you some idea of what our summer was like.