Another First day of First Grade

Labor Day weekend. James and I (Papa and Omi) were invited to dinner and then the boys begged to have a fire in the pit. The reason: s'mores of course. The weather was nice and we all had a lovely time.

In Virginia the children go back to school after the summer break usually right after Labor Day. Of course most schools are virtual because of the covid-virus and so it is for Caleb.

Caleb is an "I-MÄNNCHEN". In Germany that is a first-grader. September 8 was his first day of first grade. In Germany we have a special celebration. Only on that day (not any other grade) does a child get a "Schultüte". 

Because of the special circumstances it was a little bit different. Sarah and Wade have arranged for Caleb to join a few of his neighborhood friends in the same grade in a 'school bubble'. The parents have found a retired teacher who is supervising the virtual learning from 8:30 am to 1 pm. The parents take turns to have the 'class' in their house for one week with strict covid guidelines like temperature taking etc. Caleb knew the teacher from his Kindergarten time and likes her. Sarah took this photo (with his school computer in his backpack) before dropping him off.

In the afternoon we went to visit and bring his Schultüte. Of course I had to make it in the morning (pasteboard, glue, fabric, staple gun). In Germany of course almost everybody buys one (most likely at ALDI). I explained that to Caleb and of course he piped in right away "you couldn't, you had to make it".

I had also bought stickers for all three to "decorate" it.

Then we had to take a photo in front of the house. In Germany you would see all I-Männchen arrive at school with one of these.

And then he has to look what might be in it. Little toys, some candy, t-shirts, socks (couldn't resist: 7 pairs Monday, Tuesday, ....) etc. 

I like traditions. His Auntie Helen got one. This was in our house at Kentucky Lake in Gilbertsville.

Caleb's mother Sarah got one.

Caleb's oldest cousin William in Nashville got one.

And now Caleb. 

I was wondering whether there was a photo of me with my "Schultüte" but have not found one. Yes, I think traditions are somewhat important. Most of the time they are definitely fun. After all, the boys are a quarter German, right?