The morning had been a bit more hectic than usual, considering the extra people in the house, but Weedy had helped Josh get ready, and after a simple breakfast of berries and cream with biscuits, it was time for the boys to get to school.  Addy had made sure they'd be early, so there would be time for whatever process would be necessary to register Josh for school.  

Weedy had a slate and chalk, and had promised to share with his cousin until Addy and Isiah could get to the mercantile later today to get the younger boy his own, a chore they could do after visiting Speed Guyer.

With everything in order, the small group walked toward school, the early morning air cool, and a light breeze kicking up a bit of dust in the road.  There was the normal bustle out, people getting to work, deliveries being made, but the real traffic wouldn't start for a couple of hours yet.

"There it is!" Weedy declared as they approached the school house.  He nudged Josh gently, then ran ahead of the adults.  "Miss Bowen's real nice, you'll like her!" 

Isaiah was thankful for a normal day. After all the traveling and hustle and bustle of getting settle He knows his ABC’s how to read just a little and he could count. In his opinion that was enough! Did cowboys even need to be able to read ‘n write? He didn’t think so and that’s exactly what he was gonna be when he grew up!  to be able to read ‘n write? He didn’t think so and that’s exactly what he was gonna be when he grew up! 

Josh felt Weedy nudge him and he looked up ahead at the schoolhouse trying his best to take some of that positivity from Weedy. 

"Miss Bowen's real nice, you'll like her!" Weedy told him. He pressed his lips to the side and looked at his cousin. “If you say so.” He laughed a bit nervously and looked at his Pa and Aunt Addy over his shoulder. They sure seemed calm about it all and maybe even excited! He would never understand but he was ever so thankful he knew someone! 

“Do we get ta play outside at lunch?” He asked his cousin.

"Sure, we play all kinds of games at lunch, and even before school," Weedy explained.  "We're just real early today, but other kids'll be getting here soon.  It's the best part of school!"

"It's good that th' boys can read an' write," Addy told her brother, "give 'em more options in life."  And, of course, there was more to education than just reading and writing, there was history, math and whatnot.  "Folks won't think them ignorant."

Not that she was particularly concerned for herself, she was content in life, but she wanted better for Weedy, knowing that he wasn't really going to become a pirate!

They headed up the steps and in the front door of the school where there was a narrow foyer where students could hang coats and leave boots.  Past that was the main room, rows of desks, and the big desk at the head where Miss Bowen was.

"Miss Bowen."  Addy smiled and nodded to the young woman.  "This here's my brother, Isiah, an' his boy, Josh.  Whadda we gotta do ta get him in school?"

Kate put down the book she was looking at and made her way to Addy.  The book was one of those she hoping to replace with the funds from the charity performance that would be held in a few weeks.  Most of the funds raised were going to the repairs the building needing but she was hoping that there would be some left over for equipment as well.

Going up to the group, Kate smiled, "Good morning, Addy."

She turned to Isaiah and Josh, "Nice to meet you both...and to answer Addy's question you've done the most important thing by bringing Josh here.  All I need you to do is to fill in a card with some basic information. There's not much for Josh to do right so perhaps he would like to join the other children outside."

@ [Bongo

@ [MD