They've got his back...

Getty made sure he made an entrance returning to school in full Aloha gear.

...and Cam followed Getty's lead when he got dressed for kindergarten.

When the kids got home from school their first day back, they were so happy and stayed that way—just chatting it up, playing around, doing homework, and telling me everything they could think of about school, recess, and friends. It made me so grateful that they love their lives here. I mean, we had just had high adventure in exotic Hawaii to compare home to, but they were all so glad to be back.

Mrs. D (best teacher ever) explained to her students while Getty was on vacation that sometimes after a month or so, people kind of forget about others' suffering and leave them to themselves. So, the class made Getty a scrapbook of letters and coordinated getting photos of Getty and Elle through Aunt Megan to show him their continued love and support.

Here are some excerpts of the letters:

"If you are struggling or need help you can ask anybody for help, anyone would love to help to because you have helped them before. I would love to be on your team in any sport especially Football because you wreck and because your a STUD! You can ask anybody to see if your a stud they would say "yes"! or "Heck Yes"!!! I bet there is a lot of people who would want to be friends with you! Who wouldn't want to be friends with you!! your the most nice, kind, supportive, energetic, entertaining, loving, and the coolest kid I know also the most FREAKining popular kid the world!!!—Love, Ammon

"You are the best cousin in the world! You make me laugh all the time. You are a big example to me. I remember when we were at granny's house and we hid under the porch. You always help me and you always sit out with me when I get hurt. You always make Granny's house a adventure!"—Ireland

"Your the Jam to my penut-buter sandwich."—Parker M.

"When you are around every one is ready for a adventure."—Kevin

"I have always looked up to you as my captain, my leader."—Katie

"You are such an amazing, sweet, wonderful and loving person."—Lauren

"Everyone in the class looks up to you, you are a leader to the class. You build people up when they are down."—Marian

"Everyday I am so happy that you are in my class. I enjoy listening to your stories you share and I love how you make the whole class smile. We all look up to you as a leader. You are smart, kind and amazing at sports. I may not know you very well, but I do know that you are basically the King of 6th grade."—Camrin

"You are always the leader in everything we do. You have the personality!"—Sophia

"I think you are an awesome kid and feel jelous because everyone likes you. But I still like your personality, and you are a great artist."—A.J. & Nyan cat

"You are our class leader. Have you noticed that if you say to do something we will. Everyone looks to you as for what to do next. You just have this wonderful spirit about you. Remember if you ever need anything you can always count on your classmates."—Ereka

Then from two girls who lost their dads this past year:

"If you think that in order to be brave you can't let it out & cry...Its wrong. If you let it out you're a MAN! Haha."—Abbie

"You are an awesome kid. The way you make me laugh, laugh, laugh. Take my advice, put a letter in my desk anytime you feel down. I'm going to give you some advice. 1st DON'T be afraid to talk about. 2nd LET IT OUT! Write in your journal, you can even just write and then burn it! 3rd Get a football and just chuck it as far as you can to get it all out. 4th get in a place that nobody would know about. You can cry there, write there, look at pictures there. KEEP BEING YOU! Keep telling your jokes and keep laughing! I love it!"—Jessie

And then funny random stuff like this:

"One question, Have you ever been in the forest, It's pretty cool."—Aubrey

"If you'd like, me and my buddies love having airsoft wars and would love you to join. If you'd like to join us in our epic battles, please contact me."—Lizzie

"Do you remember that bet we made? It was about me finding out who you like. Well I never did find out so I owe you a dollar which I don't own. Stay strong!"—Carsyn

"I remember that time you came to my house to come see the geckos I have. Then you saw my crested Gecko and you said it looked like a dragon. Good Times! Good Times!"—Madelyn

And from Mrs. D., Getty's (and my) favorite teacher ever: "I have always been impressed with your love for your family. You are the best older brother a girl could ask for! I know you will continue to heal and allow yourself to get back to the 'zingy' person you are."