I think we have #2's bully problem solved (crossing fingers). We met with the school and it seems the boys in question already have other parents complaints against them. We have been assured by the staff that it will be taken care of. Now we just wait to hear back from #2 to see if there are any further incidents.
#2 is somewhat scrawny in appearance. Not that he's wimpy, just wiry. The kid runs whenever most people would wald, and is active most of the day. He looks like he will be blessed with the metabolism I wish I had! I do think, though, that I may get him something for Christmas which will help him bulk up. I would like to help him avoid any future bully incidents.
#1 is doing fantastic in Alaska. His grades are due in any day now, and rumor has it he will have the higest GPA he has ever had. He seems to be enjoying school, and is involved in an archery club a couple days after school. The other days after school he goes swimming, and he is on the community swim team up there. Every time we speak with him he is happy and buoyant, having fun and truly seeming to enjoy himself. I think being essentially an only child up there, he is getting the amount of attention he was never able to get here. I think competing with two brothers for our attention, and not getting what he needed may have contributed largely to the behavior issues. How does the saying go, bad attention is better than no attention? I am also hoping his time up there will increase his tolerance and positive feelings towards #3. I am in no way exaggerating when I say that #1 truly hates #3. Hopefully he will have missed him enough that he will be able to admit that he really does love his brother.