Pre K

Then, this happened...on my birthday!

The Army fits his one qualification for future professions (you don't have to go to college.) 

Back to School

So, I'm a couple of weeks behind. What else is new? The boys are back in preschool. This year Jack is in pre-K and is at school four days a week until 1 pm. Sam is enjoying his class two days a week, and we have fun playing, grocery shopping and running errands on our mornings without big brother. 

Day two for Jack, First day for Sam:

 "Mom, take a picture of me like this."

Christmas Performers

Thursday marked the final day of preschool for the year, and the classes celebrated with a little performance and a birthday party for Jesus. The classes sang several songs, and Jack's Busy Bee group recited such a sweet little rhyme:

I couldn't buy a gift for you, because I am very small.
But I can give you something, the greatest gift of all.
I can give you kisses (smack, smack),
I can hug you too!
I can give you a friendly smile,
And tell you "I love you!"

Sam was in the bye, bye buggy with his classmates ringing the jingle bells as the big kids sang. Videos on the way.

First

So, the first day back at preschool was last Tuesday. Here's our "First Day" pic:

I know you're jealous of my awesome memory capturing abilities.

Overall, everyone had a great day. I think everyone's favorite part though was playing outside before bedtime.

Humore me...reassure me it will be a long while before his feet touch the ground.

M is for Meltdown

So, the morning started out pretty smoothly. Jack was up and going by 6:45. I was halfway expecting to have to drag him out of the bed at 7:45. So, we had some quiet time and breakfast (chocolate milk & blueberry nutrigrain bar). Since Sam was snoozing away, Jack watched Clifford while I prepared Sam's breakfast. Then, after showering I got Jack dressed and worked on that dreaded bed head. Sam finally woke up, but there was really only time to get him dressed and in the car before heading off to school. So, he got his bottle in the car. I managed to snap a few shots of Jack before we loaded up.

We talked about school all the way to the church. He seemed excited or as excited as normal. He absolutely LOVED school last year and would run to greet his teachers. So, I expect this year to be the same...but alas it make take a while to get there. I walked him in and got him interested in puzzles and he began working on them with his buddy, Andrew. Maybe it was the other four kids melting down, the fact that it's a new room, the fact that we've been together mostly all summer, but our big boy lost it when he noticed I'd left the room. Yelling and screaming for his mommy. I got around the corner and realized I'd forgotten to give his teacher his extra clothes. I returned to leave them at the door, and he spotted me through the glass (despite the fact that it's tinted). I reassured him to no avail. So, Sam and I just left. (Afterall, we had a date with the pediatrician.) Of course, when I get to the car my iPod had to be playing Lyle Lovett's "If I Needed You." I know he settled down shortly after I left, otherwise they would have called me, but I wanted to scoop him up and love on him some more. I must admit it feels so good when the big boy still wants to be held. Anyway, I look forward to our drop-offs going a lot smoother as the school year progresses. Maybe soon it will be much like last year, when he runs ahead of me to his class...yet, greets me with a longing smile and big hug at pick-up!

Monday, Monday

So, I managed to get both boys bathed and in bed at a decent hour (although still about 20 minutes later than I had hoped). And, nevermind, htat he laid awake chattering and talking for at least another 20 minutes. I also got more laundry folded and put away. I got Jack's lunch made for tomorrow. I have his clothes laid out and his bag packed. Tomorrow is Jack's first day of 2-year-old preschool. This year he's a Wiggle Worm. I've been prepping him for a few days about going back to school. I don't anticipate any struggle because he LOVED school so much last year. The only hiccup may be in the mornings...let's just say we've been taking it quite easy this summer. I won't complain too much since his school doesn't even start until 9 a.m., but some mornings this summer he has slept until 8:30! (Not to mention little brother Sam has grown accustomed to a lax schedule sometimes snoozing until 9!) I'm hoping getting them both in bed by 8:30 (even though it was after 8:45, when I tucked Jack in.) Anyway, I'm looking forward to my morning with Sam. We'll get a little date every Tuesday while Jack is at school. I'm afraid it will usually include boring errands like the grocery store or cleaning house. I'm thinking he really won't be excited about tomorrow's date: Six month check-up with Dr. Schulz...which means shots. Ouch!

Cute Little Indian

Jack's preschool hosted their annual Thanksgiving program today at school. All the parents came to watch the kids sing songs, and everyone enjoyed a meal together. I managed to snap a few shots of Jack grinning ear to ear and also shushing a crying classmate. He seemed so proud of his headress.




Once he realized the buggy had passed his mama and he wasn't permitted to get out, it was full blown misery. Here he is wailing in agony to get down and crying for his mommy. It was a bit comical. As soon as he was safe in my arms he was all smiles again...clapping and dancing along to the music. Can't believe this baby of mine will be two in just about 9 days now!!