Friend Outings

Now that the big kids are gone all day long (and we don't have a morning kindergartener), Grant and I have the freedom to go do things during the day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays when he doesn't have preschool. He's been begging to go to the Children's Museum for months. We finally got to go a couple weeks ago. My friend, Marlene, and her little guy Drew went with us, and we had such a good time. The boys were so stinkin' cute together! I was wishing I had my big camera with me instead of just my phone. Marlene took this one in the parking lot before we went in. Just adorable.

They were pretty funny working with that clay and water. Both of us moms had gray speckles on our clothes and in our hair by the time they were done pounding, rolling, and brushing.

Grant's listening for the cat's heartbeat. He loved the pet hospital.  

We had so much fun spending the day together at the museum that we decided to go to the zoo the next week. It's fun to have a buddy to do things with when you're a little guy all alone at home with mom. Drew's in the same boat. :)

First Day of Preschool

My baby went to his first day of preschool today. He was very excited and happy to go. I got him settled at a table, told him how excited for him I was, kissed him good-bye, and went out into the car and cried. Big tears. I'm happy for him and so thankful he was excited. I've had kids who have cried and sobbed and clung to me. That is NOT fun. He didn't have any trouble at all saying good-bye, which was just great. I ran a couple errands, exciting places like the bank and grocery store, and then came home and cleaned like a mad woman.

When I went to pick him up, I saw him standing by his table, watching the doorway and waiting for me. He jumped up into my arms and gave me the biggest, longest, tightest hug I've had in a long while. It was so sweet. I almost started crying all over again, but I didn't! :) We said good-bye to his teachers who told me he did great, and walked out through the playground. I asked if he wanted to stay and play a little while on the playground, but he shook his head and said, "No, I already had two recesses. I want to go home." So we did. He told me all about his day, about the two bad kids who didn't clean up, about the bumble bee puppet and "bee" rules (be safe, be respectful, be kind), about the girl who cried all day, about the weather and day of the week circle time, and......

I think I might finally have a kid who tells me everything! I hope so. :)

 

He was showing me how much he missed me--just a little bit, the amount between his finger and his thumb. (I loved seeing all the paint on his arms, evidence of preschool.) A little while later, he said he missed the kitties more, with his arms wide open. I told him he's not allowed to miss the kitties more than his mommy, so he switched it. He missed the kitties the little amount and me the big amount. That's better.

 

 



 

 





First Day of School

I wasn't sure I was ready for the first day of school, but here it is! We had the best summer we've had in a long time, and I think that's why I've had a difficult time saying good-bye to summer and hello to fall this year. Usually, by the time August rolls around, I am feeling ready for kids to go back to school, for schedules and all that fall brings, but that didn't happen this year. That feeling never came! We did a lot of fun stuff this summer, but we also had a lot of relaxing days, too. It was the perfect mix. I think the fact that we no longer have a toddler is what made this summer feel so much easier. Every summer for years and years, I've had a little one (or two or three) whom I've had to chase, but not this summer! Grant turned four, and that was a beautiful thing. All four kids swam in the pool (plus sometimes a friend or two), and I didn't have to get in if I didn't want to. I read lots of books this summer, which I really enjoyed. The kids played outside a lot, with each other and with friends and neighbors, and for the most part, got along!

But, it's time for the transition to school now, and we'll enjoy this season, as well. Grant and I are going to have a lot of time together, and I plan to soak it up. He starts his two mornings of preschool next week, (he is VERY excited), but he and I will have all day together Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It'll be a bit of an adjustment. It's been kind of strange today with the three older kids gone all day, but we'll get used to it soon and find our new normal.

Grant refused to get in the picture because he wasn't going to school today.

1st grade, 3rd grade, and 5th grade

 

 

 

Wildwood

Our annual Wildwood day marked the end of our summer. School starts tomorrow! It was a great day with friends.

Joel was pretty excited about the fish he caught in his cup (and later released). Grant REALLY wanted to go across the river like the big kids, and Kari and Maggie kindly helped him cross. They strategized and planned the best route and method, and with adults standing by in case of a hitch in the plan, they managed to get him across and back safely.