It's That Time of Year...

...football season! Could this be the year Notre Dame? We're pullin' for the Fighting Irish over here in boyland. A few oldies, but goodies to ring in the new season. :)

First Day of Preschool

Today was the boys' first day of preschool and they did GREAT! We arrived on campus to find members of the school's leadership team holding the big doors to the lobby open, greeting new students. We turned down the hallway of the boys classroom when James yelled, "Mommy, I think I like preschool!"

Yay!

I kept waiting for a hint of anxiety out of the boys and found none...whew. I spoke with one of their teachers and mentioned they might have a tough time transitioning and she gently suggested they would be fine and would probably handle the transition better if I said goodbye when they were on the playground. I wasn't ready for that at all! I anticipated staying all day today, but seeing how much fun they were having, I knew she was right. A few minutes into their playtime, I gave them each a big kiss and a quick hug and ducked into the classroom and out the door. I'm not sure my sunglasses hid the fat, wet tears streaming down my face, but I made it to the car before bursting into tears. After about 15 minutes, when the teachers didn't call to say they boys were miserable and needed to be picked up, I drove home and settled into work.

I practically sped back to the school at the end of their day to pick them up as I was anxious to see how it went. I could not have asked for happier, more excited kiddos, which made my eyes swell with tears again! I was so proud of my little guys!

They talked excitedly about their day in the car on our way to McDonald's to meet Daddy for a celebratory lunch. I heard about the "crafites" they got to make, the toys they played with and how many teachers they had. James was even assigned a job today - holding the flag for the class during the Pledge of Allegiance. He was so proud!

Scenes of Summer

Indoor science projects.

Mango smoothies from Starbucks makes my kid do this.

Swimming

Ice skating. Nothing more refreshing then standing next to a big 'ol slab of ice for 30 minutes in the middle of summer.

Harkins summer movies.

Gettin' our bowl on.

Shooting rockets.

Library reading programs.

Turning our doors into art galleries.

Nature walks in Flagstaff.

Jesus Sounds Like...

This morning, we attended the boys' preschool orientation. The preschool is connected to a large Christian church so before visiting their classroom and meeting their teacher, students were asked to gather in the church beforehand for a welcome, prayer and announcements. And a round of hearty Christian-rock music.

This type of jovial music is quite different than what they typically hear during a Catholic mass, and, perhaps opened them up to some creative interpretation. James turned to me and loudly remarked, "Mommy! They're singing about Cheez-Its!"

At Four and a Half

Boys,
You are the ripe old age of four and a half and since I have yet to crack open those baby books, I thought I would write about your unique characteristics so that one day, you would know I was paying attention, despite my complete disregard for traditional record keeping. :)

Jonathan

Most likely to: pass on sugary treats for veggies.

Favorite television shows: Transformers, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heros', GI Joe (the 80's cartoon version), Richard Scarry's Busytown, Dinosaur Train

Physical attribute that closely resembles Mommy: your lips

Physical attribute that closely resembles Daddy: everything else.

Can't live without: Dada

Career choice: Superhero

Can't sleep without: Lamby, Tiny Turtle and "Abby to Gabby," your pink rabbit

The last time you made me laugh: 20 minutes ago. You yelled, "MOMMY! I just went behind the couch and tooted!"

Pizza preference: olive.

Bookshelf: anything about dinosaurs, trucks

Palate Pleaser: Blue cheese stuffed olives.

Quotables: "I like when the sun settles."

Your biggest challenge: holding still

By the numbers: 7. You said this is your favorite because it looks like a water slide.

I can't live without: your puckery kisses

What I admire about you today: Your perfect combination of boy bravado and sensitivity.

Partner in Crime: your bro.

James

Favorite television shows: Thomas and Friends, Sid the Science Kid, Cat in the Hat, Transformers

By the numbers: 8. Because it's one more than Jonathan.

Physical attribute that closely resembles Mommy: your eyes

Physical attribute that closely resembles Daddy: that overall "look" Pop-Pop, Opa and Daddy all share. I can't explain it but know it when it see it. :)

Breakfast of champions: Boston Cream donut from Dunkin'

Career choice: garbage truck driver

Bookshelf: anything about trucks, insects.

Quotables: "I can do it myself, I just need the constructions." (instructions).

I can't live without: your infectious, boisterous giggle

Stuffed animals friends currently residing on your bed: Teddy, Buzzer Bee and Seaweed (a.k.a The Very Hungry Caterpillar).

Obsessed with: cab-over-engine garbage trucks; trains

Your biggest challenge: trying new things

Last time you made me laugh: Last night when I accidentally bucked you off of my back while giving you a ride. You collapsed in giggles.

What I admire about you today: your curiosity about how things work.

Partner in crime: your bro.