Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The FIRST First Day

Well, things have settled in a bit into "school-year mode" around here, so I can finally share a few pictures and stories from Eli's first day of K4 (4-year-old kindergarten). He is going three days a week, and while I was originally feeling like that was way too much, it thus far seems to be a good balance for him and for the family.

On his first day, we all went together to drop Eli off. On the way up to the K4 door, Eli said, almost to himself, "I am so excited!", which made this mommy feel so happy for him (but still a little emotional for me!). He enthusiastically showed Daddy his locker, since Daddy did not go to the open house day, and then went on to find his seat with barely a glance back at us. No tears from Eli, and Mommy managed to not let any sneak out until we were safely back in the car and on the way home (and I was missing his little voice, and life observations, piping up from the backseat of the car). It was different to just have three of us, as Evelyn got her parents to herself for a little stop at a coffee shop to play before Daddy headed off to work. At pickup, Eli was happy to see us, and rather nonchalant about the whole day. No big deal, just a big kid going to school. Um, still a super-big deal to Mom. :)

He seems to enjoy his class and teacher, and he always has a big smile, and sometimes a wave, for me when I pick him up each day. We don't hear a ton from him about school, but we get a sense of what he is doing and learning from the weekly updates from his teacher, and from what he starts to teach Evelyn, and us, through his play (lining up for music class, new games from gym, etc.). He is particularly excited about Spanish class and recess, and likes to help me pack his lunch each evening before a school day. So proud of our big little guy, and excited for him to grow and learn this year!

The K4 kid with one of his biggest fans in the background

Smile!

Walking with Daddy

Hanging up his big backpack in his cubby

Eli's cubby

Friday, September 5, 2014

Tales from the Road

Most of our past month was spent on the go, and luckily that meant that we got to see many family members during our travels. Here's a few of the places that the minivan traveled to this month:

Mimi and Pa's House

The kids spent time with their cousins, and got to meet their newest cousin, during a visit to Mimi and Pa's house. We had fun biking, swimming, and even made it to the zoo.

Plenty of open sidewalk for a bike adventure

Mimi goes along for the ride (or walk)

An Evelyn-sized boat

A little chilly, but even Mommy made it into the water

Hunting for wildlife with Pa

The joy of a post-church, "we-behaved-in-church" cookie

Waiting for the zoo train

Ice cream!

These kids are ice-cream-eating pros...passed down from both sides of the family

Love that little man (and his ice cream mustache/goatee)

Proud aunt and a sweet little babe

 The lovely Miss K

More zoo!

More ice cream!

The little lady can manage her ice cream spoon all by herself quite nicely!

Two More States

Continuing our travels for more family occasions...including a birthday party weekend for Cousin K!

Getting used to this whole hotel thing

River Museum fun with Pa

Helping boats traverse the locks with Papa

Sprinkler fun

Picnic lunch