Field Trip

Marci had her last field trip two weeks ago.  We went to Home Depot, and the kids all got to pick out a plant for Mother's Day.  She was happy to have me come along, and I had a great time with her!

Of course, we had to a silly shot!

Here's Marci with Lorien, Heath and Gavin back at school showing off their plants.

The End of an Era

As summer quickly comes to an end, I thought I'd better hurry up and post some last-day-of-school shots before the first day of the new school gets here.  Here's Osten on his last day of kindergarten proudly holding his teacher gifts.

A couple of weeks earlier, Marci had her last day of preschool.  Here she is on the school playground with her teacher gifts, lunchbox and backpack.  The kids both gave each of their teachers a beach towel and a Menchie's (frozen yogurt) gift card this year.  

Marci had two fabulous preschool teachers (Mrs. Rasplicka and Mrs. Childers) this year.  She adored both of them, and they were so good to her.  It was a great year!  I even got to be a substitute teacher on a couple of occasions, and it was so fun to see Marci in action in a classroom setting with her friends.

Osten also had two fabulous teachers (Mrs. Dempsey and Mrs. Weaver) this year.  It was definitely an unforgettable kindergarten year.  His teacher, Mrs. Dempsey, embodies the image of a kindergarten teacher in every way!  I know we will remember her always.  It was a great year for Osten, and we are so pleased with his progress in school this year.  He truly loves to learn, and it has been a real joy watching his mind and his world expand.

Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetic

We spend more time than ever around the kitchen table these days as Osten (and Marci, too!) get homework done.

Osten is loving kindergarten and working hard! He tells us often that he likes to do his homework. (Hooray!)

Marci is staying just as busy as ever trying to keep up with her older brother. I'm amazed with everything that she picks up from him! She tells us often that she can't wait to be in kindergarten.

Milestone Mania

What a big boy . . . walking to class with one of the older kids as an escort! And about one week later, he decided it was more fun to walk to class all by himself. Way to go, Osten!

Another Milestone

We've been talking to Osten all week about getting dropped off in carpool. On Tuesday, we had him all pumped up about getting out of the car in the line and walking to his class with one of the big-kid helpers. Well, as soon as we got to the front of the line, he burst into tears! Luckily, as soon as I pulled back out of the line, he calmed right down. I parked, and Marci and I walked him to his class.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we parked and all walked in together, but we took a few minutes to watch the carpool kids get out of their parents' cars and walk into the kindergarten building. Last night, Daddy and I had some time to talk to him again about being brave and trying new things. We also sweetened the deal by promising him a trip to Menchie's for frozen yogurt. He seemed to be on board, but I was a little nervous about the follow through.

When we loaded into the car this morning, I switched their booster seats so Osten would be on the carpool side. We talked a little bit in the car about frozen yogurt and how many toppings he could have if he overcame his fears. (We settled on six!) He also asked to make a special delivery to Daddy's office so he could celebrate with us. Things were sounding pretty good, and the scent of success was in the air . . .

We pulled into the line and quickly made our way to the front. I was getting good vibes from the backseat. As the teacher opened the car door, he took off his seat belt, shouted, "Bye, Mom!" grabbed the helper's hand, and off he went! He didn't hesitate or glance back at the car a single time. He just confidently walked hand-in-hand with a girl who looked like she was in about the third grade.

Oh, this growing-up stuff is bittersweet. Our little birdie is learning to fly! Thank God he won't be leaving the nest any time soon. We are just so proud of him!

The Front Door Shot(s)

I got Osten all loaded down with his gear, and then I just had to get a few shots of him by our front door just like my mom always used to do with us.

Peace out, dude!

Hmm....I'm getting the feeling that somebody thinks I'm taking too many pictures??!!

He indulged me for one last shot!

K is for Kindergarten

Guess who had his first day of kindergarten this Monday??!! I had promised his favorite dinner (Kraft macaroni and cheese) on the special plate, but I surprised him and let him have breakfast on the special plate, too. We started the big day off with some apple juice (a/k/a "strong juice"), bananas, peanut butter and crackers, and a little bit of silliness!

We got to school nice and early and had time for some pictures with Hamilton. Osten found a giant feather in the pine straw and is holding it in his hand.

Starting school has been a little rough on Marci, who is ticked that Osten beat her to kindergarten! She's been a good sport about it, though, and we have had a very nice time together this week.

Here he is at his table in Mrs. Dempsey's class. He looks so big! And he gets to sit close to Trixie, the bunny. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you, Osten!

New School

Marci started a new school this year. Here she is on her first day.

She picked out her outfit all by herself. She was particularly excited to be wearing her favorite Aurora shirt. She also announced that she wanted me to fix her hair in three pony tails (WHAT?), but since two is Mommy's limit that had to do!

Such a big girl! She pulled that door open all by herself . . .

. . . and just walked right in! Her new princess backpack was an especially big deal!

Pre-kindergarten

It's hard to believe that our first-born is in pre-K and in his last year at the school where he has been since he was 14 weeks old. My, how time flies!

He has also officially entered the awkward smile phase, which of course makes him all the cuter to me!

He picked out his outfit by himself, and he was especially excited to wear his new school shirt. And by the way, the sandals he's wearing had a rough summer. After months of sand and sweat, we mistook their stench for dog poop in the car one afternoon. Needless to say, we bypassed Goodwill and put those puppies on the fast-track to the landfill.

Christmas Step-by-Step

Osten had his school performance, Christmas Step-by-Step this week. It was absolutely adorable! Here's the choir of three- and four-year-olds. Their little voices were so sweet.

Here's Osten (with his mouth open and just singing his little heart out) with the flock of sheep and the shepherds (or presherds as Osten likes to say).

The sheep were front and center to show off their marching feet, running feet and quiet feet on their way to Bethlehem.

Here's our favorite sheep after the show. Superstar!!

Christmas Step-by-Step (cont'd)

What did the sheep do after the show? Gave his sister a big choke-hold hug, of course!

He also posed with Billy and Ms. Casey . . .

. . . and Ms. Cherissa.

But best of all, he and Marci got to play in the stable!