First Day of Preschool

We've got both our boys back in school now. That sigh you hear is the relief we feel from surviving another summer of "figuring it out." (thank goodness for mine and John's flexible/wacky work schedules and quality drop-in child care at Methodist Healthcare).

Ben started 3K at Lord of Life Preschool last week. While it was technically his first day, I feel like that place is sort of our second home. We went to church there for nearly 5 years, I've served on the school board for 5 years or so, Jack was in preschool for three years, and Ben is starting his second year.

So we managed to avoid all the angst we had with kindergarten. From me, I mean. Ben, he's scared of almost nothing. He was so excited to start, and proud he got his photo taken on his first day. Easy cheesy.

Week One

I wanted to post these before our first week got away from us. Jack is enjoying kindergarten and making friends. I think John and I are starting to get acclimated to it too -- just in time for Ben to start preschool next week.

Ben and John, waiting on Jack on the first day of school.

Jack, getting out on his second big day.

Kindergarten, Day One

Take a look at this kindergartner. Handsome boy, huh? Today was Jack's first day in a staggered week -- he'll meet his entire class on Monday. 

Our neighborhood is across the street from his school, so we're walkers. John and I both had a little panic today, though, when we realized there's no more walking him to his room after today. He and dozens of other kids met us at our neighborhood entrance today (with a teacher and crossing guard). Still, it was a big reminder that this isn't preschool anymore. 

I haven't heard much about today, yet, but I think he had fun. Here's my report: He had spaghetti, peas, applesauce and chocolate milk for lunch. He read a story about Chester the Raccoon (it was his first day at kindergarten too) and then he made a puppet that looked like Chester. Oh, and he played outside.

Ben and Jack, walking to school.

Next week, we go everyday. Let's hope mom survives it all.

Zoo Camp, Before I Forget

Summer is almost over around here. Kindergarten starts on Thursday, Ben's preschool is a few weeks away.   I wanted to post these pics before I lost them or forgot them. Both scenarios are pretty likely these days.

Jack went to Zoo Camp a couple of weeks ago. He told me it was his favorite camp of the summer. I experimented this summer with just a few camps. VBS and Soccer Camp at church, All Sports Camp at CBHS and Zoo Camp. We'll do all of those again next year and maybe add a few.

We spent a couple of afternoon roaming the zoo after camp. The boys got to feed giraffes, a new relatively new activity at the zoo.

Kindergartner, Registered

We registered Jack for kindergarten this week, in preparation for his first day of school. He goes one day next week, but I wanted to post these first. I've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately with a lot of transition in every part of my life, so ... I let John handle it. Let everyone who thinks I'm a control freak know this: I let John register this kindergartener on his own. 

And he did a great job. I think I'm most surprised by the amount of stuff a kindergartner needs these days. We bought the pre-packaged set of supplies, which included -- among other things -- 15 glue sticks, eight packs of crayons, lots of pencils, wipes and a headset.

I ordered his backpack from LL Bean, which promises me a lifetime warranty. I still have my college backpack, which I use on lots of trips.

Here we go! Next week, Day 1 of kindergarten.