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. 

Mama/Jack Day

Jack and I played hooky today and had ourselves a Mama/Jack day. Ben got one last week when Jack went to camp and childcare this week is a little sporadic. So, we dropped Ben off this morning and headed downtown. 

Given the choice to do whatever he wanted, he chose a ride on the downtown trolleys. We see the trolleys all the time, but have never taken the time to get on them. See the open-aired pink version below that I stole from the MATA Web site because I forgot to grab a photo. 

Jack had a blast, and I enjoyed how the train ride -- which looped down Main Street and around to the riverfront -- made me sit still and just watch out the city go by. Really, just watch Jack take it all in. The whole trip cost us $1.

After the ride, we picked up Aunt Ruby for lunch at the Trolley Stop Cafe and then returned her to her big high-rise downtown building. I could get used to the pace of these days. It's not long, I know, that Jack will be back in school. So for now, we're trying to take summer in. At least when we remember to. 

Bouncing and Ice Cream

One more, and then I'll stop. We met up with some of my best high school friends -- Brandi and Lori -- on our last day in East Tennessee. Because it was 100 degrees outside, we took our kids to Wee Bounce and hung out for a while. 

After Wee Bounce, I took the kiddos to the Mayfield's Visitor Center. We had ice cream and learned a little about milking a cow. Ben thought the udders were "peeing" instead of giving milk. What a city boy.