They love to climb into each other's cribs... usually just to play... but lately? We've found this on occasion. Endearingly adorable until you dwell on the fact one is bound to wake the other up earlier than if they were in separate cribs...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Too bonded?
They love to climb into each other's cribs... usually just to play... but lately? We've found this on occasion. Endearingly adorable until you dwell on the fact one is bound to wake the other up earlier than if they were in separate cribs...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Caleb's First Day of Kindergarten
Silas Willard Elementary School, built it 1912. Silas Willard was one of the founding fathers of Galesburg, and he helped bring the railroad here. Most famous alumnus? President Ronald Reagan, who attended first grade here in 1917-18. How cool is that?
This was the on the Friday night before school. The kinder and 1st grade teachers open up their rooms so you can bring all your supplies in, find your desk, meet the teacher, etc. This was especially nice because on Monday we had to say our goodbyes outside and not accompany them into the building! Too many clingy parents equals chaos, I'm sure. I was a bit of a basket-case that night though... quite a few tears, and I even lost the ability to make any kind of coherent comment to anyone, or even to look around the room much. I just love all things about school, and am so excited that he is at this stage in life!
On Sunday night, before the first day, we took the boys to play in the playground area. We also showed Caleb his teacher's name on the sidewalk, where he would be lining up in the morning.
This is the morning of, in front of our house, with his Transformer backpack.
His teacher, who we were thrilled to get, sent a letter in the mail last week that included nametags for the kids to wear this morning. Her classroom theme is "Clifford". I actually forgot his nametag, and when I walked up to his line I panicked. (How bad is he going to feel without one? Will they not learn his name all day? What will they think of me for forgetting it?) Fortunately, we had enough time that Weston was able to run home and grab it. And actually, being so flustered about that helped me not to over-emotionally invest in what was actually happening... my baby going off to school!
Caleb honestly did great. He has been SO looking forward to it, and so excited for months. He never expressed one worry about anything. His aide came by in line and asked the kids if they were ready for a fun day, and he responded, "I couldn't wait!" He was the picture of calm independence this morning. But while standing there waiting in line, still was sweet enough to give me a few extra hugs, as if he sensed I needed them. Then he marched right off in line without even looking back.
We really tried to focus him on being kind and friendly to the others in his class who might be feeling a little sad today, and he seemed to love to take on that challenge.
And the sweetest moment? I had read "The Kissing Hand" to him a few days ago, rephrasing the parts about the raccoon actually being nervous and worried to go to school (Do you realize that most 'going to kindergarten' books are about this anxiety? Since Caleb didn't express any, I certainly didn't want to introduce him to the concept!) And the basic theme of the story is that the mother raccoon kisses her son's palm, and wraps his fingers around it, telling him he can touch his cheek with his hand whenever he wants to be reminded of her love for him.
So of course I kiss his hand and tell him he can do the same. Cute story. But this morning I wasn't even thinking much about it, and as he is standing there in line, he looks at me and smiles, and holds his little hand up to his cheek.
When we picked him up at 11:30 (short day today), he was all smiles, and had nothing but great things to say. He is very much looking forward to Day 2, and especially to eating lunch there!
This was the on the Friday night before school. The kinder and 1st grade teachers open up their rooms so you can bring all your supplies in, find your desk, meet the teacher, etc. This was especially nice because on Monday we had to say our goodbyes outside and not accompany them into the building! Too many clingy parents equals chaos, I'm sure. I was a bit of a basket-case that night though... quite a few tears, and I even lost the ability to make any kind of coherent comment to anyone, or even to look around the room much. I just love all things about school, and am so excited that he is at this stage in life!
On Sunday night, before the first day, we took the boys to play in the playground area. We also showed Caleb his teacher's name on the sidewalk, where he would be lining up in the morning.
This is the morning of, in front of our house, with his Transformer backpack.
His teacher, who we were thrilled to get, sent a letter in the mail last week that included nametags for the kids to wear this morning. Her classroom theme is "Clifford". I actually forgot his nametag, and when I walked up to his line I panicked. (How bad is he going to feel without one? Will they not learn his name all day? What will they think of me for forgetting it?) Fortunately, we had enough time that Weston was able to run home and grab it. And actually, being so flustered about that helped me not to over-emotionally invest in what was actually happening... my baby going off to school!
Caleb honestly did great. He has been SO looking forward to it, and so excited for months. He never expressed one worry about anything. His aide came by in line and asked the kids if they were ready for a fun day, and he responded, "I couldn't wait!" He was the picture of calm independence this morning. But while standing there waiting in line, still was sweet enough to give me a few extra hugs, as if he sensed I needed them. Then he marched right off in line without even looking back.
We really tried to focus him on being kind and friendly to the others in his class who might be feeling a little sad today, and he seemed to love to take on that challenge.
And the sweetest moment? I had read "The Kissing Hand" to him a few days ago, rephrasing the parts about the raccoon actually being nervous and worried to go to school (Do you realize that most 'going to kindergarten' books are about this anxiety? Since Caleb didn't express any, I certainly didn't want to introduce him to the concept!) And the basic theme of the story is that the mother raccoon kisses her son's palm, and wraps his fingers around it, telling him he can touch his cheek with his hand whenever he wants to be reminded of her love for him.
So of course I kiss his hand and tell him he can do the same. Cute story. But this morning I wasn't even thinking much about it, and as he is standing there in line, he looks at me and smiles, and holds his little hand up to his cheek.
When we picked him up at 11:30 (short day today), he was all smiles, and had nothing but great things to say. He is very much looking forward to Day 2, and especially to eating lunch there!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Clever Caleb
While we were at camp a few weeks ago, we were moving from the beach area to the tables, and my hands were full (when aren't they?), so I had asked Caleb to help me bring some of the shoes up. I'd expected him to pick up a pair or two, and follow right behind me. However, he took awhile, and when he did finally catch up, this was the site we saw.
It's a good glimpse of our clever, problem-solving kid.
It's a good glimpse of our clever, problem-solving kid.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A day at camp with Daddy...
Grandma Joy, the boys, and I got to enjoy an afternoon at camp with Daddy and the Junior Highers. Faith Bible Camp is only 35 minutes away, so we packed our lunch, and arrived just in time to eat with them and enjoy the afternoon. The boys got spoiled with attention of course, and especially enjoyed riding in the golf cart, swimming in the pond, and going on the slip-n-slide. They even got their own neat walking sticks! It really wore us all out, but it was worth it! And it was especially nice to spend some time with daddy after missing him all week.
What surprised us the most about the day was Ethan in the water... He's a fish!!! No fear, and he loves it! He went all the way out to the big trampoline with daddy, and even down the slide. He was much braver than any of the other boys, and braver than they've ever been. Very fun!
And my favorite series of pictures from the day...
Friday, August 7, 2009
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Galesburg held the neatest Hot Air Balloon Festival recently. I had never been to anything like it, and when, after several weather delays, they started blowing up those gigantic balloons, I was in awe. It was so neat to see them take off, and especially cool to experience the 'night glow'. The boys loved every minute of it!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Ball Game with the Boys
We enjoyed a fun evening awhile back when we took Caleb and Aidan to a minor league ballgame; the Peoria Chiefs. It was free hot dog and peanuts night. Each of them ate 3 hot dogs! Wow! And Caleb loved to crack the peanuts and then hand the nuts to mom or dad.
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