@ the Patch

Dearest Colt and Jackson,

Fall is here!  So we've wasted zero time jumping into some of my favorite traditions of the year!  We visited the pumpkin patch the first weekend they were open and our timing was perfect as the crowd was minimal.

This year was interesting as you each had your own agenda and they rarely coincided.  

 

The Lake Family was visiting us this weekend so props to Andy for getting some family shots!

 

Colt, you were not getting near the hay ride (too scary, you claimed.?.?) but we snapped this pic of Jax and Katie going past with their crazy driver!  

 

During their hayride, you rocked the inflatable slide...almost 100 times.

 

The fact that you two are the only ones on the merry-go-round is a testament to the low crowds.

 

Jax, you tried just about everything!  - Even the face painting, which you rarely do!

 

Trip #2 came for you a few days later, Jax, when your class walked to the pumpkin patch for your very first field trip.  Your teacher shared these pictures with me and it looks like you had fun!

 

Colt, you also got in another trip to the patch when we went back for a friend's birthday party.

 

Free fun?  Just down the road from home?  What could be better??

 

 

2 down...18 to go

Dearest Jackson,

When we visited the dentist in the Spring, we were surprised when she informed us about your 2 loose teeth!  She told us that they'd probably fall out before your next dental appointment so we kept tabs on them sporadically.  While they were wiggling a bit more, I didn't think they were on the verge of falling out just yet.  Then, on Sunday the 29th, you exclaimed, "My tooth is going to fall out!"  Sure enough, during teeth brushing that night, we saw that it was well on its way out.  So I wasn't surprised when the nurse emailed me that next morning to tell me that you lost your first tooth.  

I picked you up as soon as I could that day and we went on a congratulatory ice cream date!  

You proudly left your tooth under your pillow and the tooth fairy visited you that night.  

Monday's events allowed more wiggle room for your other loose tooth and you pulled that one out in the middle of class that same week on Friday, October 4th.  Disgustingly enough, that lovely tooth is floating around your school somewhere because you misplaced it before you ever came home! 

As simple as that, those lower incisors, who were the first to make their appearance when you were just 7 months old, were the first to exit at 65 months old.

And wouldn't you know it - you have a dentist appointment tomorrow!! 

Grandparents

Dearest Boys,

It's been 3 whole months since your Grandma and Grandpa uprooted themselves and moved 1,000 miles away to be near y'all.  Having them nearby has been nothing but a blessing.  You've had a few sleepovers at their house and you request them frequently.  You think that sleeping together in your own room - a bedroom with a TV!! - is one of the best things ever!  The super late bedtime and pantry stocked with sugar are nice extras too ; )

They've been able to see you, Jax, in action in quite a few of your games and Grandpa has plans to teach you a few soccer skills soon.

We've had them over for dinner a few times and they've hosted us at their place as well.  At our most recent dinner, you led us in prayer, Colt.  I almost shouted "AMEN!" as you bowed your head and told God, "Thank you for this lovely family."  Well spoken, son!

Sometimes Grandma picks you up from school and you're always pleasantly surprised to see her.

She also helps by taking you to school sometimes.  She's even walked you to school once and melted my heart when she sent me this pictures of you two walking towards school together.  

All of this means that Daddy and I have gotten more time to ourselves.  

Sometimes we catch a movie together.

Sometimes we live it up with friends.

Of course, you're never far from our minds -- but it's super reassuring to know who you're with and that you're having the times of your lives!  

Praise God for this lovely family, for sure!

Let's Play Ball

Dearest Boys,

We've taken that "Let's Play Ball" mantra pretty seriously this season.  Jax, to foster your obvious love of athletics, we let you pick two sports for the fall.  You are a proud soccer Ninja and a baseball Tiger.  Your teams are quite different and you play them as such.  The Ninjas are made up of 6 little guys and you practice once a week by running around the field chasing each other.  You have 1 or 2 games each week and you've scored a few times but still seem to prefer playing defense.

(Your reaction after a goal!)

The Tigers, on the other hand, are a more serious group with an organized coach who has y'all practicing twice a week.  In addition to that, you have 1 or 2 baseball games each week.  This is the first season that is "coach pitch" and strikes/fouls/etc. are actually tracked.  You've struck out twice and have been so disappointed in yourself each time.  You bounce back quickly though and have such a great, eager to learn, attitude the whole time.  You were recently awarded the game ball (only the 2nd one of the season) for making plays as third baseman and getting powerful hits at bat!

It makes for a busy schedule but it's a lot of fun!  Now if we can just find a way to incorporate the other FOUR sports you want to play!?!?!

Colt, you've yet to get bitten by the sports bug so you tend to do anything but watch the games.  Luckily, there's always a field/playground/grandparent for you to play on nearby instead.  I sometimes feel bad that we have to drag you to game after game but I figure that this is just the stage of life we're in right now and that your time is coming.  And I so look forward to finding your niche!  Whether it be boy scouts, robotics competitions, gymnastics (not kidding - you jump around and flip all.the.time), violin lessons, dive team, whatever - we'll be your biggest fans too!

The first weeks of Kinder

Dearest Jackson,

Somehow, you've already been in school for 4 weeks!?!! I don't remember much from when I was in Kindergarten...so here are some notes to help you remember your first weeks (in case you're "blessed" with a memory like mine):

You picked out a Spiderman lunch box a few days before school started and we've packed your lunch every day so far this year.  I've asked you if you wanted to buy your lunch but you are a big fan of packing.  However, you do want to buy ice cream every Friday and it's a treat that we allow.

Your teacher, Mrs. Green, had to miss the first week of school due to her son-in-law passing away in an accident the day before school started.  Mrs. Sweitzer, a substitute, had the exhausting task of getting your class off to a great start.  Mrs. Green returned the second week of school only to have to leave again for back surgery.  I'm not even sure if you realize that Mrs. Sweitzer isn't your actual teacher!?!

Daddy drives you to school every morning (unless he has a scheduling conflict -- and Grandma takes you in those cases) since buses aren't offered for our neighborhood.  But you have a new friend who walks to school every morning so you've let us know that you want to be walked to school too!

(FIRST DAY!)

You attend ESD after school and love it!  Since you don't have homework, you get to spend the whole afternoon playing until I pick you up around 5:00.  You were pretty tired that first week each time you got in the car but your energy levels have returned to normal since then.

The nurse has only called us once so far - and it was for a bee sting that you got out at recess.  You seem to be making friends and you recognize people almost every time we go out ("Hey, there's another kid from my school!").  I've already noticed areas where you're improving!  Your coloring is neater and you are picking up a few sight words (on, the, and)!

June 5th will be here before we know it!

Professional Kindergartner

Dearest Jackson,

Before your Kindergarten adventure could officially begin, this moment in time had to be captured through the camera's lens.  We made an entire mommy-son date night out of it.  First, we went for a haircut.  Then, we shared a dinner at Chili's.  And we wrapped things up with these pictures:

Precious smile...precious handwriting...precious boy...precious memory!

Ready, Set, Go!

Dearest Jackson,

On Friday, August 23rd, we took you to your new school for the very first time.  You got to walk to your classroom, find your locker, see your mailbox, and write your name at your place at the table.  Most importantly, you (WE) got to meet your teacher.  It was informal and brief, to say the least, but I think it was enough to set our minds at ease.  

For me, it was weird being on the other side!  Instead of just shaking Mrs. Green's hand, I wanted to pull her aside and spill my guts.  I wanted to tell her that you're outgoing but sensitive and that you're a whiz at counting and adding.  I wanted her to know that you still write the letter 'n' backwards sometimes and need help remembering to put a space between words.  I felt like I needed to explain what a loyal friend you can be and how you'll go with the crowd even when things turn silly and you know better.  I had a strong desire to ask her about the techniques she uses for easing anxiety as some things trigger fears deep inside you and question her as to how long she'll help you button your pants as you have a pair that's tricky and you'll walk around wide open all day instead of asking for help.  Luckily, for all involved, I simply smiled as I introduced myself and kept one arm around your shoulders the entire time as if to say, "This being is completely precious to me and I beg of you to love, comfort, and protect him with all your being."  

And, just like that, my baby was ready for Kindergarten and only two days were standing between you and the start of something special!