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!

Summer Break: Grand Finale!

Dear Colt and Jackson,

Thank God for Labor Day!  We are using today to refuel our systems as the start of a new school has taken a lot out of all of us!  We soaked up a ton of fun during that last week of summer though!

One day, we dared to go into Chuck E Cheese.  I was not looking forward to it as I pictured chaos, germs, and more screaming kids than I can handle.  But I have to admit that I was giving it a bad wrap!  We got there right when they opened and it was totally the opposite of what I had envisioned (I think my problem is that we'd only been there for birthday parties (Saturdays) before).  A mom of one of my past students manages the location and she hooked us up with free drinks, pizza, and more tokens that we knew what to do with!  Y'all played for over 2 hours and had a blast!

Another day, we took advantage of the Back to School Bash hosted by Grandpa & Grandma's neighborhood.  We walked with Grandma to their club house and enjoyed bounce houses, balloon animals, food, and sno-cones!  (Face painting was offered too but neither of you were interested in that & I don't blame you!)

And, of course, the pool was there for us almost daily to soothe our end-of-summer blues...

It's only been 2 weeks but I miss it already!  Is it too soon to start making plans for next summer??

3 year well check

Dearest Colton,

Just a few days after you turned 3, our family of four went to the doctor together for your well-check.  You were the perfect patient and did exactly what was asked of you for all of the various "tests".  We found out that you are 39 inches tall.  I didn't write down which percentile that put you in but I know it was somewhere around 80 or 85% and you're just a smidge taller than your brother was at this age.  

You weighed 39 lbs and that totally tops the charts (around 95% percentile!)!  

Other than some digestive issues that are seriously halting our potty training right now, you were given a clean bill of health!  You received the flu mist and then we were happily on our way.  

Three cheers for a healthy three year old!!!

Firsts

Dear Colton and Jax,

With the end of our FIRST summer in our new house quickly coming to a close, we left our nest for a few other FIRST experiences:

FIRST time at the Perot Museum

While I've heard that this new museum is advanced and fun, I'd also heard that it's incredibly crowded - so I had been delaying our visit.  But then the Vaughns invited us to tag along with their membership so it seemed like the perfect timing.  Except the rumors are all true.  While it was fun and educational, it was also packed with kids!  We made the most of it though and I think y'all had a great time!

FIRST Friday Night Fireworks

A neighboring town shoots off fireworks every Friday night during the summer and I've wanted to go watch them for a while now.  So, last weekend, we finally partook in this free event!  We hung out on a blanket together right on the lake shore and it was a lot of fun! 

(self-pics are not my specialty and that flash was bright!!)

FIRST time to be FIRST at one of our favorite playgrounds

We got to the playground around 8:45 the other morning and we were shocked that no one else was there!  One of our favorite playgrounds all to ourselves?  Yes, please!!

Just a few more weeks and then it'll be time for our FIRST days of school!

3rd Birthday Party

Dearest Colt,

Sunday night we hosted some of your friends at our house for a pirate themed pool party in honor of your 3rd birthday.  

I tried to incorporate pirate things here and there and it all turned out nicely.

The food was basic and simple but only the "treasure map" was photographed.  (Also on the menu were "cannon balls," "pirate's booty," "Polly's crackers," and "fish & chips.")

We tried a new-to-us bakery for your cake and it was as adorable as it was delicious!  The bottom tier was tuxedo (chocolate and vanilla layered with oreo filling) and the top tier was lemon.

Guests started arriving right at 4:00 and all of the kids jumped in the pool right away.  It was such a fun scene in the backyard!

We took a break from swimming around 5:30 to chow down.

And then I asked for a group picture before we cut the cake.

As everyone sang "Happy Birthday", you covered your mouth as if you were surprised : )

And, even after everyone else finished their cake and jumped back in the pool, you were the last one at the table going to town on your cake!

All the kids took a few swings at the pinata after the swimming was done.  Turns out, it takes more than a plastic bat to break open those things!  We ended up having each kid take a string.  Everyone pulled at the same time and that finally released the treasures.

Last, but not least, we all went inside for gifts.  Your friends got you so many neat things and then we said goodbye to our last guest a little after 7:00.

We took a few group shots to wrap things up.

Your brother suggested that he take the last picture of the day and we were all cracking up as he had the lens pointed in crazy directions.  Yet, this was his final product.  Such a great ending to a great day!

It's been a blessing having you in our lives for the past 3 years and I pray that you are blessed with at least 33 more!