Starting School

Gosh! School started and life went into over-drive. Connor started 2nd grade this year. He is in Mrs. Talbot's class. He started the school year knowing a handful of kids. His best friend Jaron is in his class. I challenged him at the start of the school year to make new friends in his class. He has done so well! He has been so kind and loving to a boy in his class who has autism. He has an aide that sits with him and helps him during school. Connor and this sweet boy sat by each other at the beginning of the school year and I think it was a bit of a shock for Connor but he has really learned to love this boy. He plays with him at recess sometimes, and lets him join his friends in whatever they are playing. The little boy has a short attention span and usually doesn't play too long but it's so nice knowing that Connor plays with him and includes him.

Dylan started 1st grade and he is in Mrs. Echols class. My boys both scored in the teacher department this year! We love Mrs. Echols. I am able to go and help every Monday for an hour in Dylan's class. I am also the room mom so I get to help with parties and holiday celebrations. Dylan is smart as a whip! He is quiet and a good leader in class. He has some tough kids in his class but he always manages to stay on task and get his work done. He has made some good little buddies this year and is learning to love sports. He plays soccer, football, or basketball at recess.

Samantha started preschool at Watch Me Grow Preschool with Miss Julie and Grandma Smith.  To say she has waited her whole life to go to preschool is the absolute truth! She couldn't wait to go! She loved her teachers before she ever started preschool. She is my little social butterfly. She has crushes on "all the boys!" and "every single boy loves her!" So, I think I have my work cut out for me already! She is starting to write her name and knows most of her letters. She is counting higher and higher every day and she thinks she can speak spanish (she cannot--but it's fun to hear her try!).

My kids love their teachers this year! I feel so blessed to have such wonderful teachers handling my kids everyday. My boys have grown leaps and bounds this year. They all have teachers who are passionate about education and love children. It's been such a fun year for them!

Graduation

We had two graduations in May.

Dylan graduated from Watch Me Grow Preschool. He has loved going to preschool. He has made some good little buddies but cannot wait to go to kindergarten. Miss Julie and Grandma Smith are his favorite teachers--and I love them too!

Connor had kindergarten graduation in May as well.  They had a little program where they sang songs, danced a little, and handed out diplomas! Connor is absolutely ready to go to 1st grade. He loved kindergarten but always wished he could stay at school a little longer so he could be with his friends.

Both boys have grown leaps and bounds this past year. I am so proud of both of them and love watching them learn and grow every day!!

Mr. Dylan

Today was the big day. You have waited 22 sleeps for this day. You watched the clock for an entire 36 minutes this morning--and you told me every few minutes that "it's getting closer mom!" You were the first one awake, as always. You ate tiger cereal (Frosted Flakes) for breakfast. I let you pick out whatever you wanted to wear--you chose the glow in the dark Superman shirt. You know, I still think you are Superman. You picked out a pair of superhero socks and your new black "make-me-run-super-fast-shoes!" We fixed your hair just right, "not too spiky, mom." and then we loaded up in the van and headed to preschool.

You were quiet on the ride over. I watched you look out the window as we drove the 2 miles to school. As we pulled up in front of the school your eyes lit up and you couldn't wait to get out of the car. I got in a few pictures as Grandma Smith gave you a squirt of germ-busters...and then you were gone!

I wouldn't have it any other way. You have waited a long time to "be in the big kid class" at preschool. And while I am a little sad you are in the big kid class I  know you are going to be amazing this year. Have fun big boy!
Love, Mom

dylan's turn

Dilly Dawg!

You did it!

One year of preschool is done.

I can't believe how fast it went. 

You are so excited to be in the 4 year old class next year.

Today you were so pumped for school--just like you are everyday.

You got to wear your swimsuit to school today for the water party.

Summer is finally here and you asked me about ten times today if we could play in the pool when you got home.

You are getting so smart. 

We are so excited your birthday is coming up.

You cannot wait to be 4 so then you "can be big like Connor and Paige."

Oh, Dilly Dawg!

We love you so much

I am so proud of you.

Grandma Smith and Miss Julie are so excited to see you again next year!

Way to go buddy

I love you

love mom

ps. you were being your normal poke-along-self this morning and we didn't have time for a picture. Good thing I snapped a few while we played in the pool this afternoon!

growing up

my sweetest connor boy,

today you ventured off to your last day of preschool

you woke up excited for the water party {despite your sore throat}

we ate pancakes for breakfast

i will never forget your first day

you began this journey as my shy little 3 year old

no longer my baby boy; you are ready for kindergarten

with a gift for each of your teachers, i dropped you off for the final time

grandma smith greeted you at the door--as she does everyday--with a hug

as i drove away, the tears in my eyes spilled over onto my cheeks

i am so proud of you

my heart is torn into a million pieces today

this journey through preschool has been exactly what i hoped it would be

while i am sad to see it come to an end

i am so happy it all happened.

you are confident. smart. too smart sometimes. funny. and kind. 

you are going to do great things.

kindergarten is waiting

in a few short months, preschool will be a distant memory for you

life will be full of new friends, new teachers, and lots of learning

you are going to be great

i love you.

love mom

{he is still recovering from his surgery...a half smile is all he could muster up!}