Preschool Already?

Today marked the first day of preschool for my little man. He woke up this morning ready to start his day and quickly reminded me that he's "all growed up". His only requirement was that I give him a mohawk... a "big, big, big, big, HUGE mohawk". Easier said than done when he has a buzz cut but we tried. He couldn't wait to tell us ALL about his day when we got home. In fact, I'm pretty sure he didn't stop talking until he went to bed tonight. It just doesn't seem possible that he's in preschool already. I think he will always be my "baby Sam"...

We found a little backpack that was just his size.

Interview with a Preschooler

My favorite food is:  Cereal Bars

My favorite sport is:  Hockey

My favorite TV shows are:  Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood & Team Umizoomi

The coolest person on Earth:  Taylor (his friend from school)

One thing I am really good at is:  Writing

My favorite color is:  Green

My favorite toy is:  Batman

When I grow up I want to be:  A hockey player is his usual answer but tonight he decided it would be wise to have a back up plan so if the hockey thing doesn't work out he will be a Ninja Turtle.

My favorite books:  Pete the Cat, Easy Street, We're Going on a Bear Hunt

My favorite snack:  Trail mix

My least favorite food:  Pineapple

My favorite animal:  Tiger

My favorite game:  Candyland

My favorite thing to do with Mom:  Read books

My favorite thing to do with Dad:  Play basketball

Hello First Grade!

Today was Joey's first day of first grade! He has been looking forward to this day for awhile now. Being a first grader is kind of a big deal. Not only does he now get to choose between two hot meals at lunch, he also gets to check out two books at a time from the library (the kindergartners only get to check out one at a time). 

Thankfully he's not too cool to let his mom walk him to his classroom. I even got a hug and kiss goodbye. I am amazed at how much he's matured in the last year. He walked into the school like he owned the place and walked straight to his new classroom. It was such a relief to see him so calm and confident. No first day jitters for this guy!

Here are a few photos...

A first grade boy's most important accessories...

his shoes...

... and his backpack!

Checking out his new desk

His teacher

Interview with a First Grader

My favorite food is: Chicken

My favorite sport is: Flag Football

My favorite TV show is: Ninjago

The coolest person on Earth: Bruizer

One thing I am really good at: Tying my shoes

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Rapid City

My favorite color is: Green

My favorite toys are: Legos

When I grow up, I want to be: Football Player

My favorite movie is: Cars 2

My favorite book is: Elephant and Piggie books

My favorite season is: Fall

My favorite snack is: a Green Apple

One food I don't like: Lasagna

If I had one wish, it would be: To get a trophy

My favorite animal: Penguins

My favorite game is: Lego Batman (DS)

My favorite thing to do with Mom: Mini Golf

My favorite thing to do with Dad: Play Wii

Adios Kindergarten!

Today was Joey's big day. Kindergarten graduation!! I know every parent says this but I can't believe the school year is {almost} over and he's going to be a 1st grader! I'm amazed every day at the things he's learned and the progress he's made over the past year. We are so proud of him!!

Before graduation, his class had a short music program. Joey was so nervous. I thought for sure he was going to get sick but fortunately he made it and once it was over, he was all smiles.

Joey with his good friend, Ryne

Joey with Grandma Shayne. He was so happy she could be there. 

Proud Mommy and Daddy 

Joey with his teacher, Mrs. Weiser. He loves her (and we do too)! 

Joey and Tommy have been friends since they were 1! 

Joey in front of his self portrait. It's hard to read, but it says "After I graduate, I want to...  sqt (skate)".  I know, laugh all you want. Apparently, when you say your kids will never play hockey, it means both of your kids will be obsessed with hockey. Lesson learned.

Joey with the principal, Mr. Sheldon. All of the kids LOVE this guy. 

Time to celebrate!

My Baby is Growing Up!

Last weekend we celebrated Sam's 4th birthday. Let me just point out a few things to illustrate his excitement for this day.

• He's been talking about his birthday since last October.
• He struggled with picking a theme. Important decisions for an almost-4-year-old. First it was Mickey Mouse, then Batman, then Monster Jam then Backyardigans, then back to Batman. Then at the last minute, he went back to the Backyardigans. 
• His birthday celebration started on his actual birthday, then continued for the next 3 days until his party. He insisted we sing Happy Birthday to him every time we ate a piece of leftover cake.
• Walking into his birthday party, he started jumping up and down, squealing "I so happy, Mommy! It's my birthday party today!!" 
• A huge grin appeared each time someone wished him a Happy Birthday. 
• He had zero interest in getting or opening gifts. All he cared about was having a party with his friends and, of course, being the center of attention. Oh, and balloons and cake are a plus too.
• Tonight he asked if we could have another birthday party tomorrow. I had to break the news that birthdays only come once a year so we will have to wait until next year. BUT his Adoption Day is right around the corner and that's a fun day to celebrate too!

My Birthday Boy! I can't get enough of his sweet smile!

His birthday breakfast. 

He loved his cake!

Make a wish!

Time to party!

Balance beam

Joey and Khai racing across the balance beams.

The pit!

My attempt at getting a group photo.

I'll end this post with a funny story... "I love you to the moon and back" is something Sam and I always say to each other. The other night he was upset about having to go to bed and after I told him I love him to the moon and back, he said "Mommy, I love you to the moon but NOT back."

Christmas

This Christmas we had 5 fun-filled days of celebration with family and friends. Josh's brother, Aaron (from NJ) and sister, Chelsea (from NC) decided at the last minute to visit the week before Christmas. It was great to see them again and the kids loved having them here. Aaron was able to come to Joey's class to help with gingerbread houses and they were both able to come to Sam's class to see him sing Rudolph and decorate cookies. We also made a stop at Santa's village to see Santa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Clause and even got to see Santa's reindeer! The rest of our time was spent shopping, eating and playing games. And that was only the start of our holiday fun...

We went back home the weekend before Christmas. We spent time with Josh's side of the family the first night. The boys had a great time running around with their cousins, playing with their new cars and checking out Papa's bear skin rug. The next night we went to my aunt's house. Santa and Mrs. Clause made a quick appearance and we had a birthday party for Jesus. The next night was Christmas Eve mass followed by food, gifts and fun at my parents house. We drove home on Christmas morning and had a final celebration with Josh's mom. She made a delicious meal! It was a busy time but we feel blessed that we were able to celebrate with so many of our family and friends.

On to some pictures...

Sam with his teacher, Ms. Mandy at his Christmas program.

Joey with his teacher, Mrs. W at his holiday party at school.

Joey was pretty excited to have mom, dad and uncle Aaron come to his party at school.

Joey (at aunt Linda's house) showing Santa his missing 2 front teeth.

Sam was excited to see the big guy but a little more excited to see what was in the package.

Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus

Santa's Village

And a two of my favorites...