~Preschool Art Show~

I have really enjoyed our experience at St. Timothy's preschool for the last few years and think the teachers are amazing.  Mrs. Lynch has been the teacher of at least one of my kids every year we have been here and she never ceases to amaze me with her ideas and ability to work with the children and introduce them to new things.  This year was no exception.  She decided to do an art unit and helped the kids put on their very own Art Show.  It was AWESOME!  The kids each got to make their own or contribute to a master art work piece using different styles and media.  

Elyssa's very own modern art mixed media Piccasso.

The preschool class making their splatter paint Jackson Pollok. 

Tiny dots made waterlillies like Claude Monet.

Wet chalk made swirly Starry Starry Nights in the style of Vincent van Gogh.

Working together, making their own circles to duplicate the Wassaly Kandinsky circles.

Even the hors d'oeuvres were very artistic play on words relating to their artistic creations.  It was so fun having Elyssa walk me around and explain the different art to me, and tell me how it was created.  I was beyond impressed and was kicking myself the entire time for not bringing my camera.  Luckily this wonderful teacher took some pictures and posted them on her preschool website so I could steal them.  Thank you, Mrs. Lynch for being totally awesome in every way!

~Preschool Winter Sing~

You know the holiday season is kicking into full gear when you have ward Christmas parties, Relief Society Christmas parties and school programs happening.  This particular Friday evening was a hoot watching Elyssa get up and sing with her preschool class.   

The crowd was large and the lighting was less than ideal so we didn't get any the really fabulous pictures or videos but there is one that I have to share with you that shows off Elyssa's gusto and enthusiasm for performing.  Cracks me up every time I see it!

Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel!  Shake that bushy tail!

~Elyssa's 1st Day of Pre-K!~

Little Miss Lyssa Lou was ready to start school a good month before her actual first day.  

She already knew her teacher since Mrs. Lynch had been Alec's teachers for the previous two years, and she even knew most of the kids.  No apprehension here.  She was ready to go.  Pre-K, watch out cus' here she comes!

I can't help but post a link from last year.  It's so much fun to see how they grow!

Little miss Cordy wanted to get in on the picture taking action as well so we let her have a turn.  She was pretty bummed that she didn't get to stay at preschool with Lyssa, and asked about her the rest of the morning.  It's a whole new world being at home alone with Mama all morning, but don't worry.  She got used to it pretty quickly. :-)

~Alec's Preschool Graduation~

The end of the school year came so fast!  We went out of town and before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye to friends and end the preschool year.  This would be Alec's final year of preschool, with graduation and everything.   Where did the time go?  Didn't we just start this preschool year?

Alec had never been much of a performer in large audiences, but he stood up in the front with the rest of his class, and for that I was proud.

They sang songs, shared rhymes, and then got their preschool graduation certificates from their teachers before heading down to their classroom to show us different games and centers they worked on throughout the year.  It was fun!

Alec was lucky enough to have Mrs. Lynch again this year along with a new helper teacher, Mrs. Fetch.  Both women are wonderful and were perfect teachers for Alec.  I seriously couldn't have asked for better and wish he could have them as his teachers for the next 4 years!  Though you can't tell from the picture, Alec really liked both of his teachers and had a great respect for their opinions.  He just gets shy in the big crowds.  

Alec's very best preschool this year was Jack, hands down!  Alec and Jack played pirates all the time and frequently would gift their artwork to each other.  I found many a picture in Alec's backpack that said "TO: ALEC, FROM: JACK" and it always made me smile to see him making his own good friend.

It was a great year for Alec.  It's always neat to see your kids grow and learn new exciting things.  Alec is a bright boy with so much to share.  I love you more than all the stars in the sky, Mr. Alec!

~Elyssa's Last Day of Preschool~

Her first exciting year of preschool came to a startling close.  Going out of town for two weeks at the beginning of May threw us off and it seemed like all of the sudden the school year was over!  Where did all the time go?  And when did she get so big? 

Elyssa's teachers this year were Mrs. O'Toole and Mrs. Voung.  They were great teachers and Elyssa loved them both.  

One of Elyssa's good friends from church, Hailey, was also in her preschool class.  Hailey was moving away literally minutes after school got out.  They gave each other big goodbye hugs and I must admit it was hard not to shed a tear or two.

Elyssa's very best school friend this year had to be Reese.  I heard about Reese ALL THE TIME!  I sometimes felt like Elyssa practically worshipped the ground Reese walked on.  It was fun to see her make her very own friend for the first time without any input or help from me.  Sadly for Elyssa, Reese has moved across town and is not likely to be in the same class next year, but these two little ladies were practically inseparable at preschool this last year.  

It's kind of amazing to see how much she has changed over just the school year.  She is such a little model, posing for the camera any time she gets.  She has grown in so many ways.  It's so exciting for me to see how much she loves to learn and thrive in social experiences.  

I love you to the moon and beyond, Little Miss Lyssa Lou!

~Alec's Preschool Play~

Alec's class performed a play called "The Hat" based off a book by the same title written by Jan Brett.  His class had been studying Jan Brett for a few weeks and I heard lots and lots about Jan Brett's art, ideas, and love of hedgehogs. 

 Alec wasn't exactly excited about performing in the play.  In fact he flat out told me he didn't want to do it, but when it really came down to it he did fine.  He gave his Rooster line loud and clear, and smiled great big smiles at me the entire time.  As long as he can see and focus on me he does just fine.  

After the performance we had cookies the class made the day before.  Alec was so proud of his performance and his sugar cookies.  I was really proud of him too.

It's so fun to see my kids learn and grow and have new experiences.  

~Pond Fieldtrip~

Alec had some pretty awesome teachers this year and they are doing some really fun things.  On Sept. 27th, they took the kids on a fieldtrip to a local pond where they learned all about habitats, nature, and local wildlife.  I was super excited to find someone willing to watch Lyssa so Cordy and I could tag along for all the fun.

 

 We watched turtles in the water, caught water bugs, saw toads, and Alec's friend Kate even caught a grass hopper.  We had a yummy snack and the made our way through the woods on a nature hike.  I was glad I had a jogging stroller that can handle the rough terrain.  I was also glad Cordy finally fell asleep so I wasn't distracting anyone during storytime.  

I think Alec had a great time along with all his classmates.  They actually went again at the end of October, but I wasn't up for the freezing cold weather with Cordy in tow so we skipped out on the second pond visit.  Alec still said he had a great time!

~First Day of Preschool~

At the beginning of September these two little cuties started preschool.  

On September 6th this little man had his first day.  In all honesty, he wasn't excited.  In fact he told me for a week leading up to school that he was going to hide when it was time to go.  We spent a lot of time talking through his fears, and it was reassuring to him that Mrs. Lynch would be his teacher again and that he already knew some of the kids in his class.  After lots of talking and lots of prayers he actually didn't hide.  Thankfully he came right out to the car.  

I couldn't help but take a trip down memory lane after taking these pictures.  Last year and the year before.

The next day, September 7th, was Elyssa's first day.  She was ecstatic!  I have been hearing about how much she wanted to go to preschool almost constantly for the last year.  She was more than ready and very happy to have your exciting morning documented.

I was amazed watching her walk over to the car, with all sorts of bounce in her step.  She was so confident, even though she knew that she didn't know anyone in her class.  I know I say that Lyssa and I are a lot alike, but when I'm going into a new social situation I never look or feel like that.  She is her own little lady through and through.  

Nick was out of town for all this fun, but that didn't stop us from celebrating.  After Alec's first day he chose to make a stop at the Cupcake Shop again, just like last year.  It was so yummy.  After Lyssa's first day we had lunch at McDonalds... along with about 30 other first day of school preschoolers.  We had a blast and fit right in as they both chatted my ear off about their exciting first days of school.  It made me so very happy.  I love their teachers.  I love their school and I'm so glad they get to have this awesome opportunity to learn and grow this year.  

~Goodbye Barbeque~

As the end of May loomed I had to fight of the urge to sit around and feel sorry for myself since many of my friends were moving away.  The fact that Alec's Fabulous Five was breaking up made it even more sad.  I decided we needed to do something fun, so we had a Preschool Reunion/Goodbye Barbeque Bash!  It was perfect!

I would love to be a fly on the wall, privy to the conversations between these five little boys.  They are a hoot!

 We ate delicious food (provided by all in attendance), kids played, parents chatted.  The weather was perfect.  I couldn't have asked for a better night to barbeque.

After we filled our bellies,  the conversations, jokes and games continued.  Though I have no pictures of the action on the trampoline, believe me that there was always someone bouncing away to their hearts content.

Then I demanded a Fabulous Five Photo Shoot.  

These boys crack me up!  They have been Alec's buddies since before he can remember. 

(Isaac Payne, Chase Pluid, Alec, Harrison Mons, Carter James) 

Each has their own unique personality and have played a very important role in Alec's life over the last 3 1/2 years.  He can be so reserved and shy at preschool, but with these boys he is the true Alec that I know and love with no inhibitions.  I think that is probably why I feel the most sad about their mass exodus from Iowa.  I wonder what Alec will do without them!  I have comfy special spot in my heart for each and every one of them for the wonderful friends they have been for my little boy.

(Mandy James, Kelly Pluid, Sara Payne, Robyn Mons, Me... fighting back tears)

And these are all their pretty Mamas!  All women that I have looked to for advice, answers, sympathy and laughs.  All women who have taken the time and room in their great big hearts to love me and my crew of little people.  They taught my boy his shapes and colors over a year ago, but they have taught me soooo much more.  They have loved us despite our imperfections, supported us in good times and bad, and been my role models as they have mothered their own children.  I love them all like sisters, and will miss them all terribly.  It's been and honor and a privilege to call them "friend" these last four years and I am forever grateful for each and every one of them.

~Last Day of School~

May 18th was Alec's official last day of school.  To be honest, he was pretty excited about it, though I felt like crying.

Now, don't get me wrong.  Alec loves his teachers and has soooooo much fun at school.  He was just kind of tired of having to get up and get ready in the mornings.  The little man was ready for a break.  We all need those every once and a while, right?

Alec had the most amazing teachers this year, Mrs. Lynch and her helper, Mrs. Voung.  I absolutely love Mrs. Lynch in every way.  She was such an amazing teacher for Alec.  He understood him and cared about him and did everything in her power to provide him a safe comfortable learning environment.  In return I really think he trusted her, which is a really big deal.  Alec doesn't trust many grown-ups these days so the fact that he trusted her means a lot.  As the end of the school year crept up on us I felt soooo sad that he would have to say goodbye to Mrs. Lynch, but found solace in knowing she would be Elyssa's teacher the next year.  Then we found out that Mrs. Lynch will be moving up to the Pre-K class this Fall!  She will still get to be Alec's teacher!  Alec and I were both soooo excited!

(I stole a number of these pictures off the preschool website.  Alec gave this same face in almost every preschool picture.  Silly boy.)

A few months back Nick went in and taught Alec's preschool class about his saxophone.  Alec loved having him come visit, and even brought along his saxophone kazoo.  I heard they played a mad duet. :-) 

 It's been a wonderful year full of learning and growing and new experiences for my little Alec. I know that it was scary for him at times, surrounded by people he didn't know well, but I'm so proud of him.  It's so amazing to see how much he has grown and changed over the last 9 months.

I love you, Mr. Alec!

Just like I tell you every night, I'm sooooo glad I get to be your Mom. :-)

~Back to School~

Another brief interruption from my never ending recap about our All American Roadtrip.  This is too exciting to wait.

My sweet little man started preschool today.

Last night we talked about the day ahead and laid out his special back to school clothes and backpack.  After family prayer Nick offered him a Priesthood father's blessing, which made him really defensive.  It kind of baffled us at first, but I quickly realized he was just nervous and needed it explained.  After Lyssa (who was jumping up and down begging for a Father's blessing) showed us how it was done, I turned to the Book of Mormon scripture stories and found a few pictures and instances where blessings were given.  That seemed to calm him down and he agreed that in the morning before school he would like a Father's blessing.  Then we read "The Kissing Hand" and tucked the little ones into bed.  I could tell he was going to bed with the wheels in his head turning, a little nervous, thinking everything through.  I love that he's a thinking man.  Always has been since he was tiny.

This morning bright and early he came upstairs dressed, excited, and ready for the day in his brand new Spiderman t-shirt.  We made our favorite fresh blueberry buttermilk pancakes (a special thing in our house as I rarely cook at breakfast time... cold cereal all the way) and talked about his exciting day.  Afterwards Nick gave him a father's blessing and we headed out to take a few pictures!

All dressed and ready to go!

Lyssa pleaded to have her picture taken too, and then proceeded to dance around and be a goof ball.

We arrived with almost 15 minutes to spare.  (I have the feeling that 15 minutes will disappear over the next few weeks...) Nick offered to stay in the car with Lyssa, but she insisted on coming in too.  I got Alec all settled and checked in and he was ready to play!  A big high five and hug for Dad, a quick hug for sister, and a squeeze for Mommy.  Then he gave me a "kissing hand" and I gave him a "kissing hand" and we said goodbye.  He instantly turned and walked away looking for toys with his hand up pressed against his cheek and I almost started crying.  "Mommy loves you.  Mommy loves you."
When Lyssa realized she didn't get to stay she pitched the BIGGEST FIT EVER.  Nick quickly took her out but we set the teachers in a panic, thinking it was one of the school children losing it, chasing after a leaving parent.  I reassured them all was well, and kept reminding Lyssa in my sweet mommy voice that when she is 3 next year she can go to preschool.  The entire car ride she cried about not wanting to go home and wanting to go to preschool like a big kid. Oh the woes of being almost twins... but not quite.   

Alec was so happy when we picked him up.  The first thing he said was "Mommy!  We had recess and I learned about EVERYTHING!"  Over cupcakes from the Carefree Patisserie (his choice and my pregnant stomach was happy to oblige) he reported that he learned about the weather and fall season, his teachers are really nice, he saw a dragonfly at recess, ate goldfish and applesauce for snack, only talked to the boys, and had lots of fun.

It all sounded just about perfect and I couldn't ask for anything more for my sweet little man's first day of preschool.

~End of Preschool Fieldtrip~

This past year four friends and I decided to start our own little "preschool" with our boys.  We each took a turn teaching at our own houses (or watching younger kids).  Everything went soooo smoothly!  I remember thinking at the beginning of the year that we would probably end up canceling all winter because everyone would get sick, but honestly I think we only had 1 or 2 cancelled days all year.  The boys all looked forward to preschool on Friday with great anticipation.  Alec always would ask if it was Friday yet, and always wanted to know who his teacher would be.  I was so nervous to plan and teach our preschool class, but by the end I felt confident and think it was a great experience for all of us.

(Harrison, Chase, Carter, Alec, and Isaac) 

To celebrate the end of the school year we wanted to do something extra special with the boys.   We decided to take them on a lunch field trip to a Japanese Grill and had a blast!  For the most part we were the only people there, and they were very hospitable to our wild table of kiddos and moms.   Our chef was very entertaining, spinning and juggling eggs, tossing knives, and showing off fire tricks.  Alec thought it was TOTALLY AWESOME while Lyssa was quick to cover her eyes and lean back in fear.  As for myself, the food was yummy, and I was thoroughly entertained by the chef and the kids reactions.

Ladies, I really enjoyed the opportunity to teach, love and get to know the personalities of each of your little boys this year.  Thank you ALL for being wonderful friends and teachers to my little ones.  It means the world to me to have people love my children, and see my children reciprocate that love.  It's been awesome and I think Alec, Lyssa, and I will always look back on this experience with a smile.

~Off to School! Off to School!~

Friday was Alec's first day of pre-preschool. (joy school)

He was so excited! We picked out his clothes the night before and he even got his little backpack ready with his Lightening McQueen car for show and tell, sippy cup, and spare undies (yes, we're still having the occasional accident).

Alec is lucky enough to have four little guy friends that are all only a few months apart in age. They play together all the time at play dates, playgroups, and mommy gatherings, but we decided that they're getting old enough that they could use some structured play time too. So we decided to do our own little pre-preschool. Each week a different mom is the teacher, and boy, Alec was sure excited that Miss Robyn got to be his teacher last Friday!

We've worked it out so when we are teaching someone else takes your younger little one, but at least once in the rotation you have a day when you only have your own little lady or gent. This time it happened to be my turn to have Lyssa all to myself. She was concerned when we left Alec at Miss Robyn's house, but had fun being my little helper and happy shadow for an hour.

When we arrived to pick Alec up Lyssa was soooo excited to see him and he was happy to see us. He had a great first day of pre-preschool and can't wait until he gets to go again next week!