And just like that.....Alexander is a FIRST grader!

Kindergarten is done!

Seems like only yesterday that Mommy was forcing you and Daddy to take pictures on the first day of school.

We were less concerned about your academics as we were about the social side of school.  You knew your letters and numbers.  You were starting to write your letters and you were a proven rule follower and enjoyed school.

On the other hand, you had one best friend (if you don't count your grandparents), and you were inseperable for two years of preschool.  The two of you were about to be split up and we were worried how you would respond without your Addie.

First Day of Kindergarten

 

Within the first few months of school, our concerns about your social life were put to rest.  We started to hear stories about your "crew".  Logan.  Noah.  Emma.  Ainsley.  Sophia.  Who were these strangers?  Did they even exist?  By November, Daddy was helping in your classroom and assured me that these youngsters did exist.  In fact, he confirmed how well liked you were by other in the classroom.  It was amazing to think how your world was expanding outside of our home, without us by your side.

 

In the meantime, your writing was improving, your math skills were taking off, and you were starting to read.  Yes, these are things most kids learn to do, but your parents couldn't help but be proud of your accomplishments. Every night at dinner, we ask two questions.  This was your idea, by the way. 

"How was your day today?"
"What is one thing you learned today?"

 

Daddy and I often found ourselves caught up in your stories and didn't mind when we didn't have our turn.  We learned that you love PE the most and music the least.  For the first six months of the year, you dug in the sandfield every day with the crew at first recess, making volcanos.  You earned coupons for good choices.  We learned which students talk the most, which students you stayed away from because they made bad choices, and how much you loved your teacher.  You started to be invited to birthday parties and announced, "next year, I'm inviting everyone...except those who make bad choices."  You do not like to get in trouble and yet, you have surrounded yourself with the most high-energy kids in your class.  I can't wait to see how this part of your personality unfolds.

 

By January, we discovered that you have a natural leadership in you.  A new student enrolled and your teacher sat your kindhearted self next to him to help him out.  A friendship was quickly formed and Tegan was included into the crew.  It came as no surprise when you announced that you told your teacher that you wanted to move next to Logan because, "he misses minutes at recess and he needs my help to stay on task."  Tegan's mom has mentioned how grateful she was that her son was placed next to you, because you were so helpful and kind to him. 

 

You have always been independent and kindergarten couldn't break that out of you. To prove this point, Daddy told me a story about a morning when your teacher suggested you go to the back of the school to play with all the other children as you waited.  You kindly responded, "no thank you.  I'm fine right here." and didn't budge.  She looked at your daddy and grinned, "That's what I like about your son. He knows what he wants and is very sure of himself. It's not so great when other kids try following his example."  You follow the rules, but cannot be swayed to follow along with the crowd. 

 

Today, Mommy forced everyone to take pictures on the last day of school.  For the first time in a long time, she had a blog post forming in her head and pictures were necessary!

We are so proud of you, little man.

 

We have a first grader.

He's growing up.



The Wand Chooses the Wizard

Back in March, we started the Harry Potter books.  It was his idea and I was happy to oblige. 

 I'd been waiting a long time for this day.

Tonight, we finished the last 18 pages of the book so we could start the Harry Potter movies.

It was well worth the wait.

Throwback Thursday vl 2 - a few weeks late....

Binky Boy

Chunky boy

Messy Boy

Happy Boy

A Few Pictures to Update You

Alexander is growing like a weed.  He is eating us out of house and home...well, this would be true if all we ate was chicken nuggets and pepperoni pizza.  And Otter Pops. 

The kid loves his Otter Pops.

He also loves sitting with his daddy and watching him play computer.  Unfortunately, when he was sick, our little gamer didn't have the same energy level.

What a sweet little face.

 

Kindergarten is going great, too.  Alexander tells us about a crew of kids that play with him at every recess on the sandfield.  Mommy had a chance to meet a few of the crew and their moms at a birthday party last weekend.  Looks like playdates are in both our futures.

Alexander loves, loves, loves math and that his daddy spends every day at school, leading the class reading groups. 

 

Big Papa and Umma have been home from Arizona for a week and Alexander has spent 4 of the 7 nights at their house.

He loves his Big Papa and Umma!

Finally, a few pictures from Easter weekend.

 For the first time in years, the weather was a gorgeous 70 degrees. 

We decided a visit to Ho-Ho Papa was the best way to start our day.

"This way, Mama.  He's right over here."

Leaving Dad an egg filled with quarters.

A daughter says hello.

And then she cried.

And that was the end of that visit.

 

Once we arrived at Grandma Great's, the boys played outside before the egg hunt.

Thanks to Auntie Joanne, there was a giant bubble maker to play with!

Marigold and Adelaide got into the bubble fun, too!

 

Before long, everyone had arrived and the egg hunt began.

Lorelli hunted high and low.

Alexander found his plate.

A few presents

The Easter Bunny brought Legos, which had Alexander wondering if he had talked to Santa Claus and knew JUST want to bring him.

 

It was awfully strange celebrating Easter without Ho-Ho Papa.

 

But Uncle Steve, Aunt Joanne, Grandma Great and Umma gave it their best.

Another holiday and another reminder that life goes on.

Ho-Ho Papa wouldn't have wanted it any other way for us.

Weekend Wrap Up

• We are still battling colds around here.  So, we spent a some time cuddled on the couch, reading our new favorite book.

• On Saturday, Alexander's bestest friend, Addie, celebrated her birthday in princess style. 

Alexander rolled in as Prince Charming.

• Our little prince woke up in the midde of the night with a blazing earache.  He cried and cried, and finally fell asleep in our bed.  The doctor told Alexander this morning that he was surprised that Alexander hadn't been in pain for days as it was the worst ear infection he had seen in a week.  Our little man clearly has amazingly high pain tolerance!  He's on antibiotics and should be back to himself within days.
• It's another busy week for us but at the end of it all, Big Papa and Umma come home!  We can't wait! 

Inaugral Throwback Thursday

First few days of our life with Alexander.

January 2007

The days in the hospital passed by in a flurry of non-stop visitors, little sleep, and a lot of getting to know one another.

So many people excited to meet and love on our little man. 

No one more excited than Mommy and Daddy.

This picture makes me laugh everytime. 

I imagine Alexander is saying, "no more pictures, people."

Alexander meets his grandparents.

Alexander meets Auntie Joanne and Grandma Great

Alexander meets Auntie Kimmie and Lorelli

A few lady friends stopped by to meet our prince.

Kate

Kayla

Melinda

and Jo-Jo.

Alexander and Mommy hung out during the day,

and Daddy and Alexander hung out at night.

Finally, our family of three headed home.

For the final introduction of a boy

and his cat.

An amazing beginning of a new chapter in our lives.