Founder's Day

Last night we celebrated Founder's Day (Fall Festival) at the Charter School. Connor's class had a booth that Craig volunteered at while I helped with my class booth and watched the kids. They had bouncy houses, rock climbing walls, and lots of class booths that my kids enjoyed. But I think the one thing they loved the most was racing around the track. It didn't exactly feel like Fall but it was still a lot of fun!

My pod partner and I ran a booth together. It was called Fishing for Fun. We tied donuts to the end of a fishing pole and the students had eat the donut without using their hands. We got a lot of laughs while watching the kids chase the donut around.

Patriotic Parade

Connor's class had a patriotic parade today. It was early this morning so I had my assistant watch my class while I went to view this parade. Funny story, Connor's building is just far enough away from mine that I don't want to walk. So I decided I would drive over a few minutes early so I wouldn't miss a thing. The parade was at 8:00 so car line was finished but the school resource officer was still hanging around. Normally, I don't drive during this time because I am teaching in my own room so I don't really remember the speed limit on the back roads that connect all the schools. Well the Deputy sure enough pulled me over right in front of Connor's school. He saw my name tag and "let me off the hook" but I was worried I was going to miss the parade. Luckily I made it in time to watch Connor and Caleb march so proudly down the hallways, waving their flags, and smiling so bright. It's a parade I won't soon forget!

No Clowning Around

So why such a happy face you might ask? I'll tell you why.

Connor is not allergic to wheat any more and his baby brother is walking.

We took Connor to be retested yesterday and he outgrew wheat, lobster, garlic. We celebrated with a Chicken Nugget McDonald's Happy Meal.

It's a circus around here with Cooper walking. He's been walking for about a week now. Everyday I come home from school and he is better and better at it. He still has his infamous scoot going on but he is using those legs to walk more and more each day.

First Day of School

I sobbed . . . . Craig went with me to drop Connor off for the first day of school and I sobbed. I was totally fine afterwards but just that moment of dropping him off in the care of someone else. The thought that someone else will have influence over my child and many other thoughts and emotions got the best of me and I sobbed.

The picture here doesn't show my face (Thank goodness) but it shows Connor's as he is telling me that I shouldn't be sad because he is not sad. He had an amazing day. Luckily I got emails throughout the day telling me how great he did. I am so . . . grateful to be at the same school as my children because I know I'm only an email or phone call away.

So how was my day with my own students? Fabulous, non eventful. Second Graders . . . . impulsive, innocent, teeth missing, darlings who want to share everything with you. I love the laid back, no stress, innocence of Second Grade. I do miss my Fifth Graders but I loved leaving at 3:45 today and not having all that material to cover and plan for.

So far here is the difference I see and feel coming back to work now that I have children. Yes, it is different. I was not nervous today for the first day of school. Before when I didn't have children of my own it was my world - my life revolved around school. Now, not so much. I'm just not as invested. I loved my students today but I am detached. I have different priorities. I enjoyed my day but I was ready to go and hear about Connor's day and spend time with my other children and husband. Just different. Now it's off to make lunches for tomorrow!

Racing Towards School

Connor met his Pre-K4 teacher today, Mrs. Gallina. We are so . . . excited to have her as his teacher. I'm in awe of this woman - Mother of four, working on her Masters, and teaching a class full of four year olds, Wow! Craig took Connor over for Orientation because I was in my class meeting my own students. Connor was not shy at all and especially loved it when Mrs. Gallina started talking to him about seashells. When I asked him what was his favorite part he said "Playing with all the trucks and they even have a Thomas the Train."

On another note, Yesterday Connor's PawPaw took him to see his cousin Luke in Orlando. It was checkered flags and go karts on the agenda. From the pictures I saw they all had a blast! Luke was geared up head to toe and ready for the races, hoping to get some endorsements from Home Depot!

The Many Faces of Caroline

Isn't she something?

Monkey Business

We are just going bananas over Cooper this weekend because he is turning one! We celebrated with a monkey themed party. We kept with our standard tradition of celebrating first birthdays' on Uncle Brant's back porch. Coop did not stick to the standard baby's approach of gingerly playing in the cake. He dove head first into it. Neither Connor nor Caroline ever attacked their cake like Coop did. The boy's eyelashes were even covered. Cake was everywhere. But don't take my word for it, here see it for yourself. I have a before and after shot of the cake.

He's not monkeying around when it comes to cake!

I wanted to make cupcakes with banana candy on top. We looked everywhere for Runt's candy. My candy loving expert, Jeanne, gave us the idea to hit up the Jiffy store for some Runt's and we found one box left with exactly the amount of banana candy I needed.

We had yummy Sonny's for dinner with some homemade banana pudding!

Connor & Caroline both wore monkey shirts to celebrate Coop's big day. I had to share these comical shots of Caroline having a little meltdown.

It was nice having the grandparents there to celebrate too!

Happy Birthday Coop, Mommy & Daddy are so proud of you!