Friday, September 16, 2011

Kindergarten

Justin was very excited to start Kindergarten this year! His easy temperament and good nature made it possible for me to take him along anytime I've volunteered in Spencer's and Grace's classes over the years, so he's already kind of a pro.

Justin knows the secretary by name (and she knows him) and knows that she keeps a secret stash of Laffy Taffy in her desk drawer. They have a deal worked out where he can get a taffy from her anytime he wants to show her a "trick" (usually a Star Wars move of some kind). Most of the other staff know Justin by name as well.

The first day of Kindergarten is an hour long and the parents stay the whole time. I thought it would be fun for Justin's birth mom, Chelsea, to come with us. None of our other kids' birth moms have lived close enough to do that, so we were glad Chelsea could come. I thought she might like being able to picture him at his table in his classroom or in the library or out at recess. She was very excited to share Justin's first day of school and we loved having her with us!

On our way!



Look at that little independent boy running up the stairs!




Visiting Dad's office at the school.

Listening to a story.
Showing off his strong muscles.
Looks like this kid's ready for school!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

School, Glorious School!

How the summer flew by so quickly is beyond me! But here we are, back to school already! Grace is happy to be in a 4th/5th grade split class this year with a very nice teacher. Spencer has one of the best teachers in the school and is looking forward to a fun-filled year of learning and being king of the school as a 6th grader. Even my Justin is off to Kindergarten!

My parents weren't big picture-takers, but they did usually get pictures of us on the first day of school. I can still remember the outfits I had so carefully picked out. Spencer and Grace aren't too big on clothing, in general, but they were pretty excited about their new shoes this year.



Justin got a cool Star Wars t-shirt from his cousins for his birthday that he was happy to wear.
And they're off!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

11 Great Ways to End Your Summer

1. Visit a local children's museum.
2. Build something.
3. Climb a wall.
4. Go to the store.
5. Cool off at a splash pad.
6. Go boating with friends.




7. Eat at a favorite restaurant.
8. Harvest the giant cabbage you grew all summer...

...and eat it!
9. Ride a pony.
10. Go to the county fair.
11. Eat some cotton candy.
It doesn't get any better than that!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Birthday Boy

Here are some more fun Birthday moments with Justin.

This is the birthday surprise he woke up to.

I'm pretty sure there's a joke about how many people it takes to put together a Lego set.
Lego mini figures are so cute!
Justin was so excited to have his birth mom, Chelsea, at his party. (And she came bearing light sabers--what could be better!)
Showing us some of his Jedi moves.
A Lego Star Wars backpack for Kindergarten from Grandma and Grandpa Chamberlain.
A treasure chest filled with 10 gold dollars and red M&M's from Grandma and Grandpa Ivie.
X-Wing Fighter from Mom & Dad...
...and Captain Rex shoes...
...and an Obi-Wan Kenobi Lego watch. I think I lost track of how much stuff we'd bought until I got it all back out again.
A Star Wars cake, of course.

Happy Birthday little Jedi! We love you!