big boy school

2 days before he actually turned 3, my boy got to start big boy school.  I could not be happier seeing him surrounded by other little boys and girls.  I love the structure yet focus on play.  I love the kitchen, lego table, sand table, and job list. I love seeing his teachers give him hugs.  He, however, isn't so happy about it.  Everyday when I pick him up and say, "how was your day?" he answers with, "I cry and cry and cry." He then can tell me some things like today they ran after a kite and made a wind sock (again, I love this school.) His friend and our neighbor says, "he cried and I got him a paper towel."  So, I guess someone is looking out for him.  

The boys on their way into big boy school on the first day

All ready

"I cry and cry and cry." How does that not break any Mother's heart?

Here is his interview from the first day and 3rd birthday
1. What is your favorite color? uhhh, uummm, yellow and green (lello and geen)
2. What is your favorite thing to do? umm to go "ROAR"
3. What is something that you learned?  uummm kites
4. If were invisible for a day, what would you do?  uummm I don't know
5. What is something Mommy always says to you?  (tapped his chin) grown ups come back
6. What is the best thing about you? umm, hehe, I guess I don't know
7. If you feel sad, what makes you happy?  Give Ms. Sue a hug.  I get hearts in my tummy
8. What makes you a good friend?  Play dinosaurs with Nolan (pay dindosor wif Nowan)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?  Actually, a dragon
10. Where is your favorite place to go? to church.  I don't cry at church very much
11. What is the yuckiest thing you can think of? green ham and eggs
12. If you can do anything in the whole wide world, what would you do?  Jump like this and jump over Cooley like a grown up jumps over Mommy and a chair

I'm so proud of this guy!

mommy tell me

March 1 was K's birthday party.  The advantages of having his party before his birthday were that 1)  B. was off of work 2) our family could come 3) most importantly, the firehouse let us have the party there (I love this small town!!!)  The disadvantages 1) he already had his presents before his big day 2) he was really confused about his age.

My poor boy didn't know how to answer the question, "How old are you?"  He started saying that he was 3 about 2 weeks before his birthday.  Me, not wanting to rush things, kept telling him that he was still 2.  So, at his party, his answer was, "Mommy tell me when I'm 3."

My favorite picture of the little fireman

This rivals it and I couldn't pick just one

K. with the other birthday boy... What handsome firemen

Aunt Emily made the best birthday cake

 The firehouse was an amazing place for the party.  We gave them a donation and they let us have a huge room upstairs for lunch, running around, cake, and presents.

 We asked if we could come down and see the trucks... They went so far above and beyond to give us a demonstration of the gear, climb through the trucks, experiment with the gear, and then listen to the sirens (with a closed door, maybe not the best idea)

Firemen showing off a camera that sees in the dark.  Each kid, however, picked up the green clipboard and were amazed.  So, weird.

The little birthday boys also share a birthday week with this guy.  Welcome to small town America, we give camo for gifts!

under a rock

When we moved to Small Town America, I knew that my kids would have different experiences.  I love that they know the sounds of a bull frog, help us with yard work including cutting fire wood, and can safely ride their bikes on our street.

A few weeks ago, on our way to swimming lessons, B. overheard A. and her best friend saying, "why is everything so far away?"  They were naming restaurants, ice cream shops, swimming lessons, and the movie theatre.  In their minds, everything was at least across 2 bridges or as far as Nanny and Pappy's house (about 4 hours away).

Sometimes, when we venture into the city, sometimes I agree with their estimations.  And, sometimes I question how sheltered that they are now.

We parked and walked about 5 blocks to the Children's Museum.  A few comments from our lovely sheltered kids.
K:  Mommy, why is so many peoples here?
A: Mommy, what is that bird?  It doesn't come to our house? (referring to a pigeon)
K: Mommy, why is she yelling? (referring to the woman screaming that Jehovah was going to come and get Satan soon.  I believe that she was referring to the man standing across the street from her.  I'm not sure if he was supposed to be Satan or Jehovah.)

The trip was well worth it.  But, when we got home, both of my kiddos said, "yay, home!" Welcome back to Small Town America. You are here to stay.