A real bang-up first day

Feels like it was just the Fourth of July and here we are at the end of August and first day of school.  It was a rough start to the morning because we were trying to suck the last bits out of the waning days of summer with our friends (blame the parents here).  But at pick-up from after school care, the mood was much improved. I asked Boden how the first day went and it was quote-unquote "great" and his teacher is "the best teacher ever"!  I have low expectations for him maintaining his enthusiasm the whole year but it was a real bang-up first day.

Speaking of bang-ups (see how I did that?), Augie got banged up on his already mosquito-bitten up face at school by a buddy and a truck.  Poor dude but he was able to pull a smile out for his momma this afternoon!

So long first grade!

Boden is officially a second grader!  He became a much better reader in first grade and learned a lot about personal responsibility. He maintained some of his friends from Kindergarten, made some new friends, and still made some time for Mrs. P who I think will always hold a special place in his heart.  Can't wait to see what second grade adventures are ahead, but for now, we're happy to enjoy the sun and the longer days of summer.

Mini updates and random photos

I love volunteering at Boden's school when it works in my schedule.  If I could turn it into a job, I'd do it.  I thought my favorite thing was helping out in the library but then Boden had a roller skating unit in phy Ed--being a parent volunteer for this is easily my favorite.  I got to roller skate, listen to music, and see Boden having fun.  He's becoming a really good skater!  Can't wait to take him to the Rollergarden, again.  

Random bathtub silliness--to get them both smiling and holding still at the same time is nearly impossible.

August seems to enjoy winter as a spectator.  I don't know what he does at school but when we're outside he demands to be chauffeured around via sled.  Good workout for me but I hope he finds his snow legs next year.

They had these fun photo props at Starbucks.  I tried for a selfie with all three of us but it wasn't happening :(

Less than rave reviews

Boden started first grade today and I knew he wasn't excited about it but I hoped for the best and tried to be encouraging.  When I picked him up from his after school care, I asked how his first day went.  His response "I did not like it at all."  When I asked him to explain, I understood how he felt, "there was no toy time and no rest time.  Do not like it." While I thought this was a humorous response, he was very upset and that made me sad for him. As I asked more questions hoping to find a bright spot, it was clear none were revealed today:  only one friend in his class (while good, not great, he's social so this was quite a diminished social circle), at lunch you have to sit with your class (again no established friends), you work through snack time vs having an actual play break, and there is going to be homework every night.  It does sound like it sucks compared to Kindergarten. Todd and I both have lots of reassurance and we're hoping a few more days will create some friendships and fill his social needs...ugh.

He looked happy this morning, though!

School's out for summer!

Boden had a great school year and a great teacher who clearly loves teaching. He learned a lot and I hope most of it sticks with him through the summer.

I asked Boden what he was going to miss most about Kindetgarten.  He said "well, Mrs. P, of course, oh, and choice time."

I'm going to miss Mrs. P, too, and hope that his future teachers will have as much passion for education and kindness in their hearts to handle Boden's energy and encourage him to be his best.  For now, we're on to summer vacation--which hopefully means warmer weather, longer days, new friends at summer daycares, and happy and tired boys.