100 Days Smarter

It is the 100th day of school.  Ryland celebrated by dressing up like an old man.  

Urban Air Take Over

Ryland's class won the top earner for the Dragon Dash.  For their reward, they all were rewarded with a class party at Urban Air

Reed also enjoyed the fun with his friend, Molly.  Ridley was too fast and crazy for me to catch.  

Lunch Date

I had lunch duty for Kinder Cafe, so we went to Old Union for lunch.  Ridley sat at the guest table, and Reed was sweet enough to join her.  These two are the best of friends and make each other laugh like crazy. 

Lunch must have tired Ridley.  We weren't home 15 minutes, and I found her asleep sitting up on the sofa.  

Scavenger Hunt

It is Columbus Day, and the kiddos are out of school.  They were bored, so I thought a scavenger hunt would be fun.  We made a list of things to find on our walk, and we were off.  We found lizards, flowers, acorns, and more.  It was great to see them work as a team, and we all had a blast.

Hard Life

What does a girl have to do to get some sleep around here?  Send two big brothers to school!  

It has been a long summer of action packed days, which haven't slowed down for naps.  Now that the boys are in school, Ridley is able to rest in peace and quiet. I am really enjoying the one on one time with her. 

First Day of School

My boys are off to school!

Reed was so excited to start Kindergarten, and he couldn't wait to get to Old Union.

Ryland was a bit more reserved about getting a new school year started.  I think he knows it means early mornings are upon us.

Reed poses with Ms. Hill before he finds his seat to start the day.

He was all smiles as he dives into his new can of Play-Doh.  I love his enthusiasm!

Ryland takes a quick picture with Mrs. Astrin, and I can tell by his body language that he is nervous.

By the time he sits down at his new desk and finds his worksheet, Ryland has teared up and wants to go home.  I get it sweetie, but I promise you will be OK in an hour.  Hang in there my sensitive boy.

Valentine Crafting

It is serious Valentine prep time at our house.  Ryland and I finished home created valentine cards with melted Crayon hearts.  He was excited about the deer head stamp and camo paper.

The finished Crayon hearts packaged in camo.

The Valentine box ended up perfect!  It is a great dear stand.

Ryland starts 1st Grade

Every new year and major milestone make it obvious that time is flying.  I can't believe that my little baby boy has gotten so big.  Ryland is off to First Grade at Old Union.  He was excited and looking forward to seeing his friends.

Reed was excited as well.  He was thrilled that his bossy brother was out of the house.

Ridley just giggled and said "Bye bye". 

Easter Art

I love the sweet art that comes home this time of year.  Ridley made a cute bunny & chick finger print picture and a footprint cross. 

Reed made a beautiful cross picture.  

Super Hero Day

I received this silly picture of Reed flying today.  He wore his superhero cape to pre-school for Superhero Day, and his class took turns having a little fun with a photo shoot.  I love this Superhero!

Muffins with Mom

Ryland invited me to have breakfast with him in the cafeteria before school, and it was really nice to relax and have one on one time.  

He wanted me to walk him to class, so he could show me his Texas Cowboy.  It is the one standing above his head with the big blue eyes.  Very cute!

Valentine Box

Directions for Valentines came home a week ago.  Fifteen cards that needed to be signed and addressed by Ryland.  He would also need a bag or box to collect cards.  We worked on the cards a few days in advance, and Ryland picked out a gift bag with colorful hearts.  He was all set, so I packed everything in his book bag.

Around 11PM, I crawled into bed, and I flipped through Facebook on my phone.  I saw all of these "Valentine boxes".  Completely over the top, Pinterest, Martha Stewart crafted boxes filled my news feed.  Immediately, I knew I could not send Ryland to school with his heart gift bag.  Back up and ready to craft.  I mod podged a head of Steve from Minecraft on a cereal box.  

The next morning, Ryland was so shocked.  His expression made my hours of work so worthwhile.  He loved it and was excited to show it off at school.

Kindergarten Pictures

Ryland's Kindergarten pictures came home today.  The moment I saw them, I stopped to look at my baby boy that is growing up so quickly.  He is sweet, kind, and loving.  I love that he cares about others and is sensitive to his surroundings.  He loves sports and is surprisingly competitive.  Kindergarten is going very well for him, and he loves learning and exploring.

Thanksgiving Art

Some of the amazing art that the kiddos brought home from school.

Self Portrait

This picture makes me smile.  Ryland is such an artist.

Stars Academy

Ridley enjoyed her first day at Stars Academy with Ms. Gretchen.  Since they had so many little ones a few months older than Ridley, they divided the class.  Ridley was the youngest,  so she stayed behind until some more babies join.  She is going to be spoiled rotten while she is the only baby in her class.

Reed was thrilled to be in the classroom upstairs, and he was happy to see all his old friends.  He was all smiles and silly faces.

Ryland starts Kindergarten

It's official!  Ryland is a Kindergartener.  He was so excited to meet his classmates and check out the toys in his new classroom.

Our big boy about to go inside, but we had to have a quick picture of him with the Dragon.

Ryland and his teacher, Ms. Hill

Our family

OUES - Meet the Teacher

Ryland met his new teacher, Mrs. Hill, this morning and checked out his new classroom at Old Union.  He found his desk and cubby, and then started exploring.  He is so excited!

Stars Academy Graduation

It is hard to believe that this day has arrived.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  The first day I was leaving my 6 month old baby at Stars Academy.  I was confident in my choice of schools and felt so comfortable with his teacher, Ms. Nan.  I couldn't help but have those new mom jitters, but I was quickly put at ease.  It is hard to express the blessing of finding someone outside of your family that you trust in caring for your precious baby.  

Fast forward 5 years, Ryland is graduating.  He is ready for Kinder and is looking forward to his new school, Old Union.

Ryland with his teachers 

Ryland was a singing machine!  He was really in the zone today.  

Ryland and his buddy, Brandt, who he goes to Stars and Chapel Hill.

Mother's Tea

CHCS is wonderful!  They always go above and beyond for special events and holidays.  Ryland's class had a sweet Mother's Tea to celebrate moms.  Of course tea parties require hats, so Ryland's class made beautiful tie dye hats.  I love it!  

The boys made several treats for me, but I will have to wait until Mother's Day to open them.  I can hardly wait to open my treats, and I am sure to drop a few tears.