Thomas Starts Preschool

Thomas started preschool this week.  Can our little boy really be that big?  I hesitated with sending him to preschool since I love having him home with me and the thought of having all my kids at school, except for Emily, was just too sad think about.  I realized though, that with Thomas' personality, he would really benefit from going away for a few hours each day where he would feel like he was a big boy with his own big boy responsibilities.  A friend of mine decided to teach preschool out of her home this year and so far it has been a perfect fit for Thomas to go there.  He has been talking about school nonstop since his first class on Tuesday.  Every night he asks if the next day he gets to go to school.  When I pick him us he always has a huge smile on his face.  I can already tell that preschool is going to be a great thing for Thomas.  With Hyrum and William being best buddies at school I sensed that Thomas was feeling a bit left out, but now he has his own big boy thing to do and life is great for everyone. Boy do I love my kiddos!

Thomas and Miss Chelsie

First Day of School

Best buddies heading off to school

Hyrum and William had their first day of school today.  It's crazy how fast summer went by and it's even crazier to think that we now have two kids in school.  Hyrum moved up to 2nd grade, which meant a new teacher.  His classroom is in a portable this year which he was super excited about.  William started kindergarten and was excited to be going into Miss Kelsey's class (Hyrum's k/1 teacher).  I asked him if he was nervous this morning and he said, "No, I practically already know everyone in my class."  He had no trouble being dropped off this morning.  Hyrum, on the other hand, was a bit nervous to be in an unfamiliar place.  As I left him I was surprised at how sad I felt.  Even though life is crazy with 4 kids at home, I really miss them when they are gone.  I was relieved when I returned to the school to pick them up and they both were anxious to tell me how much fun they had had.  William ran out of his classroom as soon as he saw me coming and exclaimed, "IT WAS AWESOME."  He then ran back in the room to give his teachers a big hug.  Hyrum also relayed to me how great his first day had been.  He was especially proud to tell me that his teacher asked him to be the bathroom buddy for kids who were new to the school.  It was fun for me to hear every detail of their day and all the excitement that came with it.  Moments like today leave me feeling so blessed to be a mother!

Priceless Moments

Making a conference train

Thomas teaching Emily how to fold her arms

Story time with Daddy

We came downstairs one morning to find Hyrum reading his Book of Mormon on the couch.

Flag Football

Hyrum and William have been participating in an after school flag football club.  They have enjoyed learning basic football skills, drills and team plays.  They have fun playing fun games like hot potato and red rover, but they really like it when they get to scrimmage with the big boys.  They have been begging for several years now to be signed up for a team sport, but I haven't been ready for a commitment like that.  This was a great alternative for them.

William Graduates from Preschool

Today was William's preschool graduation.  He did a co-op preschool with six other mom's in our neighborhood.  It was a lot of work for me each time it was my turn to teach, but it was so worth it.  The kids loved being together, learning about new things.  As a parent and teacher, I loved watching the kids learn, grow and discover themselves over the past year.  William was so proud today as he sat in his graduation hat.  He is ready for kindergarten and can't wait to go to school with his big brother Hryum.

We're so proud of you William....way to go buddy!

 

Nothing better than a water party to celebrate graduation! 

All about Emily

Emily is growing up so fast.  I was looking through pictures of her tonight and thought I'd post some of the things she's been up to lately.  The most recent and biggest achievement is that she finally learned how to walk.  She was a little bit later than the boys in learning, but I take all the blame because I never really gave her a chance.  It was much easier and quicker just to carry her everywhere.  Plus, how could I resist picking her up when she'd tug on my leg saying, "mama."  :)  Emily is so much fun.  We are all still completely in love with this little girl!

Tippy Toes

1st time standing solo

Fun at the park

More fun at the park

"I am a Child of God"

Tonight our family home evening lesson was about being children of our Heavenly Father.  At the beginning of the lesson I gave everyone a "test" to see if they could identify each member of our family by their baby picture.  Can you tell who is who?

Baby #1

 

Baby #2

 Baby #3

Baby #4

 

 

Baby#5

Baby#6