Kissing Hand

If you read the post below, then you know that Evan has been less than enthusiastic about school. He tells me he doesn't want to go to school because he would rather spend the day with me. However, I know better. I know the real reason is because he is nervous about doing something different. He doesn't handle transitions or new situations well (I guess this Army life thing is not the best for a boy like Evan!).

Because I will be greeting my own students on Tuesday morning and Wes will be in a foreign country, The daycare provider will be taking him to his first day of school. Ms. Desi, his best friend's mother, will be walking him to the door. In order to insure that Evan knows I will be thinking of him, I have created a "kissing hand." If you know the book, then you know the beautiful story of a raccoon heading out to school for the first time. His mother kisses his palm and tells him to hold his palm to his cheek anytime he is scared or lonely, and the kiss of his mother will travel through his cheek to warm his heart.

After reading this book several times with Evan, I had a similar idea. I had planned to draw a heart on the palm of his hand so that he would be reminded that I would be with him, in spirit at least, as he completes the first day. Evan reluctantly agreed to this. In fact, he later said, "I can't believe I am going to do this."

Today, while watching TV, we saw a commercial where the mom does something similar for her daughter's first day of school. Evan saw it and said, "You mean other people know about the kissing hand. I thought we were the only ones." Now that others might know, I am afraid the idea of drawing hearts on the hand is a no-go.

Kinder Orientation

For weeks we have tried to persuade Evan that kindergarten will be fun. We have ordered and read books about "big" school. We have had a playdate with another boy that will be attending Henderson. We have highlighted the parts that we know he will enjoy: the library, gym class, recess, reading books, science experiments, etc. We have prayed about it with him. But it has been all to no avail.

We learned last weekend that Evan's teacher is Ms. H. Interestingly enough she is someone that we already knew because she lives three houses down from us. Tonight we went to Henderson for the kindergarten orientation. As we were inundated with information about the school, my anxiety levels rose. I began to realize that the first week will be overwhelming for Evan, and he has every right to not want to go.

The kids were required to leave the parents for the duration of adult talk, but Evan didn't balk at the idea of going to the classroom with the teacher. He met his classmates, a fairly diverse group, and decided that he wants to make friends with the boy named Ben because he has the name of his favorite cartoon character. He learned that he has been assigned to the orange team with another boy with an E name, and best of all, he learned that he can buy ice cream after lunch. While getting ready for bed tonight, Evan decided that he might like kindergarten after all. He said, "First I was scared, but I think kindergarten might be cool after all." And so with visions of ice cream, outside recess on the big playground, and a possible new friendship with Ben, Evan is finally excited about school! We are now counting down until the big day...only five more days.

Money Tree

Keagan has accrued quite a bit of money from his birthday from his great-grandmothers. It is more than any four year old needs. Since he spent $7.00 at Dutch Wonderland buying a sword, we suggested last night that he put the rest in the bank. I tried to explain that if he put the money in a savings account, then in a few years it would grow and would be even more money. Evan asked, "You mean that if he puts money in the bank, then a tree will grow with money on it." Well, not exactly, but he was close!

Jungle Adventure

Keagan celebrated his fourth birthday on Sunday at Gymboree with a few of his friends from school. He had a wonderful time catching up with his friends that he hasn't seen in two months, and he loved being the center of attention for the duration of the party. 

Of all the birthday parties we have planned in the last six years, this, by far, was the easiest and the most fun. I ordered a cake and picked up a few balloons; the crew at Gymboree did everything else. (They even offered to write and mail the invites!) The kids had a great time singing, dancing, and playing on the gym equipment. We blew bubbles, went on an animal adventure with our Diego telescopes, and made tents with parachutes. 

Wes summed it up best when he looked at me at the end of the party and said, "That was the best party ever, Baby. We didn't have to clean up a thing. Let's do it again in November." Unfortunately, Evan will be too old. There is an age limit at Gymboree, and so we will again be on the look-out for another birthday location in November!

Dutch Wonderland

On Friday we left Texas and flew into Baltimore. Because we were as close as we were to the Pennsylvania border, we decided to spend the weekend in Lancaster, the home of Dutch Wonderland. If you haven't been there and your kids are under the age of eight, then you have to go! All of the rides are catered to young ones and with the rides, water park, diving shows, miniature golf, and specialty events, there is more than enough to do in a day. 

Lancaster is in the middle of Amish country. The rolling hills of corn, the red barns, and the Amish farms are picturesque to say the least. 

Although we didn't tour an Amish farm, we did eat at a restaurant sitting on a farm. While we were waiting to be seated, the boys toured the barn, hiked through the peach trees, and petted the animals. We had whoopie pies for dessert, a must have while in an Amish restaurant.

Our trip to Lancaster was so much fun we stayed an extra night and returned to Virginia in the early afternoon. And we didn't forget, Sandra. The Amish hot mustard was purchased. This time we bought you guys two jars because I don't know that we will be back any time soon.

Keagan is Four

Four years ago today Keagan was born. While awaiting his arrival, Wes and I watched the Olympics on German TV in the hospital, and today we awaited the arrival of guests for his birthday party while watching the Olympics.

This afternoon we celebrated in Texas with my extended family with a Speed Racer party, and on Sunday we will celebrate at home with his friends from school and church. Lots of celebrations...I know, but he will be four only once.

Flying Trip to Arkansas

Because we haven't driven enough in the last five days, we left Marshall on Monday morning to visit Wes's grandmothers. It is a 3.5 hour drive, and once you leave Shreveport, you see nothing but lumber trucks and paper mills. And if we hadn't had a satellite radio in my mom's car, the drive would have been worse.

Once we arrived at Nana's house, the boys were able to tour the old barn and observe deer feeding in one of the fields. 

Keagan drove Papa's old blue Ford tractor, and I am almost ashamed to admit, Evan shot a rifle. Did I really allow my little boy to shoot a gun? Evan was more than excited!

I think Nana was even more excited to have us come for the weekend, though!