Dieter's First day of Pre-K...

A week after Finnley started school, it was Dieter's turn to start pre-K.  This is his second year and he was very excited for his first day.  He was happy to see his friends, whom he hadn't see all summer, and he thinks his new teachers are great.  

This kid is such a ham.  I tried and tried to get a normal picture of him - standing still and smiling - it didn't happen.  He kept hiding his face with his umbrella, or pulling a some sort of silly face.  This kid is such a sweet boy, and his teachers are lucky to have him in their classroom.  We love our Dieter and are so proud of him for being such a great little student!

Dieter and Miss Christine

It's Preschool for D-Bop...

I don't know how its possible, but yes, Dieter was old enough for preschool this year. I remember when Finnley started preschool and she seemed sooo much older.  But, in actuality, she was only 6 months older.

Anyway, this guy is now a big-time preschooler.  He isn't quite sold on the whole idea of leaving mom yet, and it breaks my heart to see his puppy-dog eyes as I leave him.  Fortunately, he's happy as can be when I pick him up, and loves telling me about all the things they did at school.

I'm not sure what to do with myself for those 2 1/2 hours I have Remmy all to myself.  I'm ashamed to admit that most days I just go to Target and walk the aisles for two hours while Remmy naps in her seat.  I sip on my Diet Coke, browse the clearance racks (something I haven't been able to do in years), and I'm excited to do some semi-solo Christmas shopping this year!  

I do miss my constant shadow (and when I say constant, I mean constant) but I know preschool is the best thing for him and helping him gain a little independence.  Plus, he looks up to his big sister and is proud to be going to school and bringing home art projects just like her.

Well Buddy, here's the start of a loooooong road of school.  Especially if you follow in the steps of your daddy!

My Preschool Graduate....

 

When we moved to Utah from California, I decided to put Finnley in preschool for the last 5 weeks of the school year.  She had visited her cousin Rex's preschool on many occasions, so I thought it would be fun for her to finish the year out there.  She LOVED it, and learned so much in the short time she was there.  She looked forward to going and had a blast spending the extra time with her buddy/cousin "Sexy Rexy".  

A couple weeks ago was her "Graduation" and I now have a kindergartner.  That, and my recent birthday, are making me feel very old.  Finnley has really grown up this past year, and is turning into a really great little girl.  She can be the sweetest little lady you ever hung out with, and she just keeps getting smarter and smarter.  I love my little pre-K grad!

 Rex and Finn

 

Remmy...having a rare moment of sadness.

 

 

Me and my girl. 

The Fire Station...

Today Finnley had her very first field trip. She was so excited! On the way there she said, "Mom, I fink today I'm going to be the leader." Well, she was right! Miss Jen drew her name out of the bucket and she got to be the line leader all the way to the Fire Station. (That's a big deal for a three year old.)

Just as we were walking up, the fire engine pulled into the station. Perfect timing! I actually enjoyed the tour just as much as Finnley. I'd never been to a fire station and it was fun to see the engines, the trucks, all the gadgets, where they ate, where they slept, and the actual fire poles (they had three). There was also a HUGE map with every single home/apt in South Pasadena on it - pretty impressive.

This guy was great, and totally loved his job. Wouldn't you? When it was time to go down the fire pole, he went down it twirling in circles, climbed back up, and then came down again zooming fast. Show off? Yep, but a great one. He made some great points that you should share with your kids in case of a fire:

1. Stay low

2. Don't hide if you see someone dressed like him - they are there to help you.

3. Know what to dial in an emergency - 911

4. Never play with matches

I quickly saw how Finnley acts when she is at school. She is a total talker! (I wonder who she got that from?) She blurted out every answer first, and usually got it right. Once, when the fireman put on his oxygen tank and asked what it was, Finnley quickly piped up and said "you use it when you go under the water to swim". Well, it wasn't 100% right, but I gave her credit! Anyway, we are working on raising our hands when we have something to say.

They let each of the kids play with the hose, turning it on and then back off. I love Finnley's tongue hanging out of her mouth...a sign of true focus.

Finnley's preschool class:

Jackson, Zoie, Finn, Bree, Sam, Leila, and Kasra

I am so pleased with Finnley's preschool, and feel lucky she got such a great teacher that really cares about these cute kids.

Thanks South Pas Fire and Miss Jen for a great first field trip!

Meet Miss Jennifer...

Friday we got to go to Finnley's preschool and meet her new teacher.

I was so nervous that Finnley would be shy, or act silly, but she did great!

She went right up to Miss Jennifer, shook her hand, and found her cubby. I was seriously so proud. I am excited for her to take this big step, but I know I'm going to bawl when I drop her off this Tuesday on day one. (I cried when I dropped off my deposit just thinking about it.)

I can't believe my little girl is already going to school. She couldn't be more excited about it. She is ready to paint, play, learn, and go potty on their little toilet. She went three times in 45 minutes on our visit day. :)

I'll post pictures of her first day on Tuesday.

Finn we are so excited for you to take this new step and start school. We love you!