Toby's First Day of School

Toby started Pre-K this week...my boy is growing up so fast! He's been asking when he can go to school for about the last six months, so this was a much-anticipated day...and from what he told me, he LOVED it! He came home with a binder of information for parents, along with an art project he worked on for the day, and he was so proud! He can't wait to go back!

For the past few weeks leading up to school starting, I'd been dreading this time coming. I just wasn't sure I was ready to let go of my little boy, even if it is only for a few hours a day, and only three times per week! However, after attending the parents orientation meeting, my dread was replaced with complete excitement for my little boy...his teacher is wonderful, and has so many fun learning activities planned for the school year! I know this time will be good for him, both for learning things such as the letters of the alphabet, and interacting with friends in a classroom setting. I dropped him off with no tears or regret--perhaps next year will be more difficult when he starts Kindergarten!

The first three pictures below are from Meet the Teacher Day. Toby was very excited to meet his teacher, but he didn't show it! He became shy and looked at the floor anytime the teacher asked him questions. He did at least answer her questions, though, and I told her he'd open up to her within a few days.

Toby found his assigned seat, found some bear toys, and started playing right away.

Zach found a seat next to him and was comfortable being there, too. He thought he was starting school too, poor guy! He adores his Big Brother, and copies everything he does!

First day of school, and oh, so excited!!!

My boys...Toby had his backpack, and a special toy from home (his stuffed Cubbie bear he earned for saying Bible verses at AWANA) to share with his class on the first day. So naturally, Zach had to bring along a backpack and a special stuffed animal, too!

Success! Toby is actually LOOKING at his teacher as he talks to her today!

Finding the monkey with his name on it, so he can put it on the board that he is present at school.

Remembering how Toby liked the little bears on Meet the Teacher day, his teacher made sure the bears were sitting on his table when he got there. He really enjoyed sorting all the different colors. And Zach joined in, too. ;)

Brothers saying goodbye...this was the only point where I got a little emotional. This was just so sweet, and I knew Zach would really miss his brother!

I really wanted to make this a special day for Zach, too, so we went out to Happy Donuts after we left Toby at school. A little treat went a long way in forgetting his brother wasn't with him!

 After getting doughnuts, we went to the park to play...another novelty lately, as it's been too incredibly hot here to do much playing outside! (Especially when Mommy's pregnant and is always hot anyway!)

As soon as we left the park, Zach was asking about his brother again. We went to the grocery store, and after putting the groceries away at home, it was time to go pick up Big Brother from school. To make this exciting day even more special, Dan joined us for lunch at a local Mexican restaurant...where our server brought Toby a bowl of ice cream to celebrate! (This was followed by a very long nap for Toby, Zach, and me!)

Another much anticipated time for Toby was his AWANA Cubbies starting back up for the fall. He loves going to AWANA, and has been asking all summer when it would start back up. Last night was the kick off party and registration night, so no Bible lessons or verses recited...but he was still excited to be there! Several of his friends from last year moved up to Sparks, and I know he will miss seeing them every week. However, there were so many new friends joining his Cubbies class this year. I know he will love it again--and he's excited to learn some new Bible verses. I am so proud of this boy!

 Heading out to Cubbies!

Of course, Zach had to copy his brother's stance...I love this kid!

Here's to a fun-filled year of school and AWANA!

This Past Month in Pictures...

Whew! This has been a lot of posting to catch up on my blog! This post is just a stack of pictures taken in the past month or so. After this, I should be caught up...until I post pics of Toby's first day of school! I can't believe he's growing up so fast!

Where did my boys go?

There they are! ;)

Are they sleeping?

Nope, just pretending to nap!

Tuckered out after a fun evening of playing with friends at a social for Dan's work. He was even too tired to finish his snack!

Zach had to snuggle in...

Toby asked Dan to take the training wheels off his bike, so we thought we'd give it a try. It was too intimidating for him, though, and the training wheels went back on after this attempt. It's okay--he's still quite young for that!

We've enrolled Toby in a kids' fall soccer league, and bought him soccer cleats and a ball. He is so excited, and had to try the cleats out right away.

Zach got a goal! =)

Dan and I were visiting, when I realized we hadn't heard from the boys in quite awhile. Trying not to worry (silence often means they're getting into trouble!), we went all around the house looking for them. Dan found them hiding in a basket in our bedroom closet, having a great time! 

Toby's friend H came over to play one afternoon. It was pretty wild at times! After a bit, I put in a movie to settle them down (I thought one or both of them were going to be hurt, with all their rough play!).

Drinking green smoothies, or as Toby says, "Green Snoothies". This is the only way I can get them to eat spinach, and they love it! A little OJ, spinach, a banana, water, and frozen fruit: makes a great treat for the boys!