Kiddo Art Show

So proud of our little boy. A painting he did was selected to be in an art show at a local bank. We are very fortunate that our kids have dedicated art teachers, through Kiddo, an organization that raises money from parents and businesses to keep the arts in schools. They had a little reception that we all got to go to tonight to see his work and the work of the other kids and just celebrate him. He's a cool kid!

Open House

It is hard for me to believe that Arran is finishing up his first year at school. Kindergarten is almost over and it has flown by unbelievably fast. When I think back to his first day and how nervous he was and how hard it was for him to let me leave, and then I think of the big boy he is today, it is astounding. He has grown and changed so much, he is more confident and self-assured, he is reading like a pro, he is taller and minus a couple of teeth and there is his long hair, of his choosing. He is such a little boy, full of energy he loves to be silly but he still has his sensitive caring side.

Last week they had an Open House and so off we went to check out some of his recent work. Somehow in the craziness of trying to get the family out of the house in time to get there for the start and leave enough time before James had to leave for music practice, I managed to forget to bring a camera!!!!!!!! Oh well - thank goodness for camera phones, FAR from perfect, but better than nothing for sure. Mental not to self, a camera should be attached to one's body at all times so as not to miss perfect picture moments, or just those moments that you know you will always treasure.

He is so proud of all of his hard work, as are we and he loved being our little paleontologist guide (hence the costume). Bryttain cried when we had to leave, she cannot wait for it to be her turn.

Our first night at school

Well for the parents of 1st graders it may have been back to school night, but for us it was our first parents meeting. I have to say that the more I have heard and seen and the more time I have spent there I am just thrilled that Arran is attending this school. More importantly he loves it.

After the initial general presentation by the teachers, we went to our respective children's classrooms to hear more from their teacher. Arran's teacher seems to be have such a great balance; she is funny, sensitive, very much in control, flexible yet organized. We enjoyed getting to hear stories about her first week with her class and the way they are already working together. There was art work everywhere, which we of course loved.

We were told to find the drawing our child had created especially for us and to
write a message for him to read the next morning. So sweet - he drew us.

Owen and Mzee - they are reading this book and have a theme
'Unlikely Friendships' which they are exploring, as a class. It's a true story about a 130 year old tortoise who essentially adopted an orphaned hippo. This is Arran's version.

Another one of his pictures on the wall.

The picture, laminated to line his cubbie-hole.

Starting this week I will be volunteering in the classroom on Thursday mornings. I'm excited to get a closer peek at how things work as well as get more involved in this new stage of Arran's life.