Last Days of Preschool 2015

We had the best, best year of preschool this year!

Lizzy was with Ms. Beth on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Jay spent 5 days a week with Mrs. Lindsey.

I also got Mrs. Phillips, Jay's 3 Year teacher, in this picture--both teachers poured so much into Jay over the last two years--his success at school will be all because of these two!

And for posterity purposes--here's how much Jay has grown this year--

and Lizzy, too!

They both learned so much and grew so much--I really can't believe Jay will be in Kindergarten in the fall but he's so, so ready! We went to orientation at his new school in April and everything is beyond wonderful. He's ready for the new adventure and a new backpack!

Preschool has been just the greatest experience for us--no one tells you that the few tears you shed when you leave them for the first time are NOTHING compared to the sobbing you'll do when you pick them up from the last day of preschool! There's a fantastic adventure ahead for our little Kindergartners--and these few, quick years have shaped his heart and mind in a way I never dreamed. We're counting the days of this precious summer and not hurrying through one moment of it. I only wish I would have done the same since day one.

I'm so thankful for the day I first discovered our sweet preschool while we were still house shopping. Its amazing when you can step back and see God's provision and answers to prayers you hadn't even yet prayed. This has been the best experience we could have asked for.

Now, on to enjoy summer!! 77 days until Kindergarten!

Preschool Programs 2015

Preschool Program Day, for me, is like Christmas, my birthday, all of my graduations, Easter and New Years all rolled in to one. 

Not to over-exaggerate, but I LOVE them. 

I love seeing all of the children and their energy, nerves, smiles, dance moves, collaboration, pride and silliness. 

I  love seeing a year's worth of growth, learning, development and teamwork (from the teachers and the classmates) come together for a half-hour of showmanship. 

I love hearing little voices sing and shout about the world, things they know and God's love for us. 

I love it all!!

This year was epic because for the first (and only) time I got to experience this as a parent TWO DAYS IN A ROW!

Both programs were adorable and I loved every single second of the programs and art shows.

Jay's was Thursday and Lizzy's was Friday. 

Some Highlights:

1. West kids in the back row now and forevermore. I hope they like it there. 

2. I wish it was okay for Jay to wear his hat like this all the time. Its perfection. 

3. Lizzy took a bow between every song. I loved it every time. 

4. Who knew Lizzy was the tallest out of all of the twos (now threes!)? That was surprising. 

5. Lizzy's bow game was strong. I actually thought we were going "simple" for the show, turns out she had the biggest bow of the bunch.

6. I just love watching all of the kids look around and find their own people. They are all so proud.

7. I messed up (forgot to press record) for part of Lizzy's performance and missed a good 3 or 4 songs including the sweetest Jesus Loves Me I've ever heard and Wheels on the Bus. Its a bummer I cant share those here, but I have then deep in my memory bank. 

8. Everyone told me how much they enjoy watching Jay at these programs, how funny he is and how they love his expressions. I humbly agree. 

9. His teacher also told me that he did about half of the show in different, various accents and she was sitting right next to him and had to keep from laughing the whole time. 

10. They are so proud of their performances. I don't think they get it from their Dad! ;)

The fours presented a "Barn Yard" program and I knew it would be awesome the day I got the note home telling me Jay was to wear a red shirt and denim shorts to be a Farmer. Yessss!

This was our carpool selfie pre-program. The excitement was palpable!

Scroll down for some videos of Jay's show.

Lizzy's Music and Movement show was the cutest!

Lizzy was not feeling well the morning of her show, thus she was not into taking pictures at all afterwards. I loved being there with her and Dede also came to cheer her on. She loved the show but the second it was over it was like a little virus took hold for the weekend. Way to be a trooper Lizzy! "The show must go on!"

And now for your viewing enjoyment (mainly for the fam in Tennessee)....I give you the programs! Enjoy!

This one made me sad! I've loved Jay's preschool and this Goodbye really got me!

Thanks for sharing my most favorite day(s) of the year!! I really could watch these kids every week--I just adore all that they learn and love seeing them have fun together. 

First Field Trip!

We visited the Fire Station with 4K today for Jay's 1st field trip.

The firefighters were great, the kids loved seeing the fire house--which really is a house in our neighborhood. 

They loved the pole!

Jay was right up front and totally tuned in. The firefighters told the class how they were responsible for everything at the fire station--cooking, maintenance, cleaning even washing and drying all of their clothes and linens. 

Jay's only report to dad tonight was that "The firemen put lemons in the dryer! isn't that so funny?!?!"

Linens I guess sounds a lot like lemons to a 4 year old. ha!!

We learned some great lessons about fire safety and all of the great work of the firefighters. 

First official Field Trip in the books! Crazy that we're here already. Time flies!

Jay and Lizzy's Baptism

Jay and Lizzy were both baptized Sunday, August 24.

It was a great day for them to officially join God's family and for Joseph and I and our church family to pledge to raise them and guide them according to God's will.

It was also lively. In the United Methodist church, most babies are baptized as infants.

We hadn't found our church to call home when our kids were that small so we decided to baptize them now-at 2-and-a-half and 4. 

The great part is that Jay really understood this sacrament and Lizzy really understood that it was a special day.
And that they were going to put water on her head--just a few drops.
We know that she understood that because she said it over and over during the baptism. You know, the time that our pastor was talking and we were trying to encourage the kids be quiet. Over and over. 

All kidding aside, I do know that both Jay and Lizzy know that God loves them so very much and he gave them to our family and gave them a Christian family to love, guide and support them. 

They fully understood that is was a special day and were so proud.

Quite silly and difficult to photograph, but loved and proud nonetheless. 

We took a zillion photos of this pose with two cameras.
There are exactly zero with everyone looking and/or not cracking up.
The kids were so silly at this point and all ready to play. So fun!

 The folks "behind the camera" trying to make these goofy subjects participate in a photo...

We enjoyed the afternoon with some of our family, all in all it was a wonderful day to celebrate.

We had a "special cake", lunch of ham and rolls, turkey and rolls, seven layer salad, fruit and potato salad.

 Weston and CJ missed the "press your face against somebody" memo..so funny!

Back to (Pre) School

School began at the end of August and the kids were oh-so-ready. 

I on the other hand, was digging my heels into the last weeks of summer like Fred Flintstone trying to stop the Flintstone-mobile. 

Jay started 4K- 5 days a week and couldn't be happier.

He's going to have a great year and do amazing things.

Lizzy joins him on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

She loves everything about preschool.

I miss them like crazy. I'm sure I always will. 

They hopped out of the car together for the first time, held hands and walked in together for this year's adventures. I love these two so much and I am so thankful for their brave, adventurous souls.