a lot of new for Nicky

Today was Nicky's first day of first grade.

To commemorate this event, we had our (now annual) back to school dinner last night.

This year's theme: Build Each Other Up. A goal for the whole family. And yes, this setup was demolished promptly once Silas was released from the boys' room where Ricky was keeping them hostage while I threw it all together.

This boy is in a building phase for sure. He made three robots and a carwash with a fancy tower. There's some deep spiritual significance there I'm sure.

Seriously though, we'll be working on being more intentionally encouraging of each other this year. I'm intentional about plenty of things because I want my life to look a certain way; because I want my kids to have certain experiences and I want my marriage to be good. But--things can change so quickly right now. What I want them to remember is not that things were perfect or that we always did this or that--but that there was love and kindness intertwined in all of it. And Nicky is a natural encourager, so I really want to run with that. Really, most days I just want to be more like him. 

I thought it would be fun to build our own pizzas and fruit salad in keeping with the theme. And it was, but we were super hungry by the time it was ready. That's why Ricky has his rally face on, and Silas is just going for it.

I had a little game planned but the interactive dinner turned out to be all we could manage before the babies started melting down (Little Miss played on her mat just long enough for us to eat, which was kind of amazing for her). So, we skipped it and went straight to baths.

Nicky's starting a new school this year, out where Ricky works. It feels like we're leaving a safe, warm cocoon--that's what kindergarten was. He had the kindest, most patient teacher imaginable. So, Ricky and I were a bit nervous this morning as we got everyone ready and headed out. I managed to get a few pics before we left:

                         

Our friend describes it as "a little school right out of the 1950's". Definitely has that vibe to it. We've heard nothing but good things so far, and I really like that he's going to school with such a diverse group of kids.
I think he'll learn a good deal there.

We found everyone outside. I think we were much more nervous that he was--he ran off to play and then lined up like a pro, smiling and carefree as ever. 

He was happy and jumpy and full of things to say when we picked him up. I breathed a sigh of relief and listened to his stories. It was a good first day.

pink week

It's Pink Week, for breast cancer awareness, at Nicky's school. It's funny trying to explain to a little boy how wearing pink is a way of showing solidarity with sick ladies (and men) but I think he sort of gets it. The first few conversations ended with him looking confused and repeating, "But I just don't want to wear pink, Mommy"....He thought his pink hair was pretty cool today though.

Ricky is out of town at a conference, and we get him back tomorrow. I miss his face, and how he plays with the boys while I make dinner. Making dinner with a baby climbing up your leg is no fun at all.

We're having a nice week though, all in all. Baking lots of yummy things and doing crafts and enjoying the season. Tonight it's butternut squash risotto (the last squash from the garden) and baked apples, and the happy occasion of an old friend passing through town and coming over for dinner, with her baby who I haven't met yet.

And just for a bonus: it's cloudy outside. Happy Wednesday.

first day

the night before kindergarten

Tomorrow's a pretty big deal.

We had a celebratory dinner: macaroni and cheese (his request, with sneaky squash in the cheese sauce), a veggie tray, and chocolate cake. 

After-dinner activities included climbing on Papa, protecting the cake from Penny (she was determined) and one last name-writing practice.

Then, cake time! This year's emphasis: Pay Attention and Have Fun. A big goal. 

I think I'll work on that as well.

and finally, bath, brush teeth and climb into bed.

Always the game inventor, this boy. Points for me if I catch him on camera, points for him if I don't. These are my two points.

Good night.

kindergarten ahead

So this morning we finally got word that Nicky's been accepted to the kindergarten class we were hoping for. He won't be quite five when school starts, so there was some deliberation involved. This all feels a little last-minute, since school starts August 11th. Wow. So I'm trying to think of what's really important to do before that big day comes. I think a special shopping trip is in order-school clothes, backpack, lunch box, and school supplies (ah, one of the best smells....) and a celebration dinner of some sort. I want him to feel special, and to be as excited as possible!
It's hard to believe we will have a kid in school. He's been to preschool before, but this just feels like a whole new world. I am happy and relieved that he gets to start this year though, because he's so, so ready. Also, it just so happens he'll be in the same class as two friends from church.
And so it begins.

photos by Marisela Lange, October 2010

back to school