Prescott Place

Over the holiday weekend, we went to visit some of our very favorite people (who also just happen to be James’ sister, brother-in-law, and their daughter). The weekend was a perfect blend of being out and about in Fayetteville and lounging around at their home. I even got one nap in and James was able to take two naps! Unheard of for us!

On Saturday we started the morning at a very yummy place for breakfast, followed by a stroll through the farmer’s market on the square. Early afternoon brought a fun surprise as we opened the door to find James’ parents outside! Dinner on an upstairs patio overlooking Dickson street and the “Bikers, Babes, and Bling” motorcycle rally was quite fun and made for some great people watching! The evening ended as we watched fireworks from the lawn at the University of Arkansas.

Sunday morning started with homemade donuts, followed later by lunch at a local pizza joint, naps for Carolyn, David, and James, Lily, and Griffin, while Nolan and I went exploring and played at a local park. After a yummy BBQ dinner at home, we set up for our own fireworks show and definitely was the highlight of the trip! This city girl has NEVER seen anything like it. With fireworks being legal in the city limits, let me just say the residents are not shy to show their patriotism! Every direction you turned, we saw fireworks in sky. And I do not just mean sparklers and Black Cats! The real deal!

Before dark, we lit sparklers, Roman Candles, and other fun little fireworks. Although Griffin had loved the fireworks show the night before (he sat mesmerized and was completely still throughout the entire show), he did not really care for the fireworks show a few feet in front of him. I do not really say I can blame him. The irony was that although he hated them, he wanted to be right in the middle of the action. This made it somewhat frustrating for me (and Griffin thought so too). He did like the sparklers!

As Carolyn and I got the “babies” in bed, James, David, and Nolan went back to the fireworks tent (third time I might add, oh and there were at least six huge firework tents to choose from within a couple miles. I told you this is serious business in these parts!) With sound machines cranked up in Griffin and Lily’s room, we all headed back outside for the “real” show. Nolan had such a great time being the helper and assistant as they shot the fireworks. He took his job very seriously and acted like he was quite the fireworks expert! Nolan almost seemed more interested in the logistics of our little show instead of watching the end result in the sky. No real surprise there!

Such a fun weekend and special thanks to our great hosts!

Below are a few pictures of the “pre” fireworks show.

DISCLAIMER! The utmost caution was used as the fireworks were lit and ensuring safety with the little ones. Looking at some of these pictures now, it sort of looks like the kids were just having a free for all with explosives!

Nolan was out front playing with our next-door neighbor’s child. He ran inside mumbling about making a sign, blah, blah, and blah. He rummaged around in the drawers, grabbed a few items, and raced back outside. I admit it. I was only partially listening and paying attention. Hey, this child is ALWAYS talking and always has an idea for something!

About fifteen minutes later Nolan was inside and I was in the garage. The garage doors were up and I was moving a few things around (We have a front entry garage by the way). I noticed a few cars slowing down in front of our house. I did not really think much of it. I continued doing what I needed to do. As I started to water the flowers in the front yard, I noticed it. The sign. “Oh my gosh!” I thought to myself. I ran to see what he had “written.”

A few minutes later I went inside to inquire about the sign to Nolan. He proudly said it was a message for the skateboarders and scooter riders to stay off the lawns. (Side note: James and I often are complaining about the group of preteens that seem to convene around our house practicing their tricks and, at times, hopping curbs and riding in driveways). He was so proud of his sign and how helpful he had been.

In case you cannot quite decipher what is in the picture, he drew a skateboarder and scooter rider inside a circle with a big “x” through them. The warning was loud and clear!

It was a tricky balance deciding how to get the sign out of the front yard AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, but at the same time, honoring Nolan’s intention.

With this child, I should seriously consider writing a book don’t you think?

Notice the empty water bottles and kneepad. The water bottles apparently help keep the sign grounded. The kneepad? Well I never got a straight answer on that one. Your guess is as good as mine.

A couple of weeks ago our little family met James’ parents, sister, brother-in-law, and their daughter in Galveston for a fun beach getaway. Even though the oil spill affected the location of our vacation, it did not matter. We all agreed as along as we were together, that was the most important part! It was so fun to see the cousins play together and enjoy each other’s company. It is nice that all the adults enjoy each others company too!

I definitely think James and I have two “beach boys” on our hands. We already knew that Nolan loved the water, but I think Griffin had just as much fun. In typical Griffin fashion, he was very unsure of the sand and water at first, but warmed up to the beach in no time. Hearing him squeal as the waves rushed to him was priceless! Nolan learned how to body board and “attempted” surfing as well. He would have stayed in the water all day ever day if we would have let him! He asked me today “Now when are we going back to the beach?” He is a fish no doubt!

On our way home we stopped at the Houston Space Center. It was a fun little detour.

Thanks to James’ parents for a wonderful vacation!

Here are pictures from the trip!

So tonight I was at the neighborhood monthly ladies Bunko (or “Drunko” as it often is referred to apparently by some of the husbands of said group). Since about half the ladies have a child starting Kindergarten next year we were of course discussing this. The subject of the Kindergarten Kick Off came up. One of the mothers said she when she asked her son about the hour he told her how they worked on their alphabet, practiced counting various things around the room, and read books. I reluctantly shared with her that when I picked Nolan up I was told by the Kindergarten teacher that Nolan showed the group his break dancing skills and that the only other piece of information I received was that they did the Chicken Dance. Huh? Their classrooms were right next to each other. How is this possible? The other ladies laughed (to my horror and embarrassment of course). I proceeded to say that I am convinced that Nolan now has a black mark by his name. The mother then said, “Well actually that is funny you mention that. I was at the school the next day and I bumped into the teacher that Casey had last night. I asked her to be honest regarding if they were making mental notes of the kids.” The mom said the teacher laughed and said “Actually we were!” I KNEW IT!!!

So much for starting off on the right foot.

(Outside the Kindergarten Wing)

Attend Kindergarten Kick Off

Almost two weeks ago we went to Nolan’s new elementary school for orientation. The purpose was two fold. One for the children to meet the Kindergarten team, spend time in their future classrooms and see the school. The parents simultaneously attended an information meeting. And I do mean an informational meeting. My head was spinning by the time we left (for many reasons though as you can imagine).

At check in we were enthusiastically welcomed by elementary school staff and briefly told about the evening. Nolan was quickly whisked away to the Kindergarten “Pod” as they call it while James and I (and our sidekick Griffin) were ushered into the gym. As James and I walked in the opposite direction as Nolan I found myself noticing the symbolism as to what is to come in three short months.

For almost the next hour the parents heard from the principal, assistant principal and school counselor. We were informed about school policies, carpool lanes, various programs and activities offered through the school and general expectations for the next year. We were reminded that Kindergarten has changed significantly since we started elementary school. Expectations have drastically changed for these five year olds. “They will hit the ground running regarding their learning and what is expected regarding their education,” we were told by the principal. In other words, Kindergarten is serious business. The children will be challenged and the expectations for what they should already know and what they will learn next year is high.

When the school counselor spoke she started by reading a sweet poem/story about a little girl getting onto the school bus on her first day of Kindergarten. The story detailed the fabulous first day of this little girl, but how hard it was for her parents to cope and adjust. Of course I instantly could relate to the story and how I would be feeling. The school counselor, like any good therapist, acknowledged how hard this transition often is for the parents and reflected how we may be feeling. She normalized these feelings and it felt good. (Yes, I teared up several times as she spoke).

She also told us about how the first day of school will work. She invited us to the “Tears and Cheers” breakfast held directly after we settle our children at their desks on the first day. This is a support meeting of sorts, hosted by the school, to soothe the parents and celebrate this momentous first day. I was very touched by this gesture and made me love the school even more. I. AM. NOT. ALONE. Many other parents will struggle, as I will.

When the meeting was over we went to the Kindergarten “Pod” to retrieve Nolan in his designated classroom for the evening. As we were greeted and asked who were to there to pick up, the teacher said and I quote, “Nolan is quite the break dancer. He showed us all his moves.” BACK UP is what I thought in my head. Excuse me? What did you say? Why in the world was Nolan break dancing? I thought.   I am absolutely convinced the teachers were taking mental notes on these future Kindergarteners and Nolan already has a black mark by his name. He ran over to James and I. He was so excited. He told us about everything they had done in that hour. Also in typical Nolan fashion, he told us he already made two friends. He repeatedly asked how many days until Kindergarten starts and his wish that it would start tomorrow. Nolan and I could not be more apart in our wishes.

As much as I am struggling a great deal with this, I am so happy and excited for Nolan. He cannot wait for the school year to start. I am picking up his school spirit shirt tomorrow. He can’t wait to wear it. I truly could not ask for more. I am lucky he is so excited and ready. What if he was dreading it? Now that would be awful. It is just me.

Nolan “graduates” this Thursday from preschool. They will have a formal graduation with a cap and gown. All Nolan has told me is that he is happy that the children will only sing two songs (as opposed to seven apparently at Spring Sing) and that the cap is itchy. Typical.

I teared up as I walked the hallway towards Nolan’s classroom on Monday. We have so many wonderful memories from his school. He has grown and changed so much from the first day I dropped him off at the door to his classroom when he was 2 ½ years old. Where has the time gone? Where has it gone?

I received an email from the mom of Nolan’s best school friend yesterday. She asked how I was “holding up” regarding graduation this week. She said she is basket case and will bawl her eyes out on Thursday. We hope to sit next to each other for moral support. I am not alone. Not alone regarding all the parents who will be sad at graduation and not alone on Nolan’s first day of Kindergarten. This much I know. The rest? Well I am just taking it one step at a time.