School fun!

The fall has been going by way too fast - and everything has turned into a bit of a blur since school started. So, I'll start catching up with the start of the 2014/2015 school year. 

Nicholas is in second grade and has Mrs. Stone for a teacher. He really likes her, and we like her too. His second grade class is focusing on reading independently and the students have been steadily increasing the number of minutes in class that they read quietly to themselves. Then, every night, they have to read for 20 minutes and record the books that they read (and the numbers of minutes that they read). Nicholas really seems to enjoy reading. In fact, tonight, he snuck out of his room after we put him to bed and I found him in the office reading (with the door locked). He also really enjoys math. His favorite part of school is recess, and he loves to play "Don't Touch the Ground Tag" (they chase each other around "big playspace" without touching the ground, so their arms are getting pretty tough). Nicholas is still doing gymnastics, but is fairly frustrated by having several kindergarteners in his class (including Donovan). 

Nicholas with his first day of school "Clothes Boy"!

 Heading to the bus. 

 Waiting for the bus - the kindergarteners started a day later so Donovan got to stay home with me. 

Donovan is in kindergarten and has Mrs. Landry for a teacher. Donovan started off school having a difficult time knowing when to be silly and when to be serious. But, he's made great improvements and is off to a strong new start. Donovan really enjoys practicing forming his letters, and has just started a "stitching" project that he loves. We've noticed that the full-day kindergarten really takes a toll on Donovan and he is exhausted by about 7:00 in the evening. So, we've been working really hard to move all of their bedtimes to an earlier time (much easier since it is getting dark so early). Donovan enjoys playing a game called "baby trucks" on the playground. I don't understand the game or the rules, but Donovan thinks it is pretty funny. He is also in gymnastics, and has also been working hard to keep the silliness out of the gym. 

 Donovan with his first day of school "Clothes Boy."

 Waiting for the bus.

 Back home from his first day of school.

  Donovan had a great time on his first day, and he continues to love school. 

Donovan's kindergarten self-portrait - I have to laugh at the size of his hands compared to his head.

Lily has her pre-school program two days a week at the same facility that Donovan was at last year. She loves it, and has made many new friends. Her teachers marvel at how independent and easy going she is. She has made it onto their quote board on several occasions, including: "I don't like sleep, that why I don't sleep, and that why I only pretend to sleep when I am in my bed at night." Since starting school this fall, she has taken a nap every day that she has gone to school (she stopped taking naps for me last February). Lily's new favorite activities are dance class and having tea parties with me. Her dance class includes ballet and tap dance, and ends with a free dance period during the last five or so minutes. We still spend a lot of time going to the library; Lily has a knack for choosing any book that has a pink cover. Lily has also been enjoying going on bike rides - Ray and Malu gave us their trailer-bike and Lily loves that she can peddle and change the gears!

 Lily with her "Clothes Girl"

 Ready for her first day of school (notice the pink tutu underneath the striped dress). 

Lily and Katie - The Curriers got Lily her first ballet leotard and ballet slippers, and Katie's given Lily a few pointers on how to spin without getting dizzy and falling over.  

For more pictures, click on the following link.