First Place Second Day

Daxton had his kindergarten assessment today which I was able to have the afternoon off to take him and meet his potential teacher *fingers crossed*  I could hardly wait for the big kids to get out of school today and meet them outside the kindergarten playground.  Being typical boys the recap of their second day of school was 2.5 seconds long.

After a big hug and asking if they had homework Dax and I presented them with their very sweet and elaborate after school snack of cupcakes and green apples.

Both boys reported they had a perfect day and that they already LOVE their teachers and classes.  Both had PE today which seemed like a good break in the day to work off some first week of school energy. 

We had back to school night for 5th grade and I think we all agreed that Ethan definitely wants to go back  tomorrow.  Carter really seems to love Mrs. H and 2nd grade so far!! As for Dax it was reported that he did very well on his assessment though I heard him several times tell her he didn't know what sound a specific letter made which I knew was just not accurate...but I think that kid already understands there needs to be room for improvement!

It definitely was a first place second day of school!!

xoxo - j

First Day of School 2019

Well they are all settled in to their new classes and I feel like a little piece of my heart is being left at the school up the street. *ugly cry face*

Carter and Ethan both jumped right out of bed, hopped into the shower and got themselves all ready for the day.  They were extra snuggley and huggy - I do wonder how many more days like this I'll have...where they won't be too proud or grown up to seek us out when they are scared or lonely or just need a little extra love.

We had out traditional pancake breakfast and had the pleasure of Dad being off of work this week to join us for this momentous occasion.  They were all laughs and smiles as we gave them first day pep talks - remember the rules, don't talk out of turn, be respectful - most importantly I think we told them they are smart and will do a great job a million times.

Before we knew it, it was time to head off to school.  After much begging and pleading Ethan let us walk him to class "just for today" because you know it was our last first day of elementary school with him.  I mean I feel like it's my right as his mother to get one last first day of school hug and kiss and walk to the classroom door.  Both of them knew exactly where they were going and what to do with their backpacks and lunchboxes...I was blinking back tears the whole time trying to not make a scene.

They had a great first day and I'm positive that they are both more than ready for 5th and 2nd grade.  Just one more week and Daxton will start kindergarten!

xoxo - j

Christmas Traditions

One of my favorite childhood decorations is one I made in 3rd grade, a paper garland of Christmas lights.  I think I fell in love with holiday countdowns that year, after careful consideration on whether or not to recreate the paper strand of lights for the Nook I decided a traditional looped paper garland was in store for the boys.  Olaf is an amazing mind reader and brought all the supplies from the North Pole for us.

We had so much fun looking at all the cute Christmas themed strips of paper Olaf brought us.  Carter and Ethan did such an amazing job creating their garlands, I helped Dax with his.  And in the end the trees look amazing with the 23 loops signifying how many days until the big man arrives!

We hope everyone had a fabulous day!!

xoxo - j

He's Baaacccckkkk!!!

Our friendly family scout elf, Olaf, is back for the 2018 holiday season! Hooray!!  He flew in last night and worked his little elfin fingers to the bone preparing our 6th annual Snowflake Breakfast!

The pipsqueaks could not believe their eyes when they came down the hall expecting a quick breakfast before our first event of the day.  We turned on the light and low and behold Olaf was perched atop three tiers of breakfast confections on a Christmas themed table.

A gentle reminder not to touch was largely targeted at the youngest pipsqueak!  Alternating looks of confusion and pure excitement lit up those sweet faces.

While we ate, I did the honor of reading Olaf's book for the first time of the season.  There was lots of banter about what Olaf has up his sleeve this holiday season as well as whether or not Olaf hibernates during the summer.  A rare and memorable breakfast all together for sure!!

We had a full day of Santaland at the kid's school first thing and then Olaf brought us tickets to ride the Candycane Express in Virginia City (more to come on that later).  It was a day full of holiday cheer. 

The decorations are mostly up and Olaf has arrived...Christmas has now OFFICIALLY commenced in the Nook!!

xoxo - j

Hodge Podge Wednesday

We may have kicked off Christmas, but there are still two days left of November, two whole days before our actual Christmas shenanigans kick off in these parts.  Ethan, Carter, Dax and I gathered 'round the little red table to enjoy the remnants of the Thanksgiving leftovers and enjoy the first ever screening  of A Christmas Story.

I love days like these - coming home after a long day at work/school and just being able to relax and enjoy each other's company.  This all started when we noticed one of the houses by the school has a Ralphie in a bunny suit in the window and the kids had no point of reference to what that was, they just though it was creepy and weird...I thought it was hilarious and maybe a little creepy.  Overall I think the pipsqueaks really enjoyed it and thus it will be added to our extensive must-watch Christmas movie list.

After the boys were all snuggled in their beds, Trevor and I  had our annual date-night Christmas Vacation screening.  Hands down my favorite Christmas movie of all time.

It's been a memorable week of family fun so far!!

xoxo - j

Ten-Seven-Four

Today I held tight to my bright, precocious, somewhat silly and extremely strong-willed children.  As the years pass I try to ingrain in my memory the sheer essence of them.  Their long eyelashes, their quirky little dimples, their wiry frames, baby teeth, their unbounded energy, innocent compassion and theatrical antics.  They are certainly something else, and I love them with all my heart!

Mini pancakes and waffles seemed fitting for this overcast Tuesday morning.  We all talked about what the day held in store for us and I let a little cat out of the bag that I had surprise waiting again tonight after school!

The big boys played their requisite pre-school video game and chatted about what could possibly be in store for tonight, I mean we had already seen Santa and our scout elf hasn't arrived yet, so what could it even be?!

These are the faces of three very intrigued children waiting on baited breath and looking forward to an amazing day at school. 

After a fab day of school we wrapped up our day at Chuck E. Cheese, the hopping Tuesday night party locale of choice!

And last but  not least, we wrapped up our day with a couple of very tuckered out boys...one would monkey around all night if I let him.  There is no better end to a Tuesday than the sweet faces of a sleeping 10 year old.

This is Ten - Seven - and - Four!  I love you boys to infinity and beyond!!

xoxo - j

Commencing The Nook Christmas 2018

Cue the sounds of the season and haul out the red and green, it's officially time for The Nook Christmas 2018 to begin.

Our first stop, Santa's Workshop at Meadowood.  We checked our lists twice before paying a visit to the jolly old elf himself for a few memorable minutes of pure animated holiday chatter and the requisite photo taking.

Jolly Old St. Nicholas lean your ear this way...don't you tell a single sole what I'm about to say...

Ethan wants a Red Sox Wold Series hat; Carter wants Michael Jackson everything and Daxton wants a Power Wheels police car...

After whispering our most desired wishes to the big man, we had to snap a photo behind the gigantic tree before heading home for an evening of giggles and the start of all the Christmas magic this season has to offer.

It is THE most wonderful time of the year!!

xoxo - j