Halloween at Our Little Preschool

Yup, we're back at Our Little Preschool! So things didn't work out so well for Cannon at the VA preschool, much to our disappointment. Let's just say that the "learning through play" philosophy didn' t go over too well with this former classroom teacher. Not to mention, the unstructured play was too hard for Cannon to handle. He needs structure, praise, and active learning. So, after several incidents, we decided it would be better to put him back in his old preschool. He loved it there, and actually cried to me for several weeks that he wanted to go back. So, THANK GOD, there was a space open. Let me just tell you, that's a God thing! When we first enrolled there, Katie Brinkley and I camped out bright and early in the morning to wait in line in what has become known in this country as the hunt for the spot in the best preschool! So to find out there was a spot open and Cannon could return, we were thrilled! Right away he got back into the swing of things and seriously, overnight, he just did a 180 in his behavior. He was sweet, obedient, and excited about going to school. Much to our surprise, his first week back he had a field trip, to... you guessed it... Ridgefield Farms! Twice in one week, man, he was a lucky kid! Then the third week back, it's time for a costume parade and a party! Here are a few pictures of Cannon back at the wonderful wonderful wonderful, Our Little Preschool! Oh, and isn't it so cute how Colin managed to slip into the class picture? He's so ready for school!

Dinosaur Land!

So when you're looking for something fun to do with three boys, how could you possibly go wrong with dinosaurland? We went once last year, but Colin was too little to really enjoy it. This time, it was GREAT! Cannon wanted me to read every sign along the path about each and every dinosaur. He was really into learning about which ones were meat eaters and which ones were vegetable eaters. Chance just loved the freedom of running around (poor daddy got a work out!) Colin seemed a bit scared at first, but as soon as he realized they weren't going to come to life and bite him, he settled in. I think the mammoth was his favorite!

"I Wanna Be a Firefighter When I Grow Up!"

Today was a walking field trip on the ground of the VA to the VA firehouse with Cannon's preschool. The kids were treated to the sounds of sirens and sights galore. They each got to sit in the driver's seat of the firetruck, walk through an ambulance and hold the firehouse. We got to tour where the firefighters rest, sleep and eat. When it was all done, each child got a goodie bag full of life saving tips and treats. It was a fun afternoon for all and the kids were all so good.

Pumpkinfest at Ridgefield Farm

Cannon's preschool took a trip to Ridgefield Farms this year. I took Colin along and we had a super time. When I asked Cannon what his favorite part was, he said picking a pumpkin in the patch, going on a hay ride and the pirate ship. The kids were adorable and we had a lot of fun.

2008 Martinsburg Air Show

We had a super great day at the 2008 Air Show. We enjoyed beautiful weather and lots of fun activities. When we first got there, Rob was reunited with a high school buddy who just happened to be the pilot of the largest aircraft in the US Airforce! It was so cool. Cannon and Daddy got a special tour. Then we headed off to some fighter planes where Cannon and Daddy geared up for battle. Colin was too little and Chance didn't want to get in. We stopped for a little snack break before hitting the inflatables! Cannon decided to take on a bigger boy in the pugle stick battle grounds. He got his butt kicked... poor thing, but it was funny! Then while Daddy and Chance went off for some funnel cakes, Cannon and Colin hit the moon bounces and worked off some wiggles. We ended our fun day watching the F16 fighter jet soar by at 650 miles per hour. We had a really great time.

Saddle Up Your Horses, We've Got a Trail to Blaze!

Chance started his very first session of therapeudic horseback riding by fighting us tooth and nail to put that darn helmet on. But much to my surprise, he walked right up the ramp, stuck his foot in the stirrup and mounted his horse like he had done it a hundred times already! He was so confident and so happy up there, I just couldn't have been more proud. And when they had Bonnie go into a trot, Chance absolutely lit up the ring with his giggles. Check out this video below.
We are so grateful to Horses With Hearts and all the local businesses that donated money to allow families like ours to participate without cost. My desire is that horseback riding could be something special that Chance someday can do independently, if he chooses. So far, he seems to love it, and if he wants, we'll keep coming back.

First Day of PreK

Cannon started PreK today at his new school! He went to PreK last year at a different school last year, but this year it's a new all day PreK program at a different location. It's a GREAT program with very qualified teachers. We are carpooling with two other neighbors, so we only drive once every three days. That helps with the time committment and gas prices, not to mention Morgan and Alex are Cannon's friends, so it's like a party every morning getting into the van!

My favorite part of this program is that they do "family-style" breakfast and lunch and we are not permitted to send in packed lunches. The kids have to at least try what is provided for lunch and they have to serve themselves! Can you imagine, 20 four year olds passing bowls of food and scooping out how much they want! ha ha ha... AND they have to pour their own milk! I guess maybe this is where they get the old saying "no use crying over spilt milk!"

They have lots of play time outside, in fact, Ms.Linda said "unless it's pouring down rain or below 30 degrees, they go out to play. Kids need to run!" They have a book center, an art center, a science center and a great curriculum. Today when Cannon got home I asked him what his favorite part of the day was and he said sleep time! He thought all of the kids napping on their floor cots with their special blankets and pillows was like one giant slumber party! ha ha ha... too cute.

I'm so excited about this school year for Cannon, and I believe he totally loved it on his first day!

Oh, and by the way, I TOTALLY enjoyed the SEVEN FULL HOURS of quiet in our home today. Colin was a bit lonely and bored, but Mommy loved it! And I'm pretty sure Daddy did too! (wink wink!)