the kid is in kindergarten

Espen's first day of kindergarten was a few weeks ago and this year was so much different then last year when he started pre-k at his school and I'm not just talking about Espen's hair. It was still exciting and 'new' but Espen was like a whole new kid. Last year his teacher had to coax him to her side and he looked a bit terrified, this year it was like 'see ya, I got this under control, been there done that'.

He settled right in, with his buddies from last year and that was it.  He's been having a great time so far, he and I talk and talk and talk about what they did all day, who he sat with at lunch, how was p.e., art, what songs did he learn. It's amazing.

On Sunday night, for Espen's last night of Summer we went out for a little celebratory fro-yo!






















This guy was next in line to start school. Jeremy started at Phoenix Law this year and we couldn't be more happy and proud of him. xoxo lover.

half day fun day

Espen's school had early release last Friday so a bunch of his classmates decided to get together at the park next to the school.

Before we headed over there we took a minute to look through these incredible binders that his teacher put together for all of the students. Each book had writing samples and drawings and photos from throughout the year. It was such a nice gift and Espen was so proud of it!

There were 11 kids from Espen's class and a ton of other kids too at the park playing in the water feature...we spent 4 hours there and had so much fun. The kiddos played while us mom's got to chit chat and relax, it was a good afternoon.










{ian dumping water on espen and yes, those are bags for picking up dog poop}










{tired of getting his picture taken}

christmas party, preschool style.

I love Espen's school. I love his teacher, Mrs. Caton. She is incredibly sweet and so good with the kids and she goes out of her way to make their first experience in a school setting so amazing. On Thursday she even sent each kid home with a present...Espen got a little toy truck and 3 books, including one that I watched her read to the students one day that I told her how much I loved. I'm not sure if every kid got a copy of the Gingerbread Man, but I like to think that she gave it to Espen because she knew how much he and I both liked it.

On Friday, the last day of school before winter break she had coordinated a little party for the kids. When Jeremy and I got there each group of kids was already having fun at their 'station'. They set up 5 stations for the kids to rotate through, from a math game with bingo stampers to making ornaments and jingle bell reindeer's the kids loved it! I am beyond thankful that Espen gets to have such a wonderful pre-k experience and it wouldn't be the same without Mrs. Caton.


{what an awesome project. these were in the office at Espen's school, not sure what class made them but they are hilarious. chia pet pine cones!}


{espen playing a numbers/bingo game}


{the gingerbread houses that the kids made, which we forgot to take home...which i almost cried about}

{this is sophie, espen's girlfriend. the are best buddies and talk about having crushes on each other. it's so cute. unfortunately sophie will not be going to the same elementary school next year, although i don't think espen will have too hard of a time finding a new girlfriend in kindergarten}

{making ornaments}


{waiting to be colored}


{espen's ornament}


{the kids artwork is displayed all over the classroom}


{jeremy in carpet time}


{espen thinking about what color glitter glue should go on his next ornament...and the adorable eugenio in the background. that boy is just the cutest kid}


{getting a little ornament decoration advise from dad}


{espen and the lovely sophie}


{a very proud espen and his reindeer}

espen's first day of school

While I write this Espen is hopefully having a good time at school. It's the first time he's ever been without a friend/family member yet around other kiddos.

This morning was a breeze. We've did some dry runs throughout the last week so we kind of new what to expect this morning in terms of timing. I made Espen's lunch last night, a PB&J by request along with Triscuts, grapes, string cheese and a juice box. I also laid out his outfit last night so we wouldn't be scrambling for missing shoes/socks/underwear. (somehow we lose those A LOT!)

My alarm went off at 6:30 and when it did Espen popped up for a minute and asked 'Am I going to school RIGHT NOW?'...No buddy, go back to sleep. I couldn't tell if he was excited, scared or dreaming.

We bolted out the door and headed to the school to find the streets jam packed with cars, kids and parents. Espen asked if he could wear his back pack, I put it on him and right away he asked me to take it off, that sucker was heavy.

When we got to the classroom there were already tons of kids and parents in there, some were crying, parents had their cameras out as did we. Espen found his desk and immediately began to eyeball some little boys crowded around tubs of Legos.  We told him to go play with them but of course he said no. Jeremy knelt down next to the boys and asked if Espen could play. They said yes and ever so cautiously Espen approached the bins, without making a full commitment he squatted down and began to build a spaceship/car/machine. After about 5 minutes he finally took a huge leap and sat down. Jeremy and I were watching from across the room and smiled when he sat down, kind of like we were reassured that he would be okay here without us.

The bell rang and the teacher rounded the kids up to the front of the room, they sang a song, held hands, formed a circle and sat down...all except Espen. He stood there for a moment and when I went over to tell him it was okay to join his teacher notice and stepped right in, telling him that she wanted him to sit with her and just like that he did. So while he sat beside his teacher, leaning in her lap I gave him a kiss, grabbed some tissues and walked out the door. In less than an hour I get to pick him up...and do it all over again tomorrow till he learns how to drive. UGH!

pre-k meet espen, espen meet pre-k

Look who got signed up for Pre-school today! I can't believe he will be in school this fall. Our little buddy is growing up so fast. I don't know though, he may be too cool for school. (that wasn't as funny as it was in my head)