School Days!

So much has happened since my last (Christmas) post.  I always had trouble keeping up with posts, but it has never been this long.  Maybe one day, I will go back and post at least pictures of 2014, but for now, we are moving on to the start of the school year - and what a big start of the year it was!  Colten started kindergarten and Ryan began preschool! 

Ryan had his school open house first to get us all in the mood for school, or at least thinking about it again.  Colten even was excited to put a book-bag back on and Ryan insisted on filling his with all of his school supplies that we needed to drop off!

The following week, Colten had his orientation; we were able to check out the school and his classroom and meet his teacher! 

 

He was so excited and I hoped that would carry over to the start of the year...And it did!  I expected his nerves to take control but they never did!  He could not wait to go and always talked about how he would be right next to me since his school is on the same campus as the high school where I teach.  I think that knowing I was close by really helped but I also believe more than anything that CCW really prepared him for this next step.  Luckily I was able to leave my class for a few minutes and meet Colten before he headed for his first day.  He was so excited to take photos and couldn't wait for the teachers to open the doors.  When it was his turn, Grandma, Ryan, and I walked him to the doorway where a teacher asked for his room number and teacher's name.  He confidently gave her the information and they ushered him down the hall.  He stopped momentarily, turned back, blew me a kiss and was on his way.  I was so very proud of him.  He walked in so self-assured without an ounce of fear or apprehension.  I cried as he walked down the hall, not because I was sad but rather because he seemed so grown-up.  No longer was he that boy who clung to my legs on his first day of preschool, crying because he didn't want me to go.  Rather now he was ready and confident in himself that he was ready.  I couldn't have asked for more.

 

 

 

When I picked him up after school, he was so excited and had had the best day!  His exact words: "it was awesome!"  When I asked him about his favorite part of the day, he said, "all of it was my favorite."  And he went on to say that he hopes when Ryan is older he will get to go there too because he loves it and he knows Ryan will too. 

We always celebrate the first day of school with a special treat!

For the first few days, my mom took Colten to school but then Daddy was going to start dropping him off in before care before he went to work.  Once again, I was worried:  would he be ok?  he never had to do anything like daycare before - how would he adjust?  But I should have known better.  He handled it like a champ and just told me, "I got to play legos before school today."  What a blessing Colten has been.  I am so very proud of him and boy he is becoming.


Ryan started preschool a week later so I was able to take the day off and take him to school.  He, too, was so excited to go.  Luckily, he already knew the place and most of the teachers well since he always went with Grandma to take and pick up Colten.  When it was time to get dressed and take pictures before school, Ryan could barely contain his exictment.  In fact, in most of the photos, his mouth is wide open because he was screaming "CHEESE!" 

 

 

 

 

 

 
I figured that I wouldn't have any trouble with Ryan crying, but I was more concerned about whether or not he would behave once he was there.  Ryan is not the greatest sharer and sometimes can get really aggressive so I was really worried about how he would interact with the other kids.  In fact, during his open house, he and another boy were arguing over a firetruck and Ryan still talked about it when we were heading to school that morning.  Students get stamps if they listen and behave while at school, and I am fully prepared for many days without stamps for Ryan but I also have to remember that he is starting school a full year before Colten did.  And much to my delight, when I went back to pick him up, Miss Karen was very happy with Ryan!  She said he had a great day - that he looked like he was going to cry once but she gave him a hug and he was on his way.  I was so proud of him!!!  As we were walking out, he said, "I had so much fun at school!"  And he looked like it!  He was exhausted.  But we headed to his favorite restaruant - 'the milkshake place' or Steak and Shake.  Grandma had a police car for him too! 

And we ended the day with a cake celebration!

 

 I just wish I could say that his happiness continued, but when Grandma dropped him off on Friday, Ryan and plenty of other kids were crying and clinging.  The teachers said that that often happens, and I know it will get better but it still makes me sad.  He has a blast when he is there, but he doesn't want to go anymore.  I can't wait for him to make friends and find the comfort there that Colten did.  Regardless, I am so very proud of Ryan too!  He is a little man now and I am excited to watch him blossom and learn!
Happy 2014-2015 School Year!

2013 Holiday Wrap-Up

 

With three extra days off due to the frigid temperatures caused by the 'Polar Vortex', you would think that I would have had time to compose a really thorough blog about the holidays, but instead I am going to let the photos tell the story of this past holiday season.  I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as our family did.  The holidays are truly magical when living them through the eyes of children. 

Ryan turned 2!!!  To celebrate, we reserved the gym from the old St. Joseph the Provider school since Ryan LOVES anything and everything related to sports.  Ryan and everyone else had a blast.  Of course the kids were all too young to play any type of organized game, but they enjoyed just running around like crazy!  Happy Birthday, Ryan!  We are so proud of you and the boy you are becoming.  Daddy said it best though - you truly are the embodiment of the sweet-n-sour patch kid on the commercials; one minute you are in time-out for pinching Colten and the next, you are snuggling up to him, giving hugs and kisses and saying "sorry."  Just this past week, Ryan started counting from 1-13 all on his own; in fact, while we were in Target, he started screaming his numbers at the top of his lungs - I guess he was just super proud of himself too!

The morning of Ryan's party.  He awoke to find all of the party balloons and was so excited!

Ryan's Elmo cake

Ryan with Aunt Amanda and cousin Payton

with Uncle Marc

Ryan was also obsessed with the bikes he found that the preschool uses

Ryan in his glory with a basketball

Time for a break and some cake - Colten and Kayleigh

Blowing out the candle - Ryan is obsessed with the 'Happy Birthday' song and sings it all the time or at least when he is not singing Jingle Bells!

Yummy cake from Grandpa

Ryan was so tired after his party so he only opened the gifts from the Coira Family and we saved all the rest for the next day

"Yes!  I love playing diggers with Colten!"

Getting help from Colten.  As much as Ryan wanted to see his gifts, he still didn't quite grasp the concept of opening them.

"Cool - a tractor like Daddy's!"

A very cool solar system or as far as Ryan is concerned "balls!"

And a super fun train table from Grandma and Grandpa!  Ryan was sooo excited when he walked in the door to find it and both boys have loved playing with it!

The next day, we celebrated Papa's birthday and Ryan was able to enjoy his very own basketball hoop from Papa.

Slam Dunk!

Ryan's actual birthday - blowing out his candle

I love this Nike outfit on Ryan!  Thanks Aunt Joyce and Uncle Frank!

Mother and Son Date 'Knight' - Krissy told me about a fun night out for moms and their sons at Boardman Park where the boys dress as knights or their favorite superheros and then together they do crafts, eat, and dance.  Colten and I jumped at the chance for a night out together and had a blast.  Colten wanted me to dress as a princess since he was wearing his knight costume from last Halloween but I ended up finding a beautiful Renaissance costume that matched his even more so since it was right around Halloween.  We had such a fabulous time making shields and foam light sabers, even if I was the only mom actually dressed in costume.  But we got our picture in the local paper becasue of it and Colten was so happy to have me match him. One of Colten's friends from preschool came with his mom as well so that even made it more fun for him.  In fact, after the boys made their light sabers, they all ran around like crazy boys battling each other.  Needless to say, it wasn't much of a dance.  When they finally announced a slow dance for the moms and their sons as the last song, Colten started crying because he wanted to dance with his buddy Brody instead of me :)  But he enjoyed himself so much and it was priceless for me to have that time with him as well.

Colten with his friend Brody

Ready to battle!

Battling Brody

Getting set to battle Princess Leia

Thanksgiving - Unfortunately, I was sick with a severe sinus infection, high fever, and pink eye on Thanksgiving so the boys and Daddy headed to my mom and dad's but I had to stay behind.  Tom brought me a plate of food while it was still hot, but I was still really sad to be alone instead of with family on the day.  Plus my favorite day of the year is Black Friday.  My mom and I had been planning our day for months but it turned out nothing like we thought.  I called my mom around 6am, figuring that I should skip it this year, but I really wanted to go out, especially while watching the news report from the malls.  When I talked to my mom, she said, "it's not the same being home."  I felt the same way, so I mustered the energy, took some of Colten's pink-eye drops from the week before and called my mom to say I was on my way.  Both of us felt terrible but I was still happy I went.  It wasn't as much fun as we had planned prior, but I know I would have regretted not going.  Instead of ending the day at Cheddar's as planned, we headed to Urgent Care so I could get an antibiotic and my own pink-eye drops.

Ryan and Colten on Thanksgiving opening an early Christmas present from Aunt Carol and Uncle Chuck.

Payton's 2nd Birthday Party - The boys had a blast at Payton's birthday party; they loved bowling!  Even Ryan couldn't get enough of the fun!

Ready to bowl!

Big throw!

Daddy helping Ryan

The Christmas Season -  We kicked off the holiday season with our annual visit to Kraynak's to see the holiday display!  There were so many great themes this year from Peanuts and the gang to the Browns and even Christmas Vacation.

Daddy and his boys by the Browns display

Ryan loves Donald so we had to get a photo here

Colten and Ryan checking out the Mickey and Minnie Mouse display

And Daddy had to get a photo with the Christmas Vacation scene too!

And then the following weekend, we visited Santa.  Colten was thrilled to give him the run-down of what he wanted for Christmas.  He was sure to specify that he wanted a Predaking Combiner Transformer and that Santa needed to be sure that the decepticon symbol was on it.  And as everyone can tell, Ryan was not happy about this visit to say the least.  Colten was sure to tell Santa that Ryan wanted a football helmet and some balls for Christmas too since Ryan was too busy crying. 

I just love this photo of Santa and Colten

Since there wasn't a line, Santa spent some extra time with the boys and even got Ryan to high-five him!  But that was Ryan's limit; he still wouldn't sit with him - maybe next year!

Daddy and I battled such severe sinus infections for weeks, but we eventually managed to find a day when everyone was feeling okay to get the tree decorated.

Playing in the lights as Mommy puts them on the tree

So intrigued by the ornaments

"Brown's helmet!"

Helping Mommy and Daddy hang ornaments

"This looks like a great spot!"

Where are Ryan and Colten?  I only see elves!

We also attended Colten's preschool breakfast with Santa.  The morning was filled with a choir performance by all of the children, singing everything from Away in the Manger to Jingle Bells and even Silent Night in sign language.  Then we enjoyed breakfast and a visit from Santa who brought gifts for all of the children.  And the morning ended with the kids playing like crazy.  Colten did a nice job even though he didn't sing much and even though he barely moved his hands during the sign language portion.  I had seen and heard him practicing at home even though it was supposed to be a secret from us, but the poor guy got stage fright.  He even told me after that he was scared.  Either way, we were so proud of him!

Colten with one of his teachers - Miss Mary

Colten and Kayleigh

Walking in - He already looks nervous

Colten and Grandma after the show

Colten and his friend Steven

Ryan is so excited with his gift from Santa!

"I wonder what I got!"

Ryan did a much better job this time around with Santa

Colten with is silhouette.

Even though Grandma and Colten bake lots of cookies together, we decided to add a few chocolate chip to Santa's plate too. 

Enjoying the batter

Ready for the tray or maybe Colten's tummy!

On Christmas Eve day, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house in our pj's to see what Santa brought and to exchange gifts with them and with Uncle Mike.  Boy was everyone spoiled this year!  Thank you, Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Mike for making the holidays so special with your generosity and with the fun memories we created.

A big hug for Uncle Mike after Colten opened his BullZord!

Ryan is ready for some warmer weather on his ATV from Grandma and Grandpa

"Make way - Coming through!"

Uncle Mike made Ryan so happy with his bowling set!

After playing with everyone's toys, we got ready for mass.  While mass was beautiful, I couldn't wait for it to be over because Ryan was so loud and rambunctious.  At first it started off cute.  We were waiting for the children's procession and told him that boys would be coming the the aisle.  Immediately following, he kept repeating "boys coming down aisle" over and over and over and over in a VERY loud voice.  And then he was obsessed with the teenage boy sitting down the pew from me.  Luckily the boy was nice; over the course of mass, he probably gave Ryan upwards of 50 high-fives.  Needless to say, we were all ready to head to Papa's.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos there, but we had a blast and Uncle Marc and Aunt Amanda  and Uncle Howard continued to spoil the boys.  Thanks so much for all of the gifts and for the yummy food and great company. 

After Papa's we sprinkled the reindeer food on the lawn so they would be sure to spot our house!

Both boys were extremely tired by this point, and for some reason running out of reindeer food set Ryan over the edge.  When it was time to go inside to put out Santa's cookies and milk and the carrots for the reindeer, he cried hysterically.  In fact, while I put Colten's pj's on, Daddy found Ryan laying by the door and crying because he wanted to go back out and sprinkle more food.  I had envisioned such a nice night of sprinkling food, getting ready in the matching pj's that the elves brought, putting out cookies together, and then reading the book the elves brought as a family before the boys headed to bed.  While all of those things did occur, it was nothing like I had hoped, but I guess that is the difference between fantasy and reality.

Ryan didn't quite understand the concept of putting cookies out for Santa; he wanted to eat them all instead!

Which is why many of these have bites take out of them!

Eating cookies and getting ready to read the book that the elves brought.  Ryan started screaming halfway through it and yelling, "all done!"

Finally everyone was tucked in tight and fell asleep almost immediately so Santa could come!  At 4:30am Colten came into our room and said "Mom, I'm too tired to get up."  I assured him that it was too early anyhow and took him back to bed.  Christmas morning was magical when it actually was time to wake up.  The boys were so excited to go into the living room to see what Santa brought and were even more excited as they opened their gifts from both Santa and us.

Waiting in Colten's room for Mommy and Daddy to give them the green light to head into the living room

"A spiderman ball!"

"A minion!"

Check out Ryan in his Browns helmet from Santa

And Colten posing with Predaking and Putrid Pizza - Thanks Santa

Colten was so surprised and happy to get this Megazord from Mommy and Daddy.  He saw it when we were on vacation in Presque Isle and never imagined that we had gotten it for him!  His joy filled my heart.

I love Ryan's face here when he opened his new football!

Mommy with Colten and Ryan holding the nutcracker that they both insisted they give me for Christmas.  Daddy initially said no, that I didn't need that, but Colten talked about it for days after they had gone shopping so Daddy went back to the store, knowing that I did indeed need it for Christmas then :)

After enjoying our family time, we headed over to Grandpa and Grandma's for Christmas lunch with Uncle Mike, Papa, and Aunt Carol and Uncle Chuck who once again continued to spoil the boys with Lego's and hugging Elmo from Papa and even a my-size Batman from Aunt Carol and Uncle Chuck among other toys.  Again, thank you to everyone for being so thoughtful!  We had such a nice time visiting with everyone, especially since I missed  seeing everyone for Thanksgiving.  After our lunch, we ended the night at Karol and Jerry's house with even more wonderful food and fun! 

Papa with Ryan and Colten

I hope everyone had as blessed of a holiday season as we did.  Happy 2014!