First Day of School

Hunter had his first day of Preschool 4 last Tuesday.  At his school, the students stay with the same teacher for both years of preschool (3s and 4s), which made the transition back to school very easy this year.  You can see from the pictures how excited Hunter was about going back to school.  Hunter ran from the car, to the playground, and into his teacher's arms, and said, "Bye, mom."  While I was a little sad that Hunter didn't even need to give me a hug and kiss goodbye, I am thrilled about the easy transition back to school and how much Hunter enjoys it.   

 First Day of School Pose

 Hunter and Mr. Nick (the school gardener)

Hunter Signing his Name

Xavier also had his very first day of school ever, last Wednesday.  He goes to the same school as Hunter, but only two days a week, in the "Tiny Seeds" 2-year-old program.  He was very excited about going to school because he was going to be just like Hunter, but he was a little teary when mommy said goodbye.  When I picked him up, three hours later, his teacher reported he had wonderful today.  Xavier says that he is excited to go back.

Seattle Highlights

Here are some pictures from our annual August trip to Doyl's parent's beach house on Spee-Bi-Dah, just North of Seattle.  Hunter had a blast catching crab, digging for clams, fishing, and riding the inner tube behind the boat.  Xavier also enjoyed the beach, particularly climbing on the drift wood. 

 The Fort

 Digging for Clams with Gaga, Aunt Claudia, and Cousins

 Xavier Climbing the Drift Wood

 Hunter Fishing with Gaga

 Tubing 

Xavier's preferred method of boating (on dry land).

July in Michigan

Here are a few pictures from our three weeks in Michigan during July, and a link the 350 pictures on Kodak Gallery.  (I will also try to fix the link the Nancy's Snapfish album from the 4th of July.)

 Finger Painting

 Making Cookies

 Lake Michigan

 Sand Surf Board with Dad

 Chocolate Ice Cream

 Playing in the Beach Grass

 Kayaking with Grandma

Aunt Ashley

4th of July

Here is a link to photos from the 4th of July. Last minute we hosted a lunch for some of my high school friends and their kids. We had perfect weather and a wonderful afternoon catching up. Doyl saved the day with a bounce house for the kids, which kept them occupied while we socialized. Aunt Nancy captured the day with beautiful photographs. Enjoy the snapfish album.

Look Mom!

Trader Joe's often gives out stickers to kids at the check out counter.  On the way home from the grocery store this week, Xavier yelled from the back seat, "Look mom, I put on all my stickers!"  I turned around to see stickers up both of his legs.  He was very proud.  Here is the picture I took when we got home.

Spider Man

For the last three weeks, Hunter has been attending Summer Camp at his preschool.  They kids were very into face painting, and everyday when I picked up Hunter he was a different character.  His favorite was "Iron Monster" based on the Sesame Street episode where Grover changes into an "Iron Monster" to help iron wrinkled clothes.  One day they had a Spider Man theme, and all the little boys had a Spider Man face.  This is Hunter as Spider Man.

Vegetable Garden

 At preschool this year, the class worked on a garden with the help of one of their teachers, Mr. Nick.  Gardening was one of Hunter's favorite activities this year.  Since I don't have a green thumb, I invited Mr. Nick to help us start a vegetable garden at our house.  We planted mini watermelon, cucumbers, squash, and radishes.  Next week we will add a strawberry seedling. This is a picture of Hunter and Xavier with Mr. Nick sitting in front of the final project. 

Building the planter. 
(Hunter's face is green from the face paint earlier in the morning.)

Xavier looking cute.

Spreading out the dirt.

Xavier planting mini watermelon seeds.

Hunter planting squash seeds.