One month of school down

Evan jumped right into Eastern Elementary without a problem.  I love when he says, "my friends....", like there are his people already.  I am amazed at how easily the transition to a new school was.  His personality is so easy going and confident.  He listens.  He does what he is supposed to, usually.  He doesn't love the work, but he does it.  His favorite parts of school are 1 snack, 2 art, 3 recess, 4 lunch. He is smart.  Math is boring because he tests a grade level higher.  Spelling tests are new this year and  he is getting there.  Definitely appropriate level for him, but we are not used to memorizing to spell words.  Before, the thought was just to write however you think it is spelled.  He is liking flag football, despite 2 weeks ago not knowing what a quarterback was.   He isn't the most athletic, but he loves the excitement of being on a team and socializing with the kids.  And running around is good too.  He is a new Cub Scout.  We will be selling popcorn at Walmart for 3 hours after school today.  He is excited!  We are half way through Order of the Phoenix.  Love this story reading time with him.    Our family has become a little Harry Potter obsessed over the past 6 months.  He is kind, quiet, and innocent, yet showing signs of being a big kid.

Colin struggles with school.  He was last spring too.  He completely forgot about school this summer.  And I was hoping he would forget those sad moments too.  After the past 4 weeks it has gotten harder.  He wakes up early with tears.  He talks all week about how many more days he gets to stay home.  He talks about th bad stuff at school frequently, even though I am sure that hitting and kicking is not tolerated there.  He obsesses about th behavior of other preschoolers.  He tells me he misses me and just wants to stay with me.  It makes me feel happy and breaks my heart at the same time.  I don't want him to miss me.  I want him to always be happy.  He has good days at school and doesn't cry after our goodbyes.  He just likes being safe and comfortable with us.  Can't blame him.  But we are trying to help him be brave and ease into life outside our home.  He only goes 2 days a week right now, but when I start my full time job in December, he will go 3-4 days.  Colin is the most amazing 3 year old Lego builder.  He sees himself as a 7 year old and relates better to Evan and his friends than to his peers.  He is our energetic boy, who occasionally pushes the rules, but he has those sweet smiles and laughs that I want to hold on to.

Loud

So far, Colin seems to be our lively son.  Not that Evan doesn't have his moments, but he has a more mellow easy-going personality with decent behavior and follows rules.  While, Colin the one that is loud and crazy, especially when no one is paying attention to him.  And I feel like I am constantly telling him the same things over and over.  Get your buckles on.  Really... Come on kid when it is time to go somewhere, get in the car, sit in your seat and buckle up.  Seems so easy, but imhe just doesn't move like that.  And the yelling.  He can be loud for no real reason.  Yesterday, Nicholas was asleep and Colin was going down the hall to get something and I reminded him to be quiet. Then 10 seconds later, I hear him yelling in the hall.  Ahhh!  I said "Colin, didn't I just ask you to be quiet?" He looks up at me with this face of shame and said "I didn't hear myself yelling."  That settles it. The kid can't see himself and therefore can't always control himself yet. Changed my perspective on constantly repeating my reminders to him.

Sweet summer

Today is the official end of summer.  Back to the fall/school routine tomorrow.  It's been a good one.  I've had fun!  And I look at the world through the eyes of the boys and appreciate something they don't grasp yet, how lucky they have it.  The ease of doing mostly what you want to do all day.  Of course, with some guidance to keep doing the awesome things northern MI offers.  For us, that means lots of beach time.  Some day I would love to bike, kayak, camp more.  But for now, the beach is an easy way to soak it up.

I have been thankful for all my moments with them.  I am fortunate to have been home most of the summer for them.  Sure, working in Muskegon two days a week got a little crazy.  But with coordinating schedules and occasional babysitting by grandparents we succeeded in creating a perfect summer.

Holding on to the pictures of those sweet summer smiles, as we head down a new road.  Which is exciting too.  New school for Evan.  Possibly new job for me.  But we will make sure that our little live stays perfect.