September 13, 2007 -

Hey Mom, Look what I can do,

on this "new" toy you brought up from the basement!!!

September 10, 2007 - First Day of School for Gabrielle

The first day of school turned out to be an entirely different story than orientation day. No pouty puffer here. Gabrielle was so excited. She had - as she would say "a beautiful dress" picked out and was ready as ever for her new adventure.


Ready to go into school.






<-- Found her name on the table, now she gives identifying the letters a try with her teacher, Miss Monica.
Saying good morning to Miss Gaynell - Actually I think she's asking her if she likes her dress.

Allison was not nearly as happy about Gabrielle's first day - she was very said. I don't know if she was sad about leaving Gabrielle, or not getting to stay herself.


First Art Project.

September 8, 2007 - Hanging Out!

Sam continues to get more freedom and adventuresome. We have also found that Nicholas and Gabrielle are getting a little more brazen about picking Sam up - he must seem more resilient to them and less fragile. So, I have no idea if he climbed into Allison's chair by himself or had a little help. Either way, he thought he was pretty cool hanging out with the big kids.





Sam also loves his new bath seat. Our old one gave up the ghost, when the latch that held it closed broke. Seems weird to have to buy a new seat for child #4, but a necessity is a necessity. He is enjoying the freedom of being able to sit and play with toys in the bath.

September 6, 2007 - Preschool Orientation

After dropping Nicholas off at preschool for two years, and Gabrielle being able to carry on a conversation with the teacher like no tomorrow, I expected her to walk into orientation like she owned the place. However, I was very surprised to fine her pouty and clingy. As the morning progressed, I came to realize that the issue was that she didn't want her picture taken. When we arrived at preschool there was a list of things to do to help the kids explore the classroom. Things like: find the calendar, find your cubby, find the table toys, find your name on the bulletin board, and GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN WITH YOUR TEACHER. The pictures were to be used in a project later in the week. Well, apparently the picture taking thing through Gabrielle into poutsville and it took a while to figure out what the deal was.















She finally started to open up, when she got to find a prize in the sandbox.














Starting to make friends in the kitchen area. (However, these were girls from the 3 year old class, not hers - at least she was getting comfortable in the classroom).

September 5, 2007 - First Day of Kindergarten

Well, the big day finally arrived. I am so used to getting pictures of so much of their big experiences that it seems to weird that the only photo ops I was given on this day were the getting on the bus and getting off the bus. Nothing of the school experience. It's not like preschool where I got to walk him inside and watch him put his backpack away.

Waiting for the bus

So, many big things. It was quite an eventful day as Nicholas needed to navigate his way even as far as where to go once he got OFF the bus.

Finally home...It was a good day!

September 4, 2007 - New Past-Time for Sam!

One of Sam's favorite new activities at 8 months old includes standing by anything and everything that he can. This activity table doesn't work as it should anymore - it's been around since Nicholas was his age. Nothing spins anymore, but he has figured out that when he hits the table on the yellow button it plays some really cool music.

September 4, 2007 - Kindergarten Orientation Day

Nicholas' first day of school was orientation. Nicholas got to see his classroom and meet his teacher (again). Then the children watched a video on bus safety and went for their first bus ride, while the parents had their own orientation. Posing in front of the sign at his new school.

Finding his coat cubby...

...and his mailbox.

Listening to a book about the first day of school.