You're Still Growing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

In keeping with the theme from last week, "Don't Grow Up Too Fast," you have not followed my directions. You keep growing and growing. Last week was Joshua and Luke's last day of preschool for the summer. Joshua's afternoon enrichment class performed a play, performed as the Jam Rhythm Band, and had an art show to display their wonderful creations of the year. Joshua was the Meadow Mouse in Jan Brett's The Mitten. I have to say that he was the best meadow mouse I have ever seen. It was hysterical to watch him scamper across the floor! Then for the Jam Rhythm Band, Joshua played the triangle and sang several songs. His band put on quite a show! Each child got up and talked about their fine art display. We are so proud of Joshua and his fine art talents with music, drawing, and so much creativity. I have to admit that I am sad to see him leave preschool and enter kindergarten, but he is so ready.

I am very proud of Luke and his accomplishments in Mother's Day Out this year. In September, I never would have believed that he was ready to spend two days per week away from home, but he was. He made friends, and has thrived in all areas. He was actually mad on the days that he did not go to "school." I could not have asked for a better teacher for him either. She was patient, kind, and exactly what he needed. (Joshua was so lucky with his teachers, too. But more on that next week.)

The boy are enjoying our new home more and more each week. Last week they spent almost every afternoon at a neighbor's house. She was so kind to us to help us with watching the boys while Eric was finishing things up with our old house. The boys loved it, and loved getting to know her children. Joshua even mentioned that he wished one of them was a part of our family. We have been talking bike rides and walks and trying to get more comfortable each day. The boys set up their own table in the kitchen, and have been wanting to eat all their meals at the table.

They are something else. Something very special and dear to my heart. More special and dear than I could ever really explain. I love them more today than I did yesterday.

Love, Mama

Don't Grow Up Too Fast!!!!

Dear Joshua and Luke,

Wow! Look at the purple shirt that Joshua is wearing - it sort of says it all! I can not believe that we went to Kindergarten Kick Off this last week. I have so many mixed feelings about Joshua going to kindergarten this next year. There are all of the right reasons that he is ready to go - He is bright and he wants to go ~ at least most days. The feelings I have about not wanting him to go are completely selfish. I think about giving him the gift of time for one year before he has to be part of the school system. And honestly I don't feel ready for my oldest son to be in kindergarten. It seems like he still isn't old enough, but he is.

Joshua performed at his end of preschool performance this week, too. His class sang four songs. He knew the words and sang his heart out. He did most of the movements, too as well as added his own bounces and sways that were most adorable! At the end he did the Mexican hat dance with his morning BFF ~ also known as Nora. Nora is his morning BFF and Colin is the afternoon BFF (because Nora is only at school in the morning).

Luke is most adorable as usual. He really likes to have his picture taken. He also loves playing with the neighbors, playing soccer, and just playing with other kids. He is neat and organized and wants to have everything in its place.

I love you both to the moon and back and back again.

Love,

Mama