First Day of Kindergarten: Take 2

Today went GREAT!

Cole was so excited to go to his new school, he wasn't nervous at all and was really looking forward to eating lunch at school and having recess. We packed a yummy lunch in his Pirates of the Caribbean lunch box, he put on his new uniform and headed out for a new adventure. Of course I worried and watched the clock through out the day wondering how he was doing, although I kept myself busy with a trip to the gym and a little shopping and lunch. ;)

When I picked him up he had an ear to ear grin and gave me the thumb's up. He told me about his day (his only complaint being that it was long) and then he started to clap his hands and he and Carson sat in the backseat of the car clapping all the way home.

What a HUGE relief!

I'm so glad we made this change and I hope it continues to be a good experience for him.

Veteran's Day

Pictured above is my Grandfather. He was a true American hero who fought to defend freedom and loved his country.
Freedom is not free. Many have paid the ultimate price with their lives so that we all can enjoy the blessings of living in a free nation. Please take time today, Veteran's Day to remember those who have fought and those who continue to fight for this great nation.

Change

As some of you know, we have been struggling with some issues pertaining to Cole's kindergarten situation at Challenger. Things have not been working out as we had hoped. Their Kindergarten program is a complete opposite from the wonderful nurturing preschool environment that he had experienced last year. Kindergarten has been sterile, militant and just down right full of ridiculous expectations for 5 year old children. After we returned from Disneyland I began seriously looking at other schooling options for Cole. With much thought and prayer we withdrew him from Challenger and enrolled him at Merryhill. Friday was his last day at Challenger and tomorrow begins a new adventure at Merryhill. Upon touring their school I was very impressed with the classrooms, the teachers, and all the "extras" that Kindergartners need to grow and develop. The kids didn't look miserable, in fact they were smiling and actually having fun. I can't wait for Cole to jump in and experience Kindergarten as it should be experienced. Interestingly enough in his new classroom he will be the third transfer from Challenger this year alone. And I know that a couple more student are leaving this week and considering Merryhill as well. I guess we weren't alone in our feelings after all.

Carson's First Haircut

I have been putting off cutting Carson's hair for sometime now but Saturday it finally had to happen. The crazy "wings" were starting to really get out of control. My sister had the honor of cutting off his precious curly baby locks while Carson sat in the high chair with some cars and screamed hysterically. I didn't have her cut very much off, just clean up around his ears and get rid of the mullet in back keeping the baby hair on top long. He survived the trauma and looks so handsome with his new haircut!

The LONGEST Halloween

I think I'm still recuperating from this year's month long Halloween extravaganza. It was the Halloween that seemed to go on and on and on...

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Some of the fun activities we did:

We went to the Springs Preserve for their Halloween festivities and trick treat event, Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at Disneyland, a party at my parent's ward, a party at my sister's ward, Cole's class party and costume parade and then finally Halloween night!

School Photo Revealed

Cole brought home his school photos today. It's always a little stressful to open the envelope and see how they turned out. But I was pleasantly surprised, there is no goofy, fake smile, just one super cute little boy!

Get Out and Vote!

Just a reminder: The last day to early vote in Clark County is tomorrow.

I voted today!

If you don't get a chance to cast your ballot early then please remember to get out there on Tuesday November 4th! If you need some incentive Krispy Kreme is offering free patriotic donuts and Ben and Jerry's is giving out free scoops of ice cream to voters! Mmmmm!

Another Disney Adventure

Monday evening we got home from our annual Halloween trip to Disneyland. This year Grandma and Grandpa Freer came with us. It was nice to have the adults out number the kiddos 4-2.

We arrived Thursday night and went to the Halloween Trick or Treat party in California Adventure. Cole dressed in his pirate costume and we opted to dress Carson in jammies hoping he might fall asleep since he never slept in the car the whole drive down. He finally gave it up and conked out around 10 pm. We scored some serious candy, I don't think I will need to buy any for our trick or treaters.

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It's always fun to visit the park during the holidays and see all of the really cool decorations. With Alan's folks there Alan and I were able to sneak out to dinner in peace and quiet and go ride Tower of Terror without kids throwing tantrums. Grandma even took Carson back to the hotel room for nap times. THANKS! Speaking of tantrums...Carson was really difficult this trip. He was just not happy being out of his routine and he let everyone know about it all day everyday. Stinker!

One of the highlights to going to Disneyland in October is the pumpkin fudge and guess what? They were sold out of it completely in both parks and downtown Disney. Guess I'll have to make a batch this week. If you have a good recipe feel free to send it my way.

• The new Toy Story ride was a blast! It was definitely worth the long lines.
• Daddy spoiled Cole with new legos; their little tradition is to go to the Lego store in Downtown Disney without Mom around complaining about the prices, lol.
• I got so soaked on Splash Mountain I actually had to go buy some new pants to wear the rest of the day.
• We dined at Goofy's Kitchen and met Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Cinderella and Pluto.

Overall it was a fun (and exhausting) getaway and I hope we didn't scare Grandma and Grandpa too bad with our badly behaved children. Thanks Alan for a fun trip!

A Creepy Crawly Craft

Aaaackkk!!! Spiders have invaded our home! Well, not real spiders but we think that these are pretty darn creepy. Yesterday the boys and I had fun creating these spider web decorations and hanging them on the doors throughout our home.

Flowers For Mom

Since the beginning of the school year Cole has been bringing me home flowers. He picks a new dandelion a couple of times a week on the playground and saves them to bring home to me. He tells me he likes to pick flowers for me because he loves me.

Isn't he the sweetest?!