Cameron the Kindergartener

Cameron had his first day of kindergarten on Tuesday, September 8th. He attends Island Lake Elementary in the mornings with Mrs. Sosniecki as his teacher. He woke up very early on his first day and has ever since because he is so excited to get on the bus and go to school. He loves the bus ride and science class is his favorite. Mommy was very sad to see Cam get on the bus that first day. She says he has grown up too fast. But Cam didn't look back and its a good thing or he would have seen mommy's eye filled with tears. Kyle is also missing having his big brother around.

Much to mommy and daddy's dislike the class is huge. There are 28 children in class with quite a few special needs children. It makes it hard for any learning to go on. Cam has told us he is learning less now than in preschool. We hope that with the hire of an additional certified teacher and an aide for the classroom that things will change. Many parents have stepped up to help in the classroom including mommy. It was quite an experience for mommy. In the afternoons, Cameron is working on his own with mommy and Kyle on workbooks to increase his learning opportunities. Well, here is to a life long love of learning for Cameron!!!

Kyle is Three

Kyle turned three on Monday, September 7. Happy Birthday Big Boy. We love you so very much!!! You are such a blessing to us.

We had a few parties to celebrate this big day for him. As mentioned in our previous post, Kyle had his buddy, Zachary, over to celebrate over pizza and cupcakes on Friday, Sept 4th.

Then on Sunday, September 6th, we hosted grandma Judy, grandpa Al, great grandma Betty, Uncle Steve, Aunt Angela, Uncle Dan, Tina and Wyatt for a fun afternoon party. Kyle's menu of choice was grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and soda. We also enjoyed cupcakes that he wanted mommy to shape into a triangle. It turned out looking like a Christmas tree but Kyle loved it. The gift Kyle loved the most was his new tool set from Uncle Dan. He loves to fix things.

On Monday we had a small family celebration including more present. He loves the new spider man scooter he received from mommy and daddy. Later that day we went to the park and out for ice cream at the Village Scoop. We also bought bunk beds for the boys.

So it turns out that if Dr. Stang is correct Kyle will turn out to be a really tall man. Kyle went in for his three year old check up on Tuesday, September 8. According to his height now of 41 inches (98 %) he should be 6' 1.5 '' when he is done growing. Kyle weighs 35.5 pounds (84%). He was also diagnosed with a very, very minor thing...venous hum. Its sort of a murmur that a lot of kids have but outgrow and is not worth putting on any medical forms because its such a non concern. Kyle did wonderful on the eye sight test and was such a trooper with the seasonal flu vaccine.

End of Summer 2009 Fun!

The end of summer was excellent. We did lots of exciting things. On August 20th, mommy took us to Choo-Choo Bob's train store in St. Paul. We met our friends Amy and her children (Cam's buddy Jacob) there to play with and watch the trains. Can't say enough good things about this store...its totally hands-on and so kid friendly. Too bad it is a bit of a drive from our house, or we would go there more often.

On August 22nd mommy and daddy took us to Como Zoo and Park. It was so fun to go on the rides. Kyle's new favorite is the frog hopper. He loved how it took him way up high and dropped him down only to go back up and repeat this drop several more times. We also saw a few of the animals and really loved the beautiful butterfly exhibit. We could have spent all day in there. Kyle happened to take a nasty spill in the playground area and ended up with a nice scab on his chin. Hope it doesn't leave a scar.

On August 24th we had the pleasure of meeting Cameron's kindergarten teacher for his assessment. Mrs. S is super friendly and we have heard she is the best teacher. Cam did great on his math questions but struggled alittle with the spelling and reading section. Lots to learn this year!

A few days later on August 26th Cameron went to Max and Elizabeth's 6th birthday party at their new house. He had such a good time playing there and exploring their big backyard.

The following day we went to Island Lake County Park to meet our friend Olivia and her mom Jody to play and picnic....our last play date with them before the start of school. It was so much fun to meet up with them and others from preschool this summer. That night was the first soccer practice for the fall season for Cameron. Daddy is coaching his team this year and looking forward to this father-son experience.

The next day on August 28th we got up bright and early (but waited for the rain to stop) and headed to the Great Minnesota Get Together (aka MN State Fair). Grandma and Grandpa joined us for this fun family day. We had such a good time seeing the baby animals, riding on the sky glider with mommy, going on the giant slide, being little farm hands, playing with legos, watching the parade, and eating all sorts of yummy food on a stick. It was a long day but so much fun. Daddy stayed after we went home because he had to work in his agency's exhibit.

On Saturday, we stayed with grandpa and grandma while mommy and daddy went to test drive a new vehicle in Burnsville. We loved our Saturn Vue but it doesn't have enough seating for baby sister while we are all in car seats. Much to mommy and daddy's surprise, they loved the new vehicle, and bought it and traded in the beloved Vue. So we now own a 2008 Honda Odyssey EX in Ocean Mist Metallic color. The new car was a good deal and only had 9,800 miles on it plus a dvd player...a must according to us. Can't wait to go for our first ride in it.

Thursday, September 3rd we went back to Island Lake Elementary for meet the teacher night. We got to see Cam's classroom, bring in his school supplies, and meet his teacher. Immediately following, we headed to soccer practice.

On September 4th, Cameron and daddy went to a MN Thunder soccer game along with Chris and Matthew. The Thunder are the professional men's soccer team for Minnesota. They had such a great time. While they were gone mommy and Kyle had his friend Zachary over for a small 3rd birthday party. We had pizza, cupcakes, and played.

Adoption notes...our friends Amy and Todd were pleased to accept the referral of their daughter Olivia. And Robin and Ray accepted the referral for their son. Congratulations to everyone!