Adam turns FIVE...

After the excitement of the first day of school came the excitement of the 2nd day of school which just happened to be Adam's birthday! We greeted him in the morning with a balloon and lots of birthday hugs and kisses then it was off to school. His teacher was so sweet, she emailed me that morning to let me know Adam would be the first student to get to wear the birthday crown and that he'd get to pick out a special birthday pencil from her stash. I was so thrilled that she was aware it was his birthday - having spent my fair share of birthdays in the first couple days of the school year, I know it's not always the case that people are focused on birthdays, another great sign of what an awesome teacher he has! Then after school it was time for presents - love that he still gets excited about clothes! ha :) It was an understated celebration as we knew his big birthday party was just a few days away (more on that later...) 

Oh my how is this sweet boy already 5!? 

Kindergarten...

I can still hardly believe that our little buddy has already started Kindergarten. It truly feels like we were just dropping him off at daycare for the first time (at the ripe old age of 6 weeks) and yet on September 2 we were watching him board the school bus. 

The good news - he was so excited and talked about it all summer. Everything from buying the school supplies to picking out a backpack, lunch box, and new sneakers had us all anxiously awaiting the big day. 

The night before, we packed up his lunch and laid out his outfit. I definitely teared up as I put his eyeglass wipes and tissues in his backpack, then teared up again as I explained to him how to open up the container in his lunch that held his ranch dressing - for dipping his sandwich into, and again when I read "Kindergarten, Here I Come!" before bedtime. For the record, Andy teared up as well. 

Once the big day arrived, we were all actually pretty psyched to get the show on the road. We snapped the traditional front porch photos, met (finally) some neighbors at the bus stop, and before we knew it the bus was pulling up and our very excited Kindergartner was practically running to hop on. No tear, seriously, from any of us - we all knew at that moment he was going to be A-OK and the he was going to rock Kindergarten! 

Of course, just to be sure, Andy and I sneaked over (with two bags of school supplies in tow,) met his teacher, saw his classroom, and watched as he started making friends as we walked out and left him in the care of Mrs. Jaeschke (sounds like Jetski...seriously.)

After what seemed like the LONGEST. DAY. EVER. the bus finally rolled back up and off jumped a very happy, very adorable, and frankly the cutest Kindergartner I've ever seen... 

Diving Board...

From the very beginning of the summer Adam had a goal of being able to jump off the diving board at the pool. We talked with the lifeguards and learned what he'd need to do to pass the test. First, he would have to be able to swim the width of the diving board section of the pool and then he'd have to tread water for one minute.

Considering at the beginning of the summer he wasn't all the keen on even jumping into the pool we were skeptical, but as his swimming improved, so did his confidence and it wasn't long before he was jumping in all on his own, swimming on his own, and treading water on his own. Once he built up that confidence he starting asking to jump in and swim in the deep end of the pool - another step in the right direction.

Finally it was Labor Day weekend and what better way to say "so long" to summer than with celebratory jump off the diving board? 

And then 5 more for good measure...

Pre-School Graduation

Back in June, Adam's pre-school hosted an end of year celebration to cheer on all the kiddos about to move on to Kindergarten in the fall. There weren't caps and gowns or diplomas, but there were happy, smiling, kids who have learned their sight words, can spell and write their names, have mastered the colors of the rainbow, and so much more! These kids are ready to become students and it was so fun to hear them sing and see the excitement as they bid farewell to pre-school and look ahead to the beginning of a very important and educational chapter in their lives .

Way to go Adam!! We are so proud of you!! 

Our time with Al...

This Christmas season we were visiting once again by Adam's very own elf, Al. Al showed up on December 1st under Adam's tree and surprised us every morning after that by popping up in all kinds of funny and sometimes mischievous places. Al must have given Santa lots of really good reports each night as there wasn't even a dusting of coal to be found on Christmas morning. Here's a look back at all of Al's silliness! 

Al headed back to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve but left this note for Adam: 

My Dear Adam - I enjoyed spending time with you again this Christmas season. You were such a good boy. I'm looking forward to heading back to the North Pole to see my family & friends for the next 11 months. I know you'll be good while I'm gone. Who knows, I may even stop by for a visit. Be kind my sweet Adam. Love, Al