Kindergarten Orientation

So, we took Andrew to kindergarten orientation last week.  He seemed to enjoy it.  We took a tour of the school.  We saw where Andrew will eat lunch and where he will get on the bus - should we ever need him to ride it.  He played on the playground for a few minutes.  I was trilled to find out the K-2 students have a separate playground.  And we visited a couple of the kindergarten classrooms.  Andrew loved the classrooms.  Heck, I'd like to spend my days there too!

My biggest surprise was the fact there are six kindergarten classes.  I thought there were only two.  The average class size will be 20.  I was also surprised to find out the school is "peanut free."  This means when I pack his snack and lunch, I can't send anything like peanut butter, etc. 

I think he'll be happy once he gets into the swing of things.  And I'll be okay too.  I'll have to be!

Easter Bunny

We took the kids to Asheville Mall to visit with the Easter Bunny.  I was hoping to dress them in something nice and springy but it was really cold that day, so no such luck.

Dollywood - April

We took our first trip to Dollywood last week.  But our adventure started with Ella's birthday party.

Playing on the playground makes you thirsty!

Megan made a new friend.

After the party, we hit the road.  Andrew was so excited.  We didn't make it time to go the park that night so we went out for burgers and Andrew's first game of mini golf.

The next morning, we finally made it to the park.  We had a good time (minus the sunburn that's itching me to death right now!) and plan to go back for Andrew's birthday next month.

Easter Pictures

Taking my kids to have pictures taken together is quite an ordeal.  They're great individually, but together they're nearly impossible.  I'm confident it's the most frustrating thing, ever.

We went to a new studio this time.  They took nearly 70 pictures.  Here a few of my favorites...

Zing, Zang, Zoom!

We took the kids to the circus a couple of weeks ago.  Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey: Zing, Zang, Zoom was at the Asheville Civic Center and thought it would be something fun for everyone.  William ended up going into work for a few hours that morning, but he made in home in time to head to the big top.

The kids had a great time.  Megan jumped up and down, a lot!  And Andrew did his little happy dance a few times, too. 

These girls were hanging by their hair!

On the way home, Megan fell asleep.  So, we pulled over and let Andrew explore the playground at the school he will start in August.  He had a good time, but it was bittersweet for me!

Day out with Papaw

My dad is a mail carrier by day, but after work he spends his time at his shop where he does lots of auto mechanics and a little farming.  He's always asked that I let Andrew spend Saturdays with him.  Up until just recently, I would have never considered that.  Andrew went through a phase where he didn't like for me to be out of his sight and I was afraid a day without me around would be just miserable for all involved.  But lately, he's become more independent.  And last Saturday, I needed someone to take care of Andrew for a few hours while I ran an errand in Rutherfordton.  So, to the shop we went.

Andrew wasn't too happy when I left.  That was very painful for me.  But, my dad assured me he was over it real fast.  While at the shop, Andrew rode his bike, helped work on a few things by handing my dad the tools he needed, painted a little, and spent a lot of time playing with sidewalk chalk on the shop floor.  He had a good time.  A really good time.  Wanna know how I know?

Dirt.  This is, by far, the dirtiest Andrew has ever been.  But, I know it meant he had a good time.  And secretly, I kind of considered the day a stepping stone for us both since, as you read in an earlier post, I'm having a hard time accepting the fact he'll soon be going to school.

And I didn't even mind how dirty I was after we shared a great big hug! :)