Strawberry Picking - Trying to Get Mom Time In

This summer has started, and already I missed three days with my Joelly while he had Ama and Grumpy time.  He was able to go to Watch Hill, RI and do a few other fun things too - like movies, and Legoland.  I got him back last night, worked late, and then today was our time.  And, of course we added Ms. Laurel because she is the best!

It was going to be easy, and necessary for me, to just let the gang play while I packed and got ready for the big weekend ahead.  I will be staying in three different hotels in three different cities the next three nights.  But,. instead of that, I took the kids to strawberry pick - and we made Jam.

My patience was great (for me) as I gave everyone a turn mashing the strawberries and putting the sugar in the pot.  I was like Martha Stewart of playdates.  It was awesome.

And, I'm supposed to leave here in 25 minutes... And haven't packed yet.

But, next week when I am all alone, as the boys will be up in Maine going to Camp.  I will be missing them and I will be glad that we got out and did an activity.  I will force myself to have these activity days, and I will rest when not working the other time.  Need to take some steps back from working - but I guess that will be after the DC loan is done.

In the meantime, enjoy pictures of a beautiful sunny morning in Hampton Falls - strawberry picking with the boy's best pal.

Cooker Man Classes

James didn't really get to do anything "afterschool" in this last year of preschool.  He didn't like dance, and quit.

So, when the local supermarket offered a cooking class - and my boys love to watch cooking shows - I thought we had to be in.

The first one we went to, James sliced onions, and cried.  This was months ago, and he still talks about how onions make his eyes itch.

The second one we made a pizza that was not so desirable, but there was hummus involved and he loved it.

The third one which was about two weeks ago now - we had a good time.  He loved that he had "his class" and it was something to do with Mommy and have fun.  Sure, he freaked me out when he used the knife, but hey - he did a pretty good job otherwise.

And, he will never forget about what the "guiding stars" are in the Hannafords.

So, good job, Hannafords.

James' Preschool Graduation

Well, there wasn't really one.  I knew this going in, when we made the big switch up to this "fancy" preschool this year.  This preschool - on the Academy's campus, really encourages, and gets many of its students to go to Kindergarten there, too - because Exeter is still half day.  So, they do not do a graduation for preschool as many just go on, and instead they do a nice end of the year art show - which was really lovely.  Except, I was so in love with Joel Andrew's preschool graduation from Kids Stop that I couldn't not do anything for James.

So we took my college graduation cap and went to PEA Campus and took some photos yesterday morning, on his last day of school.  I'm really bummed because the school's vice-principal, and a member of my museum's board - walked right by us as we were driving away. I should have gotten out and forced him to take a pic with James.  He actually would have loved that, missed opportunity.

So today my littlest love is no longer a preschooler.  He has Mrs. Middleton for Kindergarten.  I am kinda devastated.  I was a mess yesterday and was so sad to leave the PEA preschool place.  Just walking into that place it is so bright and sunny.  Sometimes when I left him there he was building a puzzle quietly at a table and the smell of cinnamon toast was wafting in the air.  He did things like go to the big gym at PEA, dance recitals for the school, my museum.  They cooked in their classroom, and James drew, and drew and drew.  I have lots of drawings to go through now.

It was a good experience for him and for us, and walking to school with him (most days) after unlocking the Tavern together.  Hold hands, crossing the street, counting the horses on the drive in, I will miss that part of my morning routine.  I will miss my guy.

But life moves on and I guess I will love putting two boys on the bus, and not having a second drop off, etc.  I am hoping that their loving, caring, go at your own pace structure too will be ok with James' transition to Kindergarten, which I am worried about in the Fall... Joel was fine, Joel will be fine (and we even had some hiccups).  James....  We will see.

We love you buddy, you free spirit, not always processing directions, loving and caring little guy.

Tooth Fairy

Joel Andrew is now completely toothless.  Well, not completely - but he is missing his top two front teeth and his side two bottom teeth.

For a few days - what seemed like weeks there - one of the top teeth hung on.  It was like a snaggle tooth.  He would wiggle it with his tongue and gross us all out.  Both Husband and I would try to grab it with our hands unannounced and yank it.  Nothing.

Then we left for college reunion, and I knew it was only a matter of time.  We prepped Joel Andrew.

"Did you know the Tooth Fairy asks the parents each time she comes, how much to give?"

Joel Andrew: "No."

"Yep, so when we are not here if your tooth falls out you need to tell Nana and Pa how much they should tell the tooth fairy to bring."

"Ok, how much?"

"100 dollars."

Fast forward and we get a toothless photo of Joel Andrew.  Then we get a phone call from Nana - "100 dollars!!!!?!?!??!?!?"

He got the most he will ever get for any tooth, $20.  A little ridiculous.  But still a good prank.