We officially have a kiddo in preschool now. Today was Jack's first day without us there. He was so excited before we left and after I picked him up I could tell the day didn't disappoint. His summary was that he got to play cars, practice standing in line (he added that several kids didn't stay in line, but he and Abby did), go to the gym where he played with bouncy balls and bear feet (I don't know on that one), and have goldfish for a snack. He also remembered his spot for carpet time and found his mailbox A-OK. He told me that daddy even came by for a hug. Mike and I missed each other at drop off, but he found Jack in his class to send him off on his first day. Jack can't wait to head back, and I'm so thankful. I will admit to a few tears in the car on the way there as we prayed for his day. They were really just tears of joy as I thought about what an amazing little boy we have. Thankfulness took me over, but I got it together by the time we got to his room. We also had a cheer leading section in the church office ready to hand out tissues if needed. Love those people! And now onto the pictures:

A few before school

Yeah for school!

Someone else wanted a pic too. She found her backpack and lunch pail herself. She wanted to be just like big brother.

We ran into some cousins we know on the way in. Can you see them literally running to the doors?They were all so excited!

Stopping for another quick shot

Backpack time

Jack quickly went to the cars again

Time for pickup. Guess who still had her backpack on?!

Running to see me at pickup

And then practicing walking to see me

Checking his box

And the preschool gang

A few bonus shots

"You wanna come to preschool?"

I call this "hi"

Pure joy

Back at home

We did it!

Today Jack had "Meet your Teacher" day at school. Meaning no tears for this mama since we got to stay the whole time. No waving goodbye yet....that comes later this week. Look for another post to follow. His first official day is this Thursday, but he's been looking forward to today for a long time. Most of it began when he got a letter from his teacher this summer. He decided right away that he wanted to write her back. He wanted her to know that he got a snorkel mask this summer, he likes having fun, and his cousin would also be in her class- you know the basics. You'll see him proudly displaying his letter below along with a picture for her.

Backing up a bit, while still in the car this morning, Kaitlyn and I prayed for Jack to have a great day. Jack joined in the prayer as he likes to do and also asked God to help him make great choices. I was really proud of him, and it was another reminder that he's growing up.

Here we are on our way to the classroom.

Delivering his card and meeting his new teacher.

Jack immediately found the cars

and Abigail.

Hugs from daddy.

His first official project was to make a hand print.

He was very excited to show his teacher his red hand.

The end result.

Some special block time with his teacher.

Another special friend. Jack was thrilled Kaydee was in his class too.

Baby washing station. Jack displayed his sensitive side.

Some of the spectators. :)

Finding carpet spots.

Criss-cross applesauce was a new one for Jack. He said it was his favorite part of the day.

The attempt

and success!

After school, Jack wanted to share his new knowledge with his sis. Here is his criss-cross demonstration for her.

Two preschool buddies plus a little stowaway.

When we were walking back to the car after class Jack looked up at me and said, "That was really fun." I agreed. It was a good morning, and I think it's going to be a great year!

Jack: Kaitlyn is crying. I think she's ready to wake up.
Me: I don't hear her buddy. I think she's still sleeping. Why do you want her to be awake?
Jack: Because I love her.
Me: (Cue heart melting)


There is nothing better than seeing these two love each other so much. I love watching big brother Jack protect little Kaitlyn. She does everything he does and takes her role of following him around the house very seriously. I was looking at some pictures the other day and these just seem to fit this post. They're from that one snow day we had several months ago. Special thanks to Ethan and Carson for lending us their snowsuits. I think he was trying to find her hand to hold in the first shot.

Happy Easter!

We had a blessed day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord! He is risen!

We had some Eugene family join the celebration. Here are a few pics with Grandpa and the kids.

Some egg hunt fun...

The best part of the day was getting to talk with Jack that night more about what Easter means. We had a set of resurrection eggs that he opened as we shared the Easter story. Having him ask, "But why did he do that" and simply saying because, "He loves us"...well it was a good reminder to us too. What a Savior we have!