Preschool

Monday was Nolan's last day of Preschool...ever! He is so excited for Kindergarten and frankly so am I. I am curious and a little anxious to see how he does with so much routine, so much learning and so much time away from home (he got into the full day program so is going from 8 hours a week of school to 30 hours a week!). 

We went for a tour at his new school last week and now he is beyond excited, he asks every day if it's time for Kindergarten yet. He was most impressed by the computer lab and library, which made me very proud. And in true Nolan fashion he put on his charm and befriended the 4th graders leading the tour. I have zero anxiety about him making friends!

Back to the last day of preschool though. I found myself sitting behind Nolan during his last circle time with his class. And I suddenly remembered this moment, 3 years ago on his very first day of preschool at his very first circle time.

He still looks pretty much the same from behind, just bigger but I feel like we've changed so much. Moved twice, three preschools, a new baby brother, and he's come out ok. It makes me feel less anxious about what is yet to come...just a little though.

Here's a few more pics from his last day. 

Nolan and his bff Isabel and his Teacher Debbie.

A few of his classmates at the end of year picnic. 

We didn't even make it out of the schools parking lot before he started to cry saying he misses his friends already. It breaks my heart that all but one of his classmates will be moving on to other schools, I wish I could keep his friends with him forever. Hopefully we can maintain those relationships even after kindergarten starts and new friendships are formed. 

Come on Sun!

The sun is hiding today so I'm living through these pictures I took earlier this week when it was out in full force. I hear that it will be back for a while after today, hopefully that is true. We are all much happier when the sun is shining. 

These next 4 pictures were all taken in sequence and perfectly summarize Nolan to me.

Tough guy

Goofy.

Quietly curious.

 That boy cracks me up!

April Sun

It was sunny enough last week to break out the swimsuits, sandals and sprinklers. Crazy for Seattle in April but I'll take it.

Oh man, look at the baby chub. Love those rolls!

Nolan switched the sprinkler after Miles went down for nap and was determined to spray me.
He missed me by less than 6 inches. 

Ruby was a huge fan of this sprinkler. She pretty much took over it at this point.
So Nolan went off to jump on his 'jump-o-line'. 

Please don't let me forget these moments...

Nolan is saying all kinds of funny stuff these days. I know if I don't write them down I will forget them. So I'm filing them away on the blog for safe keeping.

My mom and I were talking about Ruby's INSTINCTS to hunt (she's killed a rat and a squirrel) and Nolan was sitting near us playing quietly. He suddenly turned around and said "Do you know what else is instinct?....Dinosaurs" and turned around to play again.

This is the face I get whenever I bring out the big camera. 

Today in the car driving home from the museum Nolan alerted me that Miles was taking off his shoes. I told him it's not a big deal and not to worry about it. He responded, "But mom worrying about Miles is what I DO, I'm his only brother!" I assured him that Miles taking off his shoes would not be a problem, that we can put them back on but I appreciate him looking out for Miles.

Nolan is working on some songs for an event at school and I guess they have the option to sing a solo. He told me he volunteered to sing I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett. His teacher vetoed that (mostly because he doesn't know the entire song, only the I Love Rock and Roll part) and suggested he sing If You're Happy and You Know It. He's currently undecided on whether or not he will participate if he can't sing his chosen song. I imagine that he will in fact sing, he wouldn't miss the opportunity to be the center of attention for a few minutes. Is it terrible though that I hope he goes up there and just starts belting I Love Rock and Roll? I probably shouldn't encourage rebellious behavior at 5...right?

This one is from this Summer that I forgot to write down until now. Nolan discovered the joy of having his window down and talking to people in the car next to us. Always looking for an opportunity to meet new folks! One day we pulled up next to a man driving a convertible with the top down and smoking. Nolan yelled out at him in distress "You're hand is on fire!" The man jumped and dropped his cigarette before he realized what Nolan was seeing and we drove off before he could say anything....thank goodness.

Along those lines, I was lighting a candle and telling Nolan how important it is not to play with fire because it can spread and hurt you very badly. He was only half paying attention to me and after my little speech he responded with "Can you write that down for me? I'll NEVER remember all that!"

Other Nolanisms:

There is a trail next to our house but it's at the top of the bluff. He has learned what time the school kids walk home on the trail and climbs the bluff to stand next to the fence and greet them as they walk by. Ruby also 'greets' them up there in a less welcoming way.

He talks for Miles in a super annoying high pitched voice. But amazingly what he says on Miles' behalf is nearly always exactly what Miles wants so I let it slide.

If he sees the mailman he flags him down so he can give him a flower and thank him for bringing us our mail.

Easter

Easter was a huge success this year. The sun was shining, the kids slept in, and we got to spend the day with friends and family. Nolan declared it the best day ever! I agree!

The morning pictures are fuzzy because I accidentally left my camera in the car overnight and it fogged up from the temp change. Oops! I'm posting them anyway because the kids were so cute! Nolan got a new pair of shoes, a much needed item since we have yet to find the shoe Ruby hide in the yard, 2 weeks ago. He was super excited about them, comically so. I believe her said, "NEW SHOES!?!?! I LOVE THEM SOOOO MUCH!" IT doesn't take much to impress that guy.
NOTE FOR NEXT YEAR: VIDEO TAPE THEM OPENING PRESENTS!

Another big hit was the paper plane kit. Pat and Nolan got right to work building their fleet.

Miles, not a morning person (like his mama) was happy staring at Nolan instead of opening his basket. 

Easter Bunny Nolan

Oh wait, there's food in there?! Now I'm into it!

Here's Miles with his snacks still in hand. He wouldn't put them down even to find some eggs. he just moseyed  behind Nolan. We did eventually get him to pick up one egg and plop it down in his basket.
He looked at us like, are you happy now?

Later that day, once my camera had thoroughly thawed out and a quick outfit change. Miles was all smiles.

Nolan covering his eyes while the big kids hide more Easter eggs.

Miles helping Bella find eggs.

Bella's Basket

Noli's Basket

Natasha's Basket

Miles and Pavel played while the littles finished up. 

"I got 2 cars!!" He ended up with 6 by the end of the day. 

Later, on the trampoline...

And another outfit change and snack rounded out our day. We are wiped out but had so much fun.