UW on a Sunny Day

 Shortly after Benjamin started preschool I signed him up to do some testing at the UW.  I signed both kids up for optional testing there when they were born.  Josie did a hearing test back when she was around 1 and being so busy with both kids I always had to turn down their offers of testing when they called.  Finally I got Benjamin in for a test about sharing and friendships.   It was very odd to say the least but Benjamin had fun.  They took his photo at the start.

 Then he left me and I could watch him on a little monitor as he talked about sharing these little bears with a "friend" he had never met.

 Then they had the "friend" and Benjamin meet up and swing on these little baby swings for a few minutes... it was strange.

 Then he and his new friend played a game together

 I'm sure there was more to the test but the women doing the testing didn't really tell me much.  Benjamin got to keep the little plastic bears that he had been playing with so he was thrilled.

 And I promised to take him out to lunch after the testing.  He said he really wanted french fries... a rare treat.  So we headed toward The Ram and as we walked in Benjamin asked the host if they had french fries, the guy said yes and as soon as we sat down brought Benjamin a plate of hot fries.... before we even ordered.  Benjamin was very happy!

 Then he had his first ever milk shake.  How is it that he is 4 1/2 before having a milk shake.  His favorite thing to do with ice cream or frozen yogurt is to let it melt and then drink it so in essence he has had one before but this time it came out ready to drink - no melting time required.   Chocolate shake and fries... yum!

 Happy, happy boy on a sunny day!!

Josie's Me Box

One of Josie's first assignments at her new school was to tell the class about herself by doing a Me Box.  Benjamin and I went in and watched her presentation. She is very poised, confident and cheerful.  What a girl!!

EIGHT

Our recently turned 8 year old LOVES life. She is a good and loyal friend.  She is mature well beyond her years. She is exuberant and tenacious and will accomplish nearly anything that is set before her.  She is quick with a smile or giggle, loves to play with her American Girl dolls, build towers, draw art and read.  I couldn't be more proud to be her mom.  Happy 8th birthday Josephine Marie.  I had no idea how incredibly cool you would be when you came into our lives 8 years ago.  XOXO

 
 Josie had a fun filled day of parties this year.  In the morning we had a brunch with the Riemers - Liz, Ed, Oma and Opa all showed up to celebrate Josie's big birthday.

 Shortly after family left her friends showed up for a backyard bash.  SO thankful for the nice weather and the chance to have her party outside in the backyard.  Her chosen theme this year was
Under the Sea...

 So we had fish or ocean themed everything from food to art projects.

 Benjamin devoured nearly the entire food table before the guests even arrived.

 Craft time

 Liz and Ed had given Josie a Magic Set for her birthday just hours before.  Marty looked it over and decided to do an impromptu magic show.

 They were rapt

First of the Fours

 A couple LONG weeks after Josie started school Benjamin had his first day in the Four's class at Admiral Co-op Preschool.  This marks my 8th consecutive year being a co-op parent.  Most of those 8 years have been extremely positive but am feeling a bit like I have senoritis as we begin our final year of co-op as a family.

 He is so happy and proud to be in the 4's class this year.

 From day one he has fit in, has had no separation anxiety, goes happily each day and seems to love it overall.  He has made some great new friends this year and strengthened old friendships he had with kids from last year's class.
On the first day he and I worked together on his "draw around" Basically a paper cut out made to look like yourself.

 He and Charlie always look like they are scheming something.  If this year with these boys in a boy dominant class (16 boys and 5 girls) doesn't put Teacher Barb into retirement I'm not sure what will.

When Benjamin returned home the First day of School Fairy also had visited his bed. 

 Yay!  A boomerang and a velcro ball set.

After school they sat and watched TV together and talked about their day. SO Sweet.