Bryson's 3K Open House

How cute it was to see Bryson running around showing us all of the fun things in his classroom. He has an adorable class and the teachers are so sweet. They have named him the "bugman" since he always seems to find grasshoppers, caterpillars, millipedes, rollie polies, etc... and bring them to the teachers.

Checking out the "fishes" near his classroom.

His chair and goody bag
So excited to get a prize
His duty for the week is to hold the American Flag while the class recites it.

His birthday turtle

He was jumping around like a crazy man with those kids behind him. So cute!

So cute!

First Day Recap...

I asked John Thomas a few questions about his first day of school, and below are his answers.
Mommy: John Thomas did you have a good day?
John Thomas: Yes, it was good.
Mommy: What was your favorite part?
John Thomas: Going outside
Mommy: Did you make any friends?
John Thomas: No
Mommy: Why? Did you play by yourself?
John Thomas: No, I played with the other kids. What are their names?
Mommy: You'll learn their names. Did you play with Jake or Jordan?
John Thomas: Yes, I do not go down the slide fast enough, Jordan told me to go, go, go.
Mommy: Did you eat lunch?
John Thomas: Yes, a little.
Mommy: What did you eat?
John Thomas: Ummm a banana and cheetos
Mommy: Did you like your classroom?
John Thomas: Yes, it has new toys so we gotta be careful, I like them.

I think he had a great time, and it was a good sign this morning that he wanted to go back. When I got there I spoke with the teacher. She said he was awesome and that all day he wanted to know "what are we doing next" and "where are we going" she said he was cute. He also asked her at 10:30 a.m. "Mrs. Teacher, when is rest time?"

Bryson also did okay without John Thomas. John said that he was looking for him and when he got in the car he had John Thomas' taggie blanket and wouldn't leave it. Karen said that Bryson was king of the hill again and had a great day. So much so that he didn't want to leave when I got there and told me "I stay with Karen". He cried when I had to pry him off of her. He sure knows how to put me in my place. The boys played together wonderfully when we got home--no fights or screams which I had grown accustomed to. It was a good day!

John Thomas' 1st Day of Preschool

Today was John Thomas' first day at preschool. After he got out of bed we were talking on the couch and he was asking lots of questions about school, who would be his friend, did he have to take naps there, etc... In big boy fashion he dressed himself and brushed his teeth.

We took a few pictures so I didn't have time to make him breakfast so we grabbed a cup of milk and a cereal bar and off we went (don't worry they will serve him a breakfast snack at 8:30 this morning.

We talked on the way about what a big boy he is now, and that he's going to make lots of friends and learn so much! He started getting really excited as I turned into the school.

On the way in he met a new friend Jordan. She's four but in the classroom beside him so they'll see each other at recess. She was picking flowers so he decided he needed a flower too. So after finding the perfect one, we walked inside. Since he gets there at 7:30 he has to go to the movie room for 30 minutes before his teacher gets there. We walked by his classroom and dropped off his bookbag and headed to the movie room. I saw that Mrs. Paige was already in the movie room so that made me feel better since he remembered her from yesterday. Outside of the movie room he got really nervous and didn't want to go inside so I asked him if he wanted me to go and he did so we walked inside and he sat beside Mrs. Paige. I told him to be a good boy and that I loved him. He gave me the biggest hug, then asked if he could give his flower to Mrs. Paige. It had to have been the sweetest thing. If only I'd brought my camera inside.

Right now he's probably still at breakfast, I can't wait to pick him up to hear all about his day!

Found a Preschool!!!

So we've finally found a preschool for John Thomas. I had no idea how difficult it would be to find a full time place. We decided on Sonshine Learning Center at the recommendation of someone I work with.
http://www.slcgreenville.com/iWeb/Site/Home.html
I have also run into a few other moms that have given me glowing recommendations. I visited on Friday and John went today since he had meetings all day Friday. The teachers are all so sweet and caring; I think it will be a nice fit for him this year. They follow the Beka curriculum, and most of their K4 students can read before entering Kindergarten. It is a Christian based center and he’ll attend chapel each Wednesday. He’s very into Jesus right now so I’m sure he’ll enjoy Wednesday’s the most. He’s starting on the 19th.

I’m not sure how to get him excited about school since he didn’t have the best experience at the last one he attended. Plus he’s spent the summer with Karen, and doesn’t want to leave. Wish us luck!

4K Waiting List

So a few weeks ago, I took John Thomas to be tested for the Greenville County 4K program. The program is part of the No Child Left Behind Act. First pick goes to children that have developmental/speech delays, come from single parent homes, do not speak English, etc... However, if there is enough room they will allow classes with kids that do not "need" the education boost. They told me that John Thomas did very well and that we would hear from them in July.
I got the news that John Thomas didn't make it in, and was placed on the waiting list. I can't really be disappointed. There were 1,600 kids that tested and they let over 1,300 in. That means that he tested better than 1,300 other kids which is a great thing. I am a little bummed that I don't get to stop paying for a daycare/preschool for him though. Now starts the really hard part... Finding him a preschool for the 08-09 school year. After the experience with his last school, I'm very nervous to be sending him back out into the wild.