Kindergartner!

I just realized I never posted the pics from Jack's first day of kindergarten!

Here's a cute picture of his pre-k graduation in June:

He was very ready to start kindergarten. Pre-k really helped him grow socially and he makes friends very easily. I had no reason to worry about this transition, but being a mom, I was more than a little nervous!

He already has new friends, he really likes his teacher, and he's learning so much. We've gotten positive feedback from his teacher and her only "complaint" is that he talks a lot. Don't I know it! LOL!

I can't believe this journey has begun. It's gone better than I could have hoped and I pray it stays that way!

Growing

Kindergarten. That is the next step and it's a little hard to believe we've gotten to this point. I bought Jack a new backpack and have most of his school supplies. He's more than ready and it's going to be exciting! I'm more worried about the quality of his after school program than I am about school itself.

But it's sinking in that my baby is starting school. Actual school.

In April he went to kindergarten orientation where he planted a seed in a Styrofoam cup. Once it sprouted I had him paint a pot and we transferred it. It has now bloomed and it reminds me just how fast time goes.

He's so proud of his flower! And he's so excited to start kindergarten in a couple weeks!

Beach Day!!

When Jack was 2 we took him to a "beach". It's a state park and was NOT what I consider to be the beach. But he had fun playing in the sand and walking in the water.

Last summer I was determined to take him to the beach, which is only a 3 hour drive for us. It didn't happen and I was not going to let this summer go by without us getting to the beach. Last Sunday we finally made the drive and Jack saw the ocean for the first time!

He was most excited to play in the sand and go to the arcade. Before we got there, he told me he wouldn't need  his swim shirt because he was only going to put his feet in the water. He had no intentions of swimming or playing in the water.

He changed his mind about the water very quickly! He loved it and I actually had to hold him back so he wouldn't get taken out by any waves. It made me so happy to see him having so much fun!

Waiting for our donuts

Walking the boardwalk with Daddy 

After spending the first part of the day on the beach, we changed and headed to the boardwalk. We had a blast in the arcade, had a delicious lunch overlooking the ocean, and browsed the shops. Jack kept asking if we could go back on the sand. This is right off the boardwalk where he made some footprints and played for a bit. We then visited the pier and went back and walked in the water some before heading to the car. Next time we go we'll bring an umbrella and chairs and plan to spend more time on the beach.

Family selfie on the pier

It had been 9 years since I had been to the beach! It was such a nice change to just get away for the day and have a fun relaxing time with my family. We will definitely be going back! Until next time, Ocean City. 

National Stroller Running Day

I just found out about an awesome event!

I'm going to try and get some moms together for a run but even if it's just me and Jack, I'll definitely be participating. I love my BOB and even at 5 years old, so does Jack!

Jack in 2010 

 2015

He does ask to get out and run now, which I happily oblige! I love taking him on runs and teaching him healthy habits early on. He's even been asking me to work out with him with one of my DVD's. I'm glad to have someone keeping me in check! :)

Spring and Ice Cream!

I hate winter. I hate being stuck inside. I think that's why I tend to have more issues with depression in the winter. I seriously don't understand how some people like snow and cold! Don't get me wrong- I love a snow day every now and then because it keeps me home with my family. But after 3 months of winter, I've had enough!

March is a month filled with hope, knowing that spring and warmer weather is just around the corner. Every year on the first day of Spring Rita's hands out free Italian ice. I've been taking Jack since he was 15 months old. This year we had a lovely bout of snow to celebrate the first day of spring. It snowed half the day! But I wasn't going to let a little snow keep us from our tradition.

I had to work that night so we had to rush a bit, but we made the most of it and enjoyed our Rita's!

The rest of the weekend was chilly but the sun was out. We blew bubbles and raced Jack's remote control car around outside. We raced down the sidewalk to catch a glimpse of the train over the hill when we heard it coming. It was fun!!

Then I hear Jack calling to me, "Mommy the ice cream truck is here!" We had already had a sugary treat and I told him we weren't going to get any. His response? "I know, I just wanted to tell you it was here." Okay, twist my arm kid. ;)

I grabbed my wallet, thankful I had enough quarters, and we ran to catch the truck. He picked out a Spongebob ice cream. He was seriously so happy with such a simple thing.

It seems early in the year for an ice cream truck to be out, but I'm going to make sure to keep a stash of cash just for this. I see a lot of ice cream truck runs in our future. And next time I'll even get one for myself. :)

If you read my last post, then you know I'm working on slowing down and finding joy in the simple, everyday things. What better way to experience joy than with a sweet boy and some ice cream?