Q's Big Day

Yesterday was a big day for Q. It was the first day of wearing his new glasses at school. He was SO excited that he wanted to have his picture taken by the front door to celebrate. Quinn said that everything went fine at school. He didn't have any headaches, and everyone told him that he "looked great"!

AND, he got the game ball at his baseball game last night. He has improved SO VERY much over the course of the season; we have been very proud of his hard work and good attitude at his new sport. Last night, he had 3 great hits, scored a run and fielded well. Way to go Q!!!

3 Things

1. Fletcher LOVES to have his picture taken. This time? He grabbed his NCSU bear, put it on his head and said "cheese"! ;-)

2. The chalk wall is a hit! It's been fun . . . messy fun . . . but still fun!

3. Q was having some headaches at school during reading group time. I took him for an eye exam and found that he has mild far-sightedness. He may outgrow it in the next few years as his eyes change. As someone with HORRIBLE eyesight, I really hope and pray that he does. Thankfully, he seems fine (and excited) with his new glasses. Here's his new look . . . doesn't he look handsome?

*Can you see the LOVE and adoration that Fletch feels for his big brother? So sweet!

A Captive Audience

Today, we started the process of having the exterior of our house painted. The painters came and pressure washed. Fletcher was FASCINATED! He grabbed a toy (a rubber snake!), pulled up a chair, and watched the show. It kept him occupied long enough for me to prep dinner, unload the dishwasher and vacuum. It was FABULOUS! ;-)

Game Time Pics

Watching Q's baseball game:

The Homecoming game at Q's school:

Holden's favorite part of the game? "Hanging out with the high schoolers!" It seems that Holden became the little mascot of this group of teenagers; one of the girls worked in Q's kindergarten class last year. Brant was near by and kept a close eye on him. Holden certainly likes to be life of the party! See that kid in the striped shirt? Yes, that's him! Ha!

Holden's turn to go with Daddy to a NC State game
(NCSU 52 vs. Citadel 14):

Art Wall

After spending too much time looking at kids' art walls on Pinterest, I FINALLY decided to make one for our house! We already had most of the supplies; I just needed the "ART" letters and the little clips. It was a really easy and fun project.

Quinn was the first one to try the "chalkboard". After asking a few times if he could REALLY draw on the wall, he had fun with it! Ha!

*Fletcher was in bed, and Holden was at the NC State game with Daddy. I'm sure that they'll have a turn tomorrow!

He's Been Inspired

After watching Quinn practice/play baseball for the past month or so, Fletcher decided to give it a try. He LOVES his big brothers and wants to be just like them (sometimes a good thing and sometimes a bad thing - ha!)!

Quinn was very sweet with him. It was really cute to watch! ;-)

Our Son, The Author

Last night, Holden found a sticky note pad and decided to "write a book". It took him about 15 minutes to complete his masterpiece. When he felt that it was done, he read it to me. Not to ruin the plot or surprise ending for anyone out there, but the book was about shepherds, an angel and baby Jesus! ;-)

Time To Recharge

We have been going and going and going! It's all been really great/fun stuff like preschool, Q's school/Western Day, baseball, T-ball, kids' consignment sale at church, a glorious Wolfpack football victory, etc. But, it's also been really EXHAUSTING stuff!!!

Thankfully, we were able to take some time this afternoon and tonight to rest, recharge, and relax at home. Now, we're ready to tackle the week ahead! ;-)

"Pen" with an "E"

With 1st grade, we have entered the world of weekly spelling tests. The tests consist of 10 words and 2 measurement facts. I quiz Quinn on his words Monday - Thursday nights; the tests are Friday mornings at 8:10 (probably to ensure that no one is tardy to class!).

As I mentioned on Facebook, quizzing Q on his spelling words has certainly reminded me of my southern accent. I have to make sure that I am pronouncing the words properly to help him spell it the right way. Because let's be real, he does not need to spell the way that I talk! Ha!

Examples? Last week's "en" words: pen, hen and den. Without thinking about it, I would have said "pi-in", "hi-in" and "di-in"! The poor guy would have been really confused! I did feel quite sophisticated pronouncing them correctly: "pen", "hen" and "den"! ;-)

Appolyte

Today was Q's first time as an acolyte (or appolyte, as he likes to say!). He was a little nervous, but he did a great job! Isn't he cute?

Baseball

Q was getting pretty comfortable and confident with soccer; he improved so much during the spring season especially. This fall, he wanted to try something different. He decided that it was time for baseball.

The transition from soccer to baseball has certainly been a BIG change for all of us. First of all, baseball requires lots of equipment! We've had to buy bats, batting gloves, a ball glove, a helmet, pants, and baseball cleats (which are different than soccer cleats - go figure!). Also, it's already required lots of extra practice. Baseball seems to be really challenging for him (probably b/c of the hand-eye coordination). We're especially working on his hitting and catching. And, we went from Upward to a more business-like program (GBI). It's more intense; there are more (and longer!) practices and games. His first game lasted over an hour and a half!

Even with all this change, things are going well. We've been really proud of Q. When he's practicing (at home and at the field) and watching his more experienced teammates, he has a great attitude. We've already seen improvement, and he seems to be having fun. One of his buddies from school, Trevor, is on his team. I don't know if there will be future baseball seasons, but I am very happy that he's being brave and giving it a try!

The Last First Day of Preschool

2's Class (2010)

3's Class (2011)

4's Class (2012)

AND, when Q said "Next year is Kindergarten!" ;-)

This year, Holden is at a new church preschool. A friend of ours from church is one of Holden's Sunday school teachers. She had an opening in her 3 day 4's preschool class. We just couldn't pass up the chance to have her as Holden's preschool teacher; we've heard WONDERFUL things about their program. We are all very excited about the change.

Holden had a wonderful first day! His favorite parts? Circle time and being the "flag helper" (holding the flag during the pledge).

Middle and Little Brother

Aren't they sweet?

With Q off at school, it's nice that these 2 boys still have each other. :-)

Daddy/Holden Date

Brant and I have been trying to give the big boys special one-on-one outings. Saturday morning was Holden's turn with Brant. They started with an IMAX movie.

They didn't see the Batman movie; Holden just wanted to have his picture taken in front of the movie cardboard cut-outs! ;-)

They saw a documentary on polar bears in the Arctic. I hear that it was great and that Holden was completely AMAZED by the big screen!

Then, they walked to the capital and looked at the weapons and "army men". We all know that nothing says a proper father/son outing like some cannons! ;-)

Cool picture of the boys in the "big city"! :-)