First Day of KINDERGARTEN!!!!!

I've been dreading this day for a while. Reed on the other hand has been counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds. Last night had a strange feel to it. It was full of anticipation and excitement and at the same time overwhelming reluctance to go forward with the planned events. Before I look too overprotective, let me mention that in NC kindergarten is ALL day--and I really do mean all day (9:00-3:45.) That is a very long time to someone who is used to having their boy home and with them all day everyday.

The drop off was quick and almost uneventful. Reed walked into the classroom dropped off his backpack and immediately joined a group of boys on the floor who were working with some ABC tiles. I actually had to call him back to give me a hug goodbye. Max and I left quickly before I let my hyper-sensitive pregnancy emotions get to me.

Max and I ended up having a great day together. Our house was much quieter, didn't get as messy, and Max enjoyed every minute of having all of the Legos to himself. When we picked Reed up he only had good things to report...He loves his teachers, made some new friends (although he couldn't remember their names for sure) and of course his highlight--eating in the cafeteria.

I guess we may survive this whole school thing after all.

My big boy. I had different clothes picked out for him for today, but he INSISTED on these...especially the jeans even though it was 90 degrees today!!





Just HOW excited are you for kindergarten Reed?????



Max wanted to know why I wasn't taking any pictures of him, so...

My favorite arthur

Reed wrote a book today, so I decided to transcribe it here in all its glory. By way of clarification, he wrote "GNU" (as in wildebeest) because he couldn't remember the other way to spell "new".

The DOG ThAT WAS SAd For eveR

The ArTHR
BY: Reed
GNU

ONes UPPON A TiMe There WAS A DOG ThAT WAS SAd
NO ONe COULd MAKe HiM HAPPY
He WAS SAd

The eNd

1$

He's already sold two copies. Any other buyers?

He did it!!!!

The day I thought might never come finally came! Last week Sam successfully defended his thesis to receive his doctorate in Bioinformatics and Statistics. I was so nervous as he presented his work to his committee and so relieved when they said he passed and congratulated him. It has been a long road and I am so proud of all of his hard work and long hours. We are thrilled to have reached this goal and are ecstatic to have our husband and dad back after a few intense final months. Congratulations Sam! You're awesome.



Sam's mom came out for the big event. It was great to have her here during this exciting time.


The boys also enjoyed having their Nana in town. I'm pretty sure they think she just flew in to play airplanes and chase ducks with them.