UPSTART Graduation

 Spencer had his preschool graduation yesterday. He has been doing an online preschool called Upstart.  He works on reading for 20 minutes a day, then 15 minutes of math and science a day (except Fridays he just does reading).  It has been great!  I have really enjoyed that it is something I can sit down with him and help him with and do from home.  At first I was very skeptical about it being as good as people said, but it really was fabulous.  We're proud of him for working on this.  He can keep using the program until September, and I think I'll have him work on it until school starts. 

When we got to the graduation they handed Spencer a sticker to put on his shirt, but instead he put it on his shorts.  He went in another room and did one final test to see how much he has progressed since he started.  Then they brought him out so we could clap for him.  He didn't want to wear his little cap for the pictures, but you can see it in his hand. 

With Rusty and Rosy

 He didn't really want his picture with Rusty and Rosy either, but I got one of him anyway.  They had a table with Rice Krispy Treats, fruit snacks, and water.  I made him wait to pick his treats until I got a picture of him smiling. 

When we got home, he and Alyssa celebrated in by playing in our backyard pool. 

This week

Alyssa thought the trucks needed drivers. 

 Before Spencer was born Alyssa moved into the boys old bedroom, which I had painted this cute truck border.  I thought at some point we would repaint or move Spencer into it and let him enjoy the trucks.  A few weeks ago Alyssa was playing very quietly in her bedroom. When I went to check on her I found princesses driving the trucks that go all the way around the room.  I scolded her a little bit, and told her not to put stickers on her walls; but was holding back my laughter because she had meticulously placed a face in each cab of each truck. 

A few days later these princess stickers, intended for the walls, arrived in the mail.  Keith offered to switch Alyssa's and Spencer's beds so they could trade rooms while I took Caleb to basketball practice.  Alyssa was so excited to decorate her new bedroom.  

She is enjoying her new room

 She has moved the stickers around her room quite a bit, so I am not sure how long they will last.

Spencer in his new bedroom

 He doesn't really seem to affected by the change in rooms.  He still just wants to go and play with Alyssa, so he knocks on her door to see if he can come in.  His knock is extremely powerful for a boy his age. 

Alyssa learned about teeth at preschool

Parker wearing his 100 days hat

 Parker celebrated 100 days of school by attending a play, The Sorcerer's Apprentice.  He had a great time. 

Spencer likes to help Caleb unload the dishwasher

Caleb had his last basketball game of the season.  He has had a great time playing this season with a couple of boys he knows from school.   Tonight he said that when he grows up he wants to be an NBA player.

I traced the pattern pieces for the Tiramisu Knit Dress.   I have been wanting a new dress for about 6 months, but could not find what I wanted when I went to the store to look.  When I saw this dress, I knew I wanted to make it for myself.  It is the most expensive pattern I have ever purchased, but think it will definitely be worth the price.  I found some inexpensive knit fabric to make a wearable muslin, but am still looking for the perfect fabric.  The fabric cutting is one of my least favorite parts of sewing, but I am very excited to get sewing. 

New Preschool

Alyssa's First Day of her new preschool

Alyssa started going to a new preschool this month through the school district.  After the first few days she said it was boring, but I think it was adjusting to a new routine.  She is always excited to show me the crafts that she made each day, and sometimes even brings an extra snack home.  She would not talk at all to the teacher at first, but has warmed up to her and is doing better with that.  It is fun to see how much she is learning!  The day after she started I heard her singing the days of the week song after I had put her to bed. 

Preschool Party

I was in charge of the preschool party this year. We started off in the driveway coloring with sidewalk chalk. Then we came in the house to talk about the calendar, and colored a counting page. The kids decorated foam picture frames with small, foam animal stickers. I had taken a picture of each of the kids last week at preschool to put in their frames. We also read a counting book. Then we went back outside for a bean bag toss and a game of Red Light Green Light. The kids decorated their graduation caps (made from foam bowls and a square of card stock fastened together with a brad). We ate snacks and then let the kids play in the backyard. It has been a great year for Parker to have preschool with his friends. At times he said he did not want to go, but always did great once he was there.