Aidan the Christmas Elf

Every year, Aidan's school puts together a big Christmas program that all the kids perform in and the families are able to watch. It is so fun! The kids really know their songs and they do actions and everything, and you come away feeling just a little bit happier about the crazy Christmas season. Aidan's grade were Santa's elves. They even provide the costumes! Isn't he cute?
The rest of us waiting for the program to start. The littles did really well waiting and then watching. They loved the music and when Santa came on stage, they would scream, "HO HO HO!" They loved watching their big brother.

On stage. The first graders sang "Up On the Rooftop." I think they did the absolute best of the whole entire school. It was such a fun program!

Crazy Hair Day

It was Crazy Hair Day at Aidan's school. He wanted to show his school spirit, so this is the "do" that we came up with. I actually really like it!

Random 11/17

Today, the babies (actually, I can't call them babies for much longer-they are getting too big!) were watching "Super Why" on PBS. When it got to the part that they said to "put your hand in" (talking to the "audience") Lydia squealed and pointed to the TV. Wyatt, on the other hand, politely shook his head no. I must have laughed for 5 minutes.

Wyatt does a mean robot. We found this out during one of our random dance parties. Lydia has a sweet twirl (and will probably be our singer) and Aidan jumps up and down and wiggles his fanny.

The no cable thing has been one of the best things to happen ever. We get so much more done, we have so much more fun as a family, even the Spirit is stronger. And honestly, we don't miss it all that much.

I had Parent Teacher Conferences for Aidan last week. He is doing great! His handwriting is looking so good, he is a reading maniac and he has a natural talent for math. We are so proud of him! Aidan loves school, loves his teacher, has great friends, and just has a desire to do good.

I am getting so excited for Christmas. I am making a good majority of gifts this year (unfortunately, I can't post about several of them yet because then it wouldn't be a surprise for you!) and it has been fun to find materials and try to make it perfect for the person recieving the gift. I love this time of year!

Wyatt, Lydia and I spent and hour and a half at the pet store today. We looked at every fish, every reptile (Lydia did not like these so much), every rodent (I think they both wanted to bring home a ferret) and every bird in the store. The were so excited and I just loved seeing them observing all the animals. I love watching them have experiences like this.

We got family pictures done. They really turned out well. Luckily, most of you will be recieving one shortly in your Christmas card. I think I look hot. You'll have to let me know what you think ;) I am designing new wall decor around this picture. I'll have to post when I get it done and perfect.

Jeremy and I are going to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part 1 on Saturday. I am so excited! 1-because I get to go on a date with Jeremy! We haven't done that in a while and 2-I love Harry Potter!

Back to School

Yesterday was Aidan's first day of First Grade. He was so excited! Not a single nerve in this boy! Ace could hardly wait to get out of the door! He wanted to dress "to make the girls fall down." The first thing that he said when he got home was, "Mom, the food was GREAT!" I wonder how he will feel about school lunch in a couple of weeks. But he really liked his teacher, Mrs. Eckman, and they had a practice lock down too, which really made an impression on him-he thought it was so cool, except he had to go to the bathroom and they wouldn't let him leave the room. It was amazing, he just talked and talked about how his day went. I didn't have to ask for any information! Wyatt missed him a lot. He kept saying, "Where's Aidan?" I would say, "School." And then Wyatt would say, "Oh, school," like it was a dirty word. Aidan was excited to go back today too. Aidan also made a new friend, Carter. I hope he cultivates some new friendships-I am so excited to see him branch out.

I can't believe that I have a 1st grader! But I am so excited to see him growing and learning. I love the person that he is becoming. Good luck in 1st grade Ace!

School Supplies

I just love school supplies. There is something about them that scream "here's your chance to start over!" to me. I love a fresh box of crayons, crisp paper, new folders, sharp sissors. The start of a new school year has always allowed me to reassess-make changes, improve something, start something new. I have my list of things I want to do-what are some of yours?

Kindergarten Graduation

Aidan graduated from Kindergarten today! YAY! They had an adorable ceremony and really hyped up the kids and parents. They asked that the kids come to school in their best clothes, to bring our cameras and they even served refreshments. (I just love his school-it really is a fantastic school. We partially chose our house based on this elementary.) Here are lots of pictures from today's ceremony. Ace giving me his best tough guy in line before going into the gym.
With his some of his school friends-Ciara, Hazel, Masen, Aidan, and Graysn. Yes, he is a head shorter than most of his classmates. He has so many friends and lots of them have been to our house. His best friend changes daily, but usually it is Graysn (in the yellow sweater vest). He is a good kid and they have lots in common. I have also volunteered in his classroom all year and I know all of his classmates. They are a wonderful class and I am proud to see them all graduate today. They have worked so hard to be ready for 1st grade.
Walking into the gym. They had Pomp and Circumstance playing and everything. They really went out of their way to make it special (the hat colors are the school colors-blue and gold).
The entire A.M. kindergarten. The principal said they had 73 kids graduate in the morning and another 50 will in the afternoon. The whole kindergarten sang a song and then each class sang their own song.

Aidan's class singing "Reggie Rooster." It is an AlphaFriend song. They did so well with the actions and everything! Ace is the 2nd one from the left in the blue vest.

Mr. Gauchay (the principal) presenting Aidan with his diploma. I have to admit, I got just a bit teary eyed thinking about 12 years in the future.
Aidan with his teacher, Mrs. Rigby. She is a wonderful teacher! I am so glad that he was able to have her this year. I couldn't have picked out a better kindergarten teacher for him. I also really enjoyed helping her in her classroom too.

Thumbs up! All graduated! He still has 3 more days of school, but they are all fun days. I really think he will miss going to school everyday. He is such a social little guy (sorry, big guy), he will miss the interaction. Wow-I just realized that he will be in the class of 2022! I can't believe I have a 1st grader!

Aidan's Report Card

Aidan's 3rd quarter of kindergarten is over (wow-I can't believe it. I am going to have a 1st grader soon!) and I met with his teacher, Mrs. Rigby to see how he is doing. Well, he is doing GREAT! She just kept saying how good and helpful of a little boy he is and that she wishes all her kids were like him. He is also doing very well academically. He is reading with the top group in the class (which is impressive, seeing how he is the youngest in the class). He also has high IRI (Idaho Reading Indictor-standardized testing) scores. He needs a little bit more work in writing and cutting, but we are working on that and Mrs. Rigby isn't too concerned about that. She says that it will come. One of Aidan's favorite subjects is math (don't ask me how he got that-because both Jeremy and I hate the subject) and he is really good. He has a natural affinity for numbers it seems. Next time you see him, ask him to count to 100 for you. Aidan is also such a good friend to so many kids in his class. I help out in this room once a week and I see how nice and helpful he is. He loves to play with his friends. It is fun because he has branched out, and has playdates with boys other than those in the ward. He is quite popular. I am a little tired keeping up with his playdates! I love Aidan so much and I am so proud of him. He really is a good, sweet, intelligent boy. I couldn't have asked for better children!