Off to preschool

All smiles before school.

A few days after Anna's first day of "real" school, James started preschool. Leading up to the day he was not very enthusiastic. If you asked him if he was going to school you might get a dismissive shrug or a flat out "No!". I did hold out some hope that his attitude was shifting when we visited his school to meet his teachers and visit his classroom. On that day he eagerly explored the classroom and was thrilled to find trucks, puzzles, and even a sand box.

On the morning of the big day he showed no concerns. In fact, unlike his sister, we got an excellent "first day" photo, smiles and all. Anna refused to cooperate for pictures on her first day. And, when I walked him into his classroom he seemed great. Until he realized I was going to leave. Then he started to whimper and his bottom lip started shaking and he gave me what Jason and I have termed "the saddest look in the world". Then I started to whimper.

It took me completely by surprise but the waterworks kicked in and I could not hold it together. I don't know if it was because he cried or if I realized that my baby was not so little anymore. Luckily the school they are at has the best teachers and staff - I gave James one last hug and one of the teachers swooped in and diverted his attention with a game of restaurant while I slipped out the door (still crying). When I got outside, I found I wasn't the only weepy mom. Two other women were also crying and we were able to laugh with each other over the situation.

I honestly don't remember crying when taking Anna to her first day of school. Of course she didn't have a weapon like "the saddest look in the world". Of course I knew James would be fine, and even though he did cry when I picked him up after the first day, he got a great report from his teacher, and chatted with me the whole way home. Luckily I didn't cry again!

A popsicle to celebrate the first day.

Anna the Kindergartener

Excited for her first day with her Twilight Sparkle backpack.

It's official...Anna is in Kindergarten. "Big kid" school to Anna. Or, as I think of it, "real school". In my mind, the years she's spent in preschool were "fake" school. Yes, by all means she learned her numbers and letters and how to write, but it was more a time for her to make friends, have fun, and frankly, get out of the house! But now, the gig is up. Time for the show. I mean, if she doesn't do well in Kindergarten, she won't get into a good college, right? Just kidding. By no means am I putting that much weight on this year of school. But, with the uniform (a godsend by the way), a backpack, and 6.5 hours at school each day, there is definitely a different feel to the first day of school. For her part, Anna is extremely excited and eager. But I think this is due in a large part to the uniform, backpack, and getting to each lunch in a cafeteria. Hopefully the novelty doesn't wear off anytime soon!

Lucky Anna had her Grammy at the teacher meet and greet and first day of school send off.

Eager for the first day

Helping big sister get settled on the first day.

Reunited after her first day - I think they missed each other.

So cute in her uniform.

Anna Banana classroom decorations :)

Jason turns the big 4-0

Happy Birthday to Jason, who has reached the 40 year young milestone. Anyone who knows Jason knows he LOVES celebrations, especially when he's the center of attention. But, I couldn't let this birthday go by without recognition. I planned and schemed for a few months and coerced his parents and sister to come into town to celebrate with us for a weekend. And, the look on Jason's face was worth it when his parents walked in the house on a Thursday afternoon while he was innocently standing in the kitchen. We also celebrated with an awesome dinner with a small group of friends (didn't want to put him too far outside of his comfort zone!). Overall the weekend was filled with laughs, fun, and good food, and could not have gone better. Happy birthday, Jason, can't believe I met you at the baby age of 23...here's to many more wonderful years!

Anna and James were THRILLED at the surprise visit from Grammy and Fa Fa

Three generations of Bergstrom Boys

Siblings

Great gag gift for the birthday boy

Dinner with friends (bad lighting for pics)