Our First Parent-Teacher Conference

Wow, did we feel like official school parents. Bill and I attended our first parent-teacher conference at Colin's daycare. We weren't sure what to expect or how involved the discussion would be. Well, his teachers really put in some effort on developing a notebook of photos, art, conversations had with each child as well as mapping out strengths and areas to work on.

We discussed how Colin has progressed since joining the class. He is very social, comfortable and confident in the room, and loves the art projects (lots of yellow!), singing and dancing. He has quite the dance moves!

Things to work on for him (and really most 2 year olds!) at school and at home are reducing the physical responses to problem solving (some hitting and kicking), respect for others' space and things (like a Seinfeld character, Colin is apparently a "close-talker" and likes to borrow everyone's sunglasses), encouraging self-help and continue to advance those developmental skills.

There will be some transition this summer at school as a few of the kids move up to the Pre-K room, some kids take the summers off, and a few of the younger kids are old enough to transition into Colin's class. His teachers explained that Colin will have a "leadership role" in the new class. Is that like a promotion? Fortunately, Colin's two teachers will be running the summer class and all the kids pretty much know each other from playground and group activities.

Leaving the meeting, we felt pretty proud of our little man!

Storytime

(Colin busy driving the Ambulance at COSI)

Last night, since he had a late and long nap, we were trying to shorten Colin's bedtime routine. I read one story before he brushed his teeth, then I turned the light off and said I was going to tell Colin a story.

Squirming ensued.

I started, once there was a little boy named Colin.
Colin sat up and said with a big smile, That's ME!
I said, Colin and the Teletubbies went to the grocery store to buy some snacks.
Colin is processing that he was going to the store with the fabulous Teletubbies!
I continue, At the store, Colin and the Tubbies met Greg Wiggles buying bananas and Anthony Wiggle buying watermelon.
Colin thinking, oh, this is too cool!.
Greg and Anthony asked Colin if he wanted to play guitar with Murray.
Colin is so excited and says Yes! play with Murray, Mommy!
After a song about playing with Murray, I said, the Wiggles are going home to go to bed and close their eyes. That way they can get up and play with Colin again.
That seemed to get him ready for sleep. I put him to bed and didn't have to go back in to settle him down. We'll see if we go for a repeat performance tonight.

ALAKAZAM!

What kid doesn't like Legos and robots, not this one, he digs both for sure.

Can you even imagine?

Finally having some long overdue regrading done in the backyard of the homestead. Glad Colin is old enough to appreciate diggers, dumpers and pushers. He was so very excited... Mommy was a little concerned when we put him in the scooper but Colin dug it (no pun intended) and everything went smoothly.

I've been advised not to put the images of him driving this particular vehicle on the Internet due to risk and insurance issues... :-)

Two Peas in a Pod

Every now and then I'm able to catch Shannon and Colin in the following scenario: 1) together, 2) eyes open, 3) looking in the same direction and 4) presentable (usually Colin's boogers sneak into the frame). However, the light in this picture is just a bonus - this one's a keeper!

Channeling Sir Elton John

Rocket maaaaaan! (Minus the food all over his shirt!)

Happy Easter

We enjoyed a great visit at Nana and Papa W.'s for Easter and home improvement projects. The weather was perfect all weekend, so one day Nana, Zoe, CP and I went to a big park (plan A was the Zoo but the crowds of cars and people kept us away--later we found out it was the Egg Hunt at the Zoo.) Day 2, Zoe, Colin and I spent the morning at the Zoo and its playground.



Colin quickly took to the climbing chains.


Colin calling to the elephant.

In awe of the sea lions.


The Easter Bunny and Nana Mary hosted a great Egg Hunt in the house. Zoe and Justis helped Colin get the hang of finding eggs and collecting them in a basket. Good thing the eggs are hard boiled! Colin found the last egg and to celebrate he dunked it through his basketball hoop! Swoosh! Crack!