Ian's Kindergarten teacher is...

Ms. Braun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are very, very excited about Ian's teacher for this year! Ever since we moved to Cary and had our eyes set on Kingswood, we've attended "Kingswood nights" at local restaurants where a portion of your bill is sent to Kingswood. Sometimes places will ask for a specific teacher's name and we've targeted Kindergarten classes and chose Ms. Braun. So, for over 4 years we've been on her class website to find out what kindergarteners do at Kingswood. And here we are now...Ian has Ms. Braun!

Ian found his cubbie, which is located on the end (top, right). He found his seat for the start of the year. There are four kids at a table. When we walked in, Ms. Braun called him by name and to me that means a lot. She has seen a lot of kindergarteners this week and to remember his name, that was nice! I believe there are 17 in his class.

Ian met the principal, Ms. Sherry. She even talked to Gavin and asked his age. He answered, "Two and half" and that floored her! She said, "Wow, great vocabulary...I clearly understood him!"

Is Ian excited? I think so. :)

The Kirk Children's Center Welcomes Gavin Matthew

It was Gavin's day to be with 1/2 of his class and two teachers without Cailean, Ian and me there for 45 minutes and he did GREAT! I raced from work to be there with Cailean and Ian to walk him in. Cailean didn't tell them that I was coming, so it was a surprise! While Gavin was bonding and becoming familiar with pre-school, Ian took us for a walk through the tunnel (under Kildaire Farm Rd). He and his classmates did this last year. When it was time to pick up Gavin, he was playing with some of his new classmates. Miss Sherri and Miss Ellen said he did a GREAT job!

Kingswood Welcomes Ian James

My alarm clock went off this morning and I cried. I showered and cried. I checked my email and cried. Yes, I was crying in spurts. (I was having flashbacks of the morning I woke up on the day I left Vermont and drove to California for my big move...same thing was happening!!! cried, cried, cried) Ian woke up earlier than normal and I pulled myself together, so he didn't know I was crying. Why the emotions??? IAN'S STAGGERED ENTRY DAY WAS TODAY FOR KINDERGARTEN!!!!! Well, Ian was very scared when he woke up because he knew what was going to happen today. He made it clear that he wasn't going. Ugh. I was able to get some breakfast in him, so that made me feel better. He got dressed, brushed his teeth, combed his hair and he wouldn't let go of me as we sat on the couch. I asked if he wanted to go through his pre-school scrapbook I had put together over the last two years and he liked that idea. Ian was just grinning going through the pictures probably because it was comforting to him and he has great memories of the Kirk! Gavin woke up by this time and I asked Ian to talk to Gavin about pre-school (make Ian feel very important telling Gavin all about the Kirk). Cailean called and I cried. He called again and I cried again. Once again, I composed myself when I gave the phone to Ian. They were talking about planes and airports and as soon as Cailean said the word "school"...Ian shut down. He put his face in the pillow and that was the end of the conversation.

Karen arrived by 8:30am to watch Gavin this morning since I had to go to work. Ian and I headed off to Kingswood Elementary and Ian asked me what time I would be picking him up. I told him he is going to have fun all day and that I'll be able to pick him up at 3:45pm. He told me that was too long (I wanted to say...I completely agree!!!!!!). I was able to walk him in and take him to the Kindergarten registration table. We ran into the art teacher who knows us from church, so Ian gave a smile to her! We were greeted by two of the Kindergarten teachers and they were just wonderful. But, the look on Ian's face...wow! It was almost like he was thinking, "I am very scared...I don't know people here...don't leave me..." But, we said goodbye and he went with one of the teachers into the classroom. I walked out of the school very proud though because we know Ian will have fun and he is ready for this adventure! I got into the car and cried. Yup...all the way to work. LOL

When it was time to pick Ian up at 3:45pm, Gavin and I were right there waiting! He was very excited and the teacher said he had a GREAT day! :) I, of course, wanted to know every detail. I asked Ian, "What did you do today???" He said, "I don't know." Okay, so the response hasn't changed from pre-school. LOL Ian will share things with you when he wants to. It won't all be discussed at once. Also, if he says something about school and you weren't paying attention. Forget it. He won't repeat it! LOL For instance, he told Cailean that he played on the big playground during recess today. Cailean wasn't paying attention and I heard Ian tell him this. I told Cailean to listen. He asked Ian to repeat it. Ian wouldn't. LOL LOL

From what I gathered...he counted up to 51...he wrote...he took a nap and fell asleep for 20 minutes (they do have rest time) and the teacher had to wake them all up...they had centers...there were 12 kids there...they went outside for recess...he ate lunch in the cafeteria (he even ate pepperoni that I put in his lunch...his choice...this is big for him).

I asked him if he is excited to go back on Tuesday and he said, "yes." Phew!

Friday at 5pm we'll find out who is teacher will be for this year! Exciting times!

Going on a trip...

In Ian's and Gavin's minds...hahaha. Ian and Gavin set up their tents and put blankets and pillows in them along with some matchbox cars, baseball cards, books and flashlights. Yes, they were going camping! They had packed some toys and clothes in their suitcases for the trip. Then, all of a sudden, they switched modes and decided they were going to fly in an airplane to the Outer Banks and everyone would meet them there. They would be gone for 2 nights. Just picture this...

Ian and Gavin sat on the couch and they were on the bus to head to the terminal. Then, they got their bags off the couch because they had to go through security to get to the gate. Now, at this point, Ian was wearing his new, red backpack pulling his rolling duffle bag and Gavin was running behind him with his rolling duffle bag. Both were yelling, "Let's go catch the plane. We're flying American Eagle to the Outer Banks." They ran around and jumped back on the couch and now the couch was the airplane. Ian was the pilot, Gavin was the co-pilot and they asked me to be the one passenger on the plane. They flew the plane and landed safely!

I love times like this one because they are playing nicely together and using their imaginations. I noticed I'm not a crazy lady when we travel because they were nice and calm as travelers!

Today we went to the Kirk to meet Gavin's new teachers and classmates for 30 minutes. We arrived a bit early, so we went to see Miss Cathy and Miss Nancy, Ian's teachers from last year. Ian was very excited to see them again and it was like "home" to see his old classroom again. Gavin was just as excited to see them, too! Miss Brenda, the Director, talked to us for a few minutes as well and they are excited to see Gavin start pre-school and they said such great things about Kingswood for Ian!

We headed down to Gavin's classroom and Miss Sherri and Miss Ellen greeted the little guy! Ian showed Gavin where he'll put his backpack and helped him get adjusted by working on puzzles together and later the blocks. At one point, a child took some of Gavin's blocks and boy did Gavin not like that! hahahaha He didn't go over and take them back, but instead called for me to get them. Yea, right! I signed up to help with the Christmas party and February playdough (can't mess up with pink!!!). The classes are starting up classroom parents to help with communication. I asked Sherri if she heard back from anyone and she hadn't. So, my friend (Kim) and I will be the class parents!

Tomorrow is Ian's staggered entry day...full day working with the three kindergarten teachers. I still can't believe that Ian is starting kindergarten and Gavin is starting pre-school.

Slideshow

Click on the link and you can see pictures of the boys with Kaia and Luke, playgroup at the park and Ian's first soccer practice! Ian had quite the fan club at practice...Jess, Kaia, Luke, Mimi, Pop-pop, Grammie, Cailean, Gavin and myself! For a practice! He loved it though.

http://picasaweb.google.com/turnbull1220/August2008?authkey=FHbPB3P9Ppk

School is almost here

We had such a fun week with my cousin and her two kids! They left this morning and it's so quiet around here! Ian told me that Luke said a word to him and it was, "I love you!" Mind you...Luke is 4 months old. haha

NCSU started classes yesterday, so I'm in full swing now at work.

Tonight was interesting. The four of us went to Kingswood tonight and were able to meet the 3 kindergarten teachers. We saw Mrs. Howard, the art teacher, who actually knows us since she attends the Kirk! Cailean and I became members of the PTA and we received a handbook for the school to review. Then, we came home to meet my mom who was going to watch the kids because Cailean and I went to the Kirk for Parent Orientation for Gavin's pre-school! Miss Brenda is in her 18th year and we are so amazed with her! We visited Gavin's classroom and met Miss Sherri and Miss Ellen (his teachers). Miss Sherri's son was in Ian's pre-school class the last two years. Gavin's classroom will be familiar to him because it's the room he plays in on Sundays during church. Hats off to Miss Sherri and Miss Ellen because they'll have TWELVE 2 1/2 year olds in a room!

I will load up the pictures from the week probably tomorrow...too tired to do that right now!

The Benes' are here!

Jessica, Kaia and Luke arrived last night and boy did we have a fun-filled day today! It was so cute to see the "3rd cousins" play together! Luke has changed so much in the last two months! He is smiling and laughing now and just loves to move around! When he would start to cry...there were Ian and Gavin making funny faces at him hoping he would laugh! Gavin and Kaia at their best with sharing and taking turns is funny to watch. Kaia mimicking me when I'm telling the boys what to do. hee hee We met a bunch of friends at the park this afternoon and then headed over to Ian's first soccer practice! Go Rockets! We have a bunch of new kids on the team, so coach and I have our work cut out for the season with new dynamics and instruction. Ian knew today was his first practice, so when he woke up he put on his soccer clothes! haha He was completely exhausted when we got home...very grouchy to say the least and he had no issues going to sleep.

August 17...

Happy 6th anniversary to Cailean and me today! Six years ago we enjoyed the time at the Williams Inn with our family and friends! Who would have ever thought that in six years we would be living in NC and have two kids?! The boys get to hang out with their Mimi, Grammie and Pop-pop for dinner tonight while Cailean and I hit the town (not really...just out to dinner probably!!).

Jessica and the kids arrive tonight and will spend the week with us! The boys cleaned up their toys, so they can be ready to play with Kaia! Before we know it, Luke will be joining them with all the trucks and cars!

I'll post some pictures this week of the kids!

Thursday

Busy day at work for me today as I try to figure out my new responsibilities of a program that will be in transition this semester. Overwhelmed to say the least, but reminding myself that I have support and this will NOT take over my life. Right?! I wish Ian could go with me to work tomorrow since I have to talk in front of a lot of people for an orientation...look like I know what I'm talking about, etc. He did such a great job getting up in front of people at VBS and I'm sick to my stomach thinking I have to do the same.

Ian and I had an appointment at his elementary school, Kingswood, this afternoon for a tour. When I came home to pick him up, he told us he didn't feel very well. But, we went ahead with the scheduled tour. He was holding onto my hand for dear life...wouldn't talk to the lady and didn't want his picture taken (I took the camera of course). The look on his face just wanted to make me cry. He did tell me I could go to kindergarten with him (ahhh...thanks bud). I do need to make sure the teachers know to talk about soccer to Ian. He told the lady that he is excited for soccer to start on Monday!!! We will visit the school and actually meet the three kindergarten teachers next Thursday evening. Ian's staggered entry day is August 27 where he'll get assessed and then August 29 we'll find out his teacher. Gavin is also in the mix. I take him on August 26 to meet his pre-school teachers and then he goes with NO parent on August 28 for a quick visit before attending on September 2. So yes...is MOM looking forward to September 2? Nope. I know I should be excited for the big day, but I think I'm more scared than anything. The boys are growing up. Ian will be in school all day now. Wow! Time flies!

Tonight I took mom and Mimi to the salad supper at the Kirk and Mimi signed up to be part of a Circle Group! The two were highlights tonight...everyone coming over introducing themselves and welcoming them to the Kirk. They might need to draw numbers as to who will be in charge of Mimi's transportation to and from Circle Group because so many offered!

Big Brother Helping Little Brother

Gavin has officially started potty training! Last night we went to the store and he wore his big boy underwear! This morning, Karen, was here to watch the boys and she was well aware of the situation. hee hee He did such a great job and what is neat about this...is that Ian is helping him. Ian pretty much is teaching him now! This afternoon, I followed the boys to the bathroom and stood in the hallway. When Gavin was ready to go, Ian walked out and said, "You can watch from here now mom." "Ay, Ay, Captain!" We went to mom's tonight to help her out with unpacking and Gavin wore his underwear! Oh and he will NOT let anyone help him get dressed. Last night before going to the store, Gavin went to the potty with Cailean. Cailean says, "Christi, both legs are in one hole!" I tried to tell Gavin that and to fix it, but Gavin wanted no part of that! Sometimes you just have to pick and choose your battles, right?! LOL

Ian can officially tie his shoes, too. They are perfect! Wahoo! He is all about that now.

Let's see...what else is going on here...we take a tour of Ian's new school tomorrow afternoon. That will be interesting!

The Rockets!!

Ian starts another season of soccer this Monday! His new team name will be the ROCKETS!!!!!!! I'll post the schedule when we receive it! His first game is slated for Saturday, September 6 at 8:15am!

They Keep Growing and Growing...

Yesterday I took the boys to get their feet measured at Stride Rite. They are pretty good there. Every now and then I'll take them to check measurements and if they can still wear their shoes, then we leave without buying. Well, not this trip. Ian grew a whole size and is now wearing 1.5. Gavin went up 1/2 a size to 9.5. So, they are now sporting their new sneaks!

Photos from our trip to Vermont

Here's the link to the slideshow...enjoy!!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/turnbull1220/VermontTripAugust2008?authkey=DQp-zieM9pk

What a week!!!! A FUN Vacation!

We had a great time in Vermont! We flew into Bradley on Monday and rented a car (that was an experience), then drove to Vermont. So, we hit NC, CT, MA and VT in one day! We stayed with Cailean's parents for the week. We finally were able to meet our cousin/nephew, Neal Thomas. What a cutie and Ian and Gavin love their cousin! Tuesday Ian enjoyed swimming in Jim Marsden's pool (jumping off the board) with Luke and Abby. Gavin missed out due to naptime. Then for dinner we headed up to Neal and Megan's house (just over the border in NY). The boys got to go on the 4 wheeler and was that ever a highlight! I was quite content hanging out with my nephew! hee hee Wednesday we drove up to Bromley to meet my dad. Well, when we got out of the cars to head to the Alpine Slide...it poured! So, I drove dad and Ian in dad's car while Cailean and Gavin followed in the rental and headed to Rutland to have lunch and hit up the bowling alley. Dad was a little nervous that I was driving his car...hadn't driven a stick shift in years!!!!! hahahahahaha Ian commented that I did a great job! ;) It was a short time with my dad, but we had a blast!!!! They love their Grandpop!!!!! Before we all headed our separate ways, we went by Susie and Scott's house and got to see Scott and the boys for a quick visit. It's always nice to see people you grew up with when we head up north! Wednesday night we had dinner with Becky, Scott, Luke, Abby and Jim. The kids had a blast playing every single sport they had there! Thursday morning Becky and the kids picked us up and headed to Neal's and Scott's work. Ian and Gavin surprised their Uncle Neal with a bag of cookies! It was cute! Then, we headed to the park and off to McD's for lunch before heading back to the house to finish my cookie making for the wedding reception. Once I finished the cookies, Cailean picked me up and he took me to Marc's house to help the bride-to-be with wedding stuff. We stayed right through for the rehearsal and then off to the dinner. Saturday morning we found ourselves back up helping Marc and Randa set up. We were sooo nervous with the weather because it rained a lot!!!!!!!!! I broke out of there and took the kids to Becky's house for lunch and playtime. After getting Gavin down for a nap, we headed back up to finish up last minute details for the wedding. The boys got to hang out with their Nana, Poppy, Uncle Neal and Aunt Megan both nights while we were occupied with wedding stuff. I KNOW they had a great time!!! They were exhausted! The wedding was great...Cailean did a great job in the wedding (coached by his wife, of course!!!) and I'm pretty sure it turned out better than what they expected. :) Congratuations Marc and Randa! We had a great time at the reception. Megan and Neal met us early Saturday morning to say goodbye and we headed to Hartford to try and get on the afternoon flight (which we did). It was hard to wake up this morning!!!! hahahahaha The boys learned a few things...Ian picked up the fact that they have "walking mailmen" and that there are a lot of mountains in Vermont! Oh, they even got to ride on a riding lawnmower (called it a tractor)! That was another highlight! If you are wondering how the kids did on the plane rides...Ian was fabulous! Gavin, well...he sat next to Cailean on the flight up north and before we even left the gate he told Cailean he wanted to go home. On the flight down south he fell asleep the last 20 minutes. He got woken up by the turbulence and proceeded to SCREAM until we landed. He was sooo ticked he got woken up. When we drove into our driveway, we had two boys who were happy to be home...but we all had a great week with our friends and family. Thank you to everyone who fed us, spent time with us, etc. It was a great week! I'll put pictures up tomorrow!

Pictures

Here are some photos from today. Ian spent most of the day with Aunt Sandi, Pop-pop and my mom while Gavin was with me, my grandmother, Aunt Cindy and Cailean at our house. We had a nice dinner here and then birthday cake for mom! Things are coming along, but I can't get over all the boxes!!!!!! We found out today at the new place that some people are moving out and need boxes. So...mom's boxes are going down the street to someone else's place. It turns out this guy used to work for Eastern Airlines and Pop-pop started talking to him. I don't know if he sold a book to him or not. I'll need to ask.

Yesterday Aunt Sandi and I took my grandmother to get her hair washed and styled. Once again, Justin did a GREAT job! She loves that massage chair when getting your hair washed! We put my grandfather in front of the tv to watch the Yankees game! hahaha He was occupied!

Off to finalize the packing. Take care.

We're Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Okay, well...American Eagle...close enough, right? Today the plan is to help mom unpack in her new home, tend to Mimi and Pop-pop and keep everyone happy! haha I've done most of the packing for our trip. We fly up north TOMORROW!!!
I think Ian had another growth spurt because he slept for over 12 hours 2 nights ago...took a 2 hour nap yesterday (never takes naps)...ate over 3 cups of pasta, 1/4 loaf of bread and drank his glass of milk and water at dinner. When we got home, he asked for a snack before bedtime.
Gavin is trying to keep up with Ian! Some people say he's a 5 year old in a 2 1/2 year old body!!! I might have put that on the blog already.
Anyway, just wanted to let y'all know that we're pretty busy down here with the move and our trip. Hope to see some of you in Vermont!
I won't be able to post any pics until we get back next weekend, but I can blog and let you know what we're doing.