Our HOT Date!

Tonight, my dad so graciously took Kennedy while we headed up to Cedarburg for dinner at Anvil Pub and Grille. I've been there once before, but never with Jon, so I was excited to take him! He LOVED their food. In fact, he said he liked it so much, it made him want to write a review about it. Who says that?! He makes me laugh. Aside from their awesome food, the atmosphere is really what I love. We sat outside on their patio, along the river and listened to the Cedar Creek Waterfall as we ate... so amazing!

After dinner, we took a stroll through Cedarburg's historic downtown. The shops remind me of Door County. I LOVE IT! We went into this really great store where there were a lot of knickknacky types of things. It immediately reminded me of Grandma and I couldn't help but cry. That was hard. But after I pulled myself together, Jon spotted a really cool watch that looked like a bracelet. I always wanted a watch that looked more like an accessory. I tried it on and he bought it for me! What a sweetie. We walked another block and stopped at a confectionery store. We bought a few goodies for us and two chocolate covered strawberries for my dad (per his request). Then we headed to Cedarburg's scrapbook store - I just HAD to! Did a little damage there and walked back to our car.

What an AMAZINGLY romantic night. I love when we get to go out and just be us together. I love my husband more than anything. He seriously completes me, as corny as that sounds. He makes me a better person, while keeping me laughing throughout :)

I love you, baby. Thanks for an awesome night!!

First Day of Preschool!!!

I can't believe this day has come... Kennedy's first day of preschool!

We woke up like any other morning. Except this particular morning, I was pumped. It took a little time, but Jon eventually was excited too (he's not really a morning person). Kennedy ate breakfast, which consisted of yogurt, applesauce and one homemade chocolate chip pancake 'ala Daddy. We got dressed and headed out the door. Of course I already anticipated being 'Mamarazzi' ...also known as 'crazy moms who take WAY too many pictures of their children'. So with that said, I started my 65 pictures with a few in front of the house, one on the way to school and a few walking in the school door. Once inside, the beast was unleashed. I went crazy, but I didn't care. I was just thankful I didn't need a flash! That could've been really distracting.

If I haven't said it 10 times, I'll say it again... I am BEYOND impressed with this preschool. We got to stay and watch the teachers interact and go through how the children's day will go.

1. They start off tracing the first letter of their name with their finger (which is made out of sand paper). Name recognition is HUGE!

2. Then it's time to play. And this isn't just any old play... They have different areas ...dress up, house, blocks, train table, arts and crafts... great variety. It's very organized too - who doesn't like a little organization?! I love their philosophy too. 'Children learn by experience'. They will learn how to socialize with each other and problem solve as they play. This is more effective then sitting in a desk practicing their abc's all day.

3. After play, they learn the clean up song (not the typical song) and have that whole song to get the room picked up. Then they sit on their assigned carpet square in a circle while Miss Francine sings them a song.

4. Time to learn the weather! They all decide what the weather is like on that day and that picture gets puts up. They also learn left to right progression and patterns with pictures that hang on the wall.

5. They rotate classrooms each hour, still staying with Miss Francine. This new room has a ton of hands-on activities. There's a water table, different arts and crafts, sand shakers... and more! Some children learn by touching. I guess it never occurred to me that you can learn this way. Very cool.

6. The final 'class' they'll visit is a huge, open room that resembles an outdoor playground. It's equipped with tricycles and cars too, so they can work on their motor skills while getting out some energy!

7. The three and four year olds will meet together at the end and sing songs while they wait for their parents to pick them up.

Kennedy will attend Tues/Thurs 8:45-11:45am. Three hours, three different classes. I in no way feel that I have to defend my choice for sending her to a private preschool. With that said, I want the BEST for my child. What mother or father doesn't? I know that I cannot give Kennedy everything she needs on my own. She will be learning/interacting with others more than I could ever provide her with. I could tell from orientation back in March that this is an amazing place that she is going to thrive in. The teachers have over 40 years combined experience (between the three of them) and the actual schooling to provide Kennedy with the best preschool education. They LOVE those kids like I've never seen a teacher love and they truly work with each one on an individual basis. Because of course, not every child is the same :)

I am BEYOND excited for Kennedy!!! I'm so thankful to have found Loving Start Preschool!

Love

Our mini vacation was so amazing! After eating dinner Monday night at Moosejaw Pizza, we went into town for our Old Time photo shoot! Kennedy and I had on fancy dresses wile Jon looked handsome in his suit -- holding two Tommy guns. haha Kennedy was really looking forward to getting dressed up for the picture, but when she got in front of the camera, she would NOT smile. I don't know if the lights freaked her out or what, but we were not getting a smile out of her. It turned out adorable, regardless. In fact, it was the only picture we got all weekend of the three of us. It makes me sad we didn't get more together...

After our shoot, we walked through downtown Dells and stopped for some ice cream. It was a wonderful night together. We laughed, took fun pictures and spent real quality time with one another. No Blackberries, no computer. The next morning consisted of more water slides and a quick checkout. After riding the go karts and eating lunch, we headed home.

This weekend was amazing... did I say that already?! Jon and I were so in sync. We tag teamed everything! Whether it was making lunch for everyone while the other showered, or just simple things like throwing out the trash while the other washed up Kennedy. It was great... I LOVE teamwork! Not that we aren't a good team at home, but it was different this time. No one had to say a word, we just did it. I love my husband. I wish everyone got to see the side of him that I see everyday. Yes, he's still sarcastic at home, but he really is a sweetheart underneath it all. One of the main reasons I fell in love with him is because he always made me laugh. I'm so glad that he keeps me laughing daily.

I love you honey, and I love our little family we've made!! :)