Personality

As many of you are keenly aware, I am seriously disappointed in the preschool options available where we now live. I shouldn't be shocked, I guess. Everything is inferior after you have learned the "Challenger way". Everyday when I pick up Henry from preschool I have to tell myself, this is better for him then sitting at home with Amelia and I and it's better for me to have a short break each day. Then we go home and do a few minutes of accelerated learning on our own.

Henry can read whole Step1 books with some help and lots of pushing (his attention span is really where we struggle with reading). Henry can do basic math (addition and subtraction). Henry loves, loves, loves science projects.

Anyway... I digress.

I am shocked at what he is learning by going to preschool in a more socially enabled environment. Henry is learning how to role play and for the first time in his life he actually plays with his toys - something he has never done without prompting from a friend. Because he is encouraged to play with a purpose at school (part of the curriculum is learning through play or other interaction) he is excited about playing with his toys in a meaningful way.

Why am I excited about this?

His personality is beginning to shine more than ever. I am excited to see him assign character to his toys or to take on a character of his own each day when he plays. His voices are hilarious. His animation is adorable. I can see that this experience, while it is frustrating for a mom who wants a brilliant son, is perfect for Henry. It is helping him to develop into a more independent child. It is encouraging him to be more social (if that's possible) and establishing his perfect little personality.

So, here's to an imperfect preschool program that is encouraging my son to develop more wholly.

Friendly Visit

Our friends came to visit. Here are some of the fun things we did while they were here.

Joe and Henry playing with the shark Joe and Kevin caught on a fishing trip.

Joe and Kevin caught this shark on their fishing trip.

Muscle man!

On a small hike at the natural springs.

The boys at the natural springs.

Isn't she gorgeous?!!

Kevin and Tori have an amazing camera. This alligator picture was taken at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. A very cool place to visit if you want to see and learn about American alligators and other similar creatures.

Henry watching alligators at the farm, which is actually a zoo, not a farm.

Henry at the Alligator Farm.

Joe and the kids at the St. Augustine lighthouse, unfortunately the kids weren't allowed to go to the top which was a huge disappointment.

Outside River Grille, one of our favorite restaurants, located on the Tomoka River, down the street from our house.

Joe and Henry floating the spring river.

@ the spring.

@ the spring.

@ the spring.

The gang at Magic Kingdom.

Minnie lovin' Amelia. Henry and Pluto, his favorite non-planet.

My fabulous family.

Beach bums.

Beach bums.

Joe and Henry boogie boarding.

Drip castles.

I wonder if I can fit my foot and my fist in my mouth at the same time?

the girls. Not proud of how old I look, I'll be honest.

August & September in Picture

 

Amelia @ the beach. She is growing and changing very quickly now. She is no longer content to sleep in her car seat while we play, instead, she joins us in the water and in the sand.

On the Halifax River, down the street from our house.

Sunset on the river.

Playing on the underside of the bridge over the river.

Several weeks ago we took away Amelia's binki because it had become a nuisance in the night. She now soothes herself with two fingers... just like I did when I was young.

First day of school.

Henry LOVES Amelia, but remains unable to be gentle with her.

Amelia eating carrots for the first time. She was not impressed.

 

Isn't she beautiful?!!

Amelia loves jumping! She will jump in this until she falls asleep, waking up for moments at a time to jump some more.