Fall 2010 Parent Teacher Conference

Since Dylan had just started Preschool this year, we didn't really have any major expectations. We wanted to make sure he was nice to the other kids, respected his teachers, learned to share, and built his social skills; if he learned a couple of other things (i.e. academically), then what a great added bonus!

After speaking with Dylan's teacher for an hour and a half, we quickly realized how much he's grown in just the last 4 months.

Just for us to never forget ...

What he knows?
-all of his upper case letters
- most of the lower case letters (80-90%)
- numbers
- colors
- shapes
- writing his name (although he got Daddy's penmanship)
- drawing a person, dog, etc

There are still some things we need to work on
-properly holding a pencil (can't even tell you how many times we have to remind him to hold his pencil properly)
-confusing his lower case letters: p, d, b, q, g, i, l
- coloring inside the line
- fine motor skills

We heard things that we already knew like he isn't a fan of coloring, he is easily distracted, he sometimes doesn't like to pay attention and he hates cleaning up.

As parents it was great to hear how well Dylan is doing in school. It was interesting to see the changes and improvements in his work. We were especially impressed at how his teachers complimented his manners and behavior in school. "What do you mean he isn't one of the rowdy boys?"

We also got a review on Logan who is described as "such a good baby". He sits quietly with the big kids during song, dance, and story time. His teacher is working on his balance and walking skills. They just love and adore him.

It gives us such a peace of mind knowing we picked a school that is a perfect match for our needs and expectations. We bring the kids at EOL knowing the boys will be well-cared for by people who are invested in them.

Dylan and his letters

Tonight before bedtime, our conversation went something like this:

Dylan reading the letters in "square".

D: 'p'
Mommy: No, that's a 'q'
D: 'b?'
M: it's a 'q'
D: No, I think it's a 'g'
M: Nope, it's definitely a 'q'
D: I'll just ask Ms. Parul (his teacher)

Thanks buddy! =)

Allergy- free?

Cross your fingers.. so far so good.

At about 11-12 months old, we discovered that Dylan was allergic to dairy and nuts. It broke our hearts and we went through a 'grieving period'. Although Dylan has pretty much outgrown his milk allergy, we have been hoping Logan will have it a little bit easier than his brother.

Two weeks ago we introduced Logan to cow's milk and other dairy products. Yogurt is now his go-to food, anything with cheese is fair game and he chugs down cow's milk (mixed with breastmilk) with no problem. It may be tough being the second child, but at least he can have all the cake, ice cream, and pizza his little heart desires.

Dylan eating in his sleep

After a long day at Sesame Place, Dylan was hungry AND sleepy. So why not do both?

Logan loves the round-n-round

his little laugh as he goes up and down was quite contagious

Gap Casting Call

Spread the word... vote for Dylan and Logan

Dylan

Logan

Vote until November 14 so make sure you vote once a day ;-)

Sesame Place Spooktacular 2010

Since we enjoyed Sesame Place last year during the fall season, we wanted to introduce Logan to Elmo and friends for his 11 month birthday. (Yes, he's a month away from his 1st birthday and we're not quite sure where time went.)

Our day started with breakfast with Elmo, Big Bird, Bert and Zoe. Cuddly Logan just couldn’t get enough of them. He wanted to touch and play with them. We could have listened to his contagious belly laugh the whole day.

Dylan, on the other hand, was very observative and curious. He walked up to them, looked them up and down, let us take his picture (with a very serious face), and walked away. No hugs, high-fives. They're lucky if they got a smile from them. But, as soon as he walked away, he talked about the characters non-stop.

Boys dressed in their costumes as we trick or treat on Sesame Street

Logan thrilled to meet Zoe

"Whatcha looking at, Kiddo?"

Looks like Mommy is more thrilled to see Big Bird

The best part - taking a pic with Elmo

Enjoying the fire truck parked on Sesame Street

racing to the top

Watching Elmo's World Live. We think Logan just became a fan.

Logan's favorite ride. A must see video coming soon....

Dylan would much rather sit on the bench than ride a wooden horse that is "scary"

boys waiting patiently to ride the teacups with Mommy and Daddy

Tranquility Farms

The first weekend we had free was spent at Tranquility Farms where we spent the day picking pumpkins, riding the hay ride, eating BBQ, and enjoying the fall weather. This farm is definitely one of our favorites and we'll be going back soon.

We've got our pumpkins!

Logan's first time pumpkin picking - he's a fan!

getting a decent pic of these two is such work our trademark family pic

a happy fall baby

Had to bribe Dylan - if you smile, you can ride the tractor
(Now why does it have to be so difficult!)
Practicing standing on his own

there was no way we could have left the place without riding the tractor

the little fireman

Every year the Jefferson Fire Department holds an annual open house. It's an event we've been looking forward to since we knew Dylan would just go crazy.... Sure enough, it just made his day!

He even wore his fireman costume.

We may have a future fireman in our hands.