2029

Tonight we attended Kindergarten Orientation for Oliver's fall class. He was so excited to see his new school (perhaps in part because he will likely get to take the bus at least one way)! The four kindergarten teachers were there and we had the opportunity to meet two of them -- both were very nice. 

I know all parents have the "how did he get so old so fast" moments and this was certainly one for me. I had to hold back tears a number of times (entering the building, seeing 2029 on his packet, etc.). I am holding them back even now!

This ball of energy whose clothes keep getting too small, whose hair is crazy because he is apparently old enough to decide that he wants to grow it "long like Mommy's", who was throwing big words like elementary school around in the car on the way over...just yesterday it seems like we were meeting for the first time. Unable to verbally communicate. He still took bottles at night (and the morning) and was in diapers. And now he's getting ready to be a full time student. For the next 13 (and hopefully more) years. Oh my...the parenting journey continues!

This is my new school!!

A Day in the Life...

Otter is Oliver's special stuffed animal, the one who has gone on many car rides, visited school in Pajama day and is usually found next to Oliver in bed at night. On Friday Oliver decided that Otter should join me at the office while he had a special day with Daddy. Throughout the day I sent them updates on Oliver's day at work. When I got home, Oliver made sure that I had taken good care of Otter throughout the day, then snuggled Otter because he had missed him.

A Day in the Life of Otter at Work

We arrive early to the office, only one co-worker is in. Mom's "desk" is a bit cluttered...this isn't nearly as nice as her last place! But the co-worker is sweet and Mom does have two computer screens...I guess we should get to work.

Time to check out the lab. Mom didn't take a picture of her company's product in use in case there were any proprietary things that shouldn't be shared publicly, but I thought the whole space was super cool. Oliver would love it! Which reminds me...I sort of miss him.

Lunch time selfie! So glad for the break, it's been a busy morning.

This place has a snack table! Yum! Mom, can we can one of these at home??

I'm wiped out. What a day! I'm all bundled up and ready for the drive home. I can't wait to see Oliver!

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Meanwhile: A Day in the Life of Oliver and Daddy

The morning started off with a little silly time before preschool. This photo is just for Mom!

I had a great day at school so Dad offered me my choice for lunch. Chuck E Cheese it is! So many rides. So much fun!

Look at me! Playing games with Dad, who is having a blast too. This.Is.The.Best.Ever!

Mom and Dad left after dinner for small group, but Sydney came over to play. She snapped this picture of my hanging out playing trucks. What a day! I love it when I get special time with Dad!

Happy Love Day

As Oliver says, HAPPY LOVE DAY! He has been looking forward to this day for awhile now. Oliver enjoys celebrating holidays -- he gets excited, likes to count down to the big day and generally elevates even the most ordinary holiday to something special. Having a child does bring a new level of joy to life!

Pure joy!

Oliver invited Oma to be his special valentine at school this year. While I was sad to miss out, clearly they had a great time. Thank you Oma for sending us pictures!

What an awesome picture of these two valentines!

So focused...if only we could bottle that for things like cleaning up.

Fun activities at the valentines party

An action shot by Oma!

And better late than never, HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR! Nearly a week ago we celebrated the Lunar New Year with a korean and thai dinner, then Oliver tried his Hanbok on again. This may be the last year it fits, but he still looks so very handsome in it!

What a doll!

Winning the Lottery

We won lottery! In truth, we've "won the lottery" in many ways -- no worries over basic necessities, overall in good health, loving families to support and encourage us, a wonderful son and more. But this time I am speaking literally of winning the lottery....for Weaver Lake Elementary. Oliver is officially welcome to enroll for Kindergarten next year at our local STEM magnet school. Amazing!

We have been praying for some time that God would show us the right path for Oliver when it comes to school next year -- should we wait (since he is a July birthday); if so, what do we do next year; if not, where should he attend. Lots of prayers for closing doors, opening windows, giving us words of wisdom, etc. In an answer to our prayers we have received a couple of words of wisdom in the last week, plus the letter that began "Congratulations". God is good! Sometimes He answers prayers in round about ways, but this time we were blessed with direct and clear answers. Thank You, Lord.

I will admit, I shed a few tears when we opened that letter. Feelings of joy for the clear answer, and because we believe it will be a great match for Oliver's learning style and interests. Now we are officially going to have a kindergartner in our house!

It's been a while since my last post. We had a nice holiday season, though we were all plagued with illness (and for Oliver and I we are STILL not fully recovered...over a month into this virus). Even so, things haven't slowed down for us. Oliver is now a "Lil' Dragon" at World Taekwondo and seems to be enjoying it (while also looking extra cute in his uniform).

We've had a relatively snow-less winter here, but we did manage to get out for Oliver's first sledding experience. He had a blast!

We even found time to take him to one of his favorite places, Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. Let's just say he was a little excited...

It is going to be an exciting year!