Zoo Fieldtrip

Colin started at his new preschool last Thursday and on Friday they had a fieldtrip to the zoo -- what a great way for Colin to think, "this school rocks!" Since the buses were mostly all full, we drove and met them for our outing.

For much of the morning, we explored the safari animals on our own, and I was so glad I had the stroller because he decided it was more fun to sit/snack/watch animals than to walk. I definitely got my workout for the day! Right before lunch Colin watched the old-fashioned caroussel ride and quickly pronounced, "My turn!" You can see from the smile on his face how much he loved it!

We met up for lunch in the meadow with his classmates and I got to meet an assistant teacher in his class, as well as a few other students and parents. Colin then decided we should join a few of our friends to check out the rest of the animals, including the new penguin exhibit. And as I was pointing out a little fish swimming in the penguin tank, he quickly became penguin's lunch. Well, glad Colin's a boy and that he thought that was cool to see lil' fish get gobbled up!

They are talking about animals all month in his class, so this helped jumpstart his thoughts about his favorite animals.

Fishin' Fun

This past weekend we took Colin to a local fishing (or rather, catching) trout farm to have his first experience with a fishing pole. No sooner than Dad had baited the hook and helped place the little bamboo pole in the water, a little trout would quickly nibble, nibble. We caught 2 trout (which Colin wasn't too sure of when they were flopping around in the bucket) and called it good. It was a good first fishing experience.

Stepping Stones

Because Colin turned 3, he no longer qualifies for his special Stepping Stones class and will begin classes next week at the local school district preschool program. For his last day, he enjoyed having his friends sing him Happy Birthday and enjoyed one last hug from all of his great teachers! It was a bitter sweet morning -- we have spent a ton of time at the Kindering Center, which is where he went to class and speech therapy, and now it's time for us to move on.

Mother's Day Tea

At Colin's preschool last week they had a special event for Moms. We joined our kids in class for a special breakfast treat and then they sang us 3 different songs (including, "Jesus Loves Me, Skinamarink a Dink a Dink, and I'm a little Tea Pot). It was fun to come to his class for a special morning!
Colin is doing the "Little Teapot" motions with his friends.

Campfire Fun

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from last weekend's fun -- Dad had been talking to Colin about camping, so he then promised him a campfire. We have a fire pit in our backyard, so I headed to the store for marshmallows and Dad got the fire going after dinner.

Ooooh, this marshmallow is yummy! I'll have more of these!

Yummy delicious!! And now Colin has nicknames for the family: Colin Marshmallow (barshnellow), Daddy Campfire, and Mommy Flower. He decided later that baby could be nicknamed "Baby Hotdog!"

Mothers' Day

We celebrated Mothers' Day by going to church and then heading to brunch at the local Hilton. It was a special day since it was also Colin's Grandma's birthday! We ate ourselves silly at the buffet and then enjoyed a family picture together at the event. And I actually got to hear the words from Colin's mouth today, "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!" -- that was the sweetest treat of all!

Happy Birthday, Colin!

Colin turned three and had fun celebrating with a Cars party. As you can see he had fun wearing his birthday hat, as well. Here he is, happy to kick off his party with Doc and the rest of the gang!


We had anticipated taking Colin to Top Pot Donuts for breakfast on his birthday, but birthday boy slept in and Dad and "Pa Pa" went to Starbucks and brought him a chocolate Top Pot donut home to enjoy while we prepared for friends to arrive at the party.

I prayed for a non-rainy day, as the days leading up to his birthday were cold and super wet! God answered our prayers with a clear, sunny, warm day -- yeah!! I sent the boys outside and we played red light, green light (with a Mater light, which meant going backwards!) Here the boys all are holding their race car steering wheels.

The boys all had fun playing with cars, decorating cars shaped cookies (including those shaped like Mater and Mac), and munching down hot dogs. Colin was so tickled to have his friends join him!

Colin was thrilled after the party to get a cars scooter, which he has had fun taking for a spin in the cul de sac. And going down the driveway fast and over a bump is lots of fun, too!

Grandma and Grandpa (Pa Pa) came to town to help Colin celebrate, and we enjoyed lots of sunshine during the afternoon while he played with new toys and opened one last present before nap -- a Lightning McQueen plush pillow (perfect for heading off to the land of nod to dream about his fun cars party.)

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this special day!