Fall

We thoroughly enjoyed the last 6 weeks of Summer (in Florida) but are ready for Fall and cooler weather. :)

I broke out the plastic pumpkin pails early this year and suggested the boys hunt for acorns one cool morning (by that I mean less than 80 degrees).  This activity has provided hours of entertainment and learning for both Noah and Beckett.  Genius!

The boys' preschool teacher assigned homework (first ever) and Noah could barely wait to complete his; he has been watching Ella every night and was ready for his turn!  They had to use scissors independently and cut 4 strips of orange construction paper into small pieces then glue onto another sheet of paper inside a blank, white pumpkin.  

I think he did an awesome job and even traced his name (we are still working with Beckett...he isn't quite as motivated as Noah).  I really do love Fall Y'all and can't wait for Noah to experience more that this season has to offer.  It has truly made me slow down and appreciate the simple things I have taken for granted when I realize that despite how well-adjusted he is-everything is still new to Noah.

Fun At Preschool

The past two weeks of preschool have gone very well for Noah (and Beckett).  He looks forward to going and especially loves making things to bring home to me.  The only difference is I plaster him with sunscreen and make sure he has a pair or two of sunglasses at all times.  He carries his backpack all by himself (its used and has no monogram-poor kid) and puts it in the blue cubby when we get there (Beckett has the orange if anyone is wondering).

Last week his class went into the chapel for a biblical puppet show and he has talked about it ever since.  Only once have there been any tears and that was because he got stuck in a tunnel on the playground...being 3 is so hard sometimes! :)  He teacher says she feels so blessed to have the opportunity to teach him.  We are so grateful for this good start and hope it lasts all year.

Mid-Autumn/Moon Festival

This year's Mid-Autumn Festival celebration was kind of a bust at our house.  :)  We didn't even have moon cakes! (kind of ironic since last year we did but without Noah)  After preschool today I whipped up some Chinese-style noodles for Noah and we read a few Grace Lin books that explained the celebration.  Feeling guilty from the lack of moon cakes, I went out and bought Noah shrimp chips for a snack (yuck).  Big sister had an open house at school so the evening was rushed and then the moon wasn't even visible at bedtime (sun is still up and bright in Florida)...oh well-Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all my adoption Mamas and Chinese friends!

(don't be fooled this is an excited kid)

Starting Preschool

Noah started preschool today at a small church in our new town. He and Beckett will be in the same class 3 mornings a week and they were both very excited.  I was excited too.  A little break for Mommy will be good.  :)

Noah has been ready for preschool since he got off the plane from China (no, really he has been asking for months).  We wanted to wait until he was successfully and securely attached to us.  Then we moved and I was worried it wouldn't work out for either of the boys to attend preschool this Fall (its terribly expensive here).  In the end, of course God had a plan and provided an excellent, affordable program on the other side of town.  I'm hopeful that part of that plan will also be for me to work part-time at the preschool but for now I will be enjoying those few hours by myself and can't wait to see all the new friendships and fun things Noah makes at preschool.