Just Hanging Around

Last day of music class with Ryk

Music Together class has been a wonderful experience for Gabriel, and for us. Noelani found Ryk, who is an amazing teacher, and Gabriel has just soaked in the music and the rhythm and the singing over the four (five? no four: Sticks, Maracas, Bongos, and Bells) sessions of class we've attended in his two short years. Gabriel will continue this same program at preschool, but with a different teacher (who is, well, not Ryk). We sing the songs at home all the time, Gabriel makes his favorite-of-the-week request when we are in the car, and Noelani sings the "Hello" song and the "Goodbye" song to Gabriel every night as part of his bedtime ritual. Today was our last day with Ryk, so I took some pictures. Tia Silvia has been coming to class with us for this 4th session, and that has been a really fun aspect for Gabriel, too!

Is Ryk here yet? Is Tia here yet?

Oh, there's mommy, I want to take her picture!

What is everyone doing?

Class is really groovin' now...dancing with scarves!

Yeah, that's Ryk gettin' down.

Instrument time...hmmm...a drum for Tia and some triangles for me.

Jamming with Tia.

The high-five farewell.

Smile of the day!

Big Corn and Big Grapes

Going...

...going...

...gone!

On to the frozen Concord grapes. Ooooh, cold!

"Cute Shirt!"

It would seem that one aspect of being an independent "2" is that you choose your own clothes...and for Gabriel, that is all about which items are "cute"...I have to admit that a garden gnome swinging on a swing is definitely cute, and a good choice for St. Patrick's Day. :-)

Preschool...and so it begins...

This week was the first full week of preschool, and Gabriel was a champ. He really liked school. The teachers were charmed by him. He did not cry or miss us, it seems, and he napped there better than he does at home. He already knows the routine (in the morning when being dropped off you first take off your jacket and hang it on your hook. Then put any extra clothes in your cubby. Then head for the easel to paint.). He has his own cup for water and the sinks are toddler height so he can turn the water on himself (maybe not the *best* idea...). There are many new toys ("works" in Montessori speak) to play/work with, and this week he had music class and a trip to the library. Next week is a trip to a dance performance. His favorite "work" seems to be the easel, and we already have our first piece of art on the fridge.

So, he seems to be making the transition well. As mommas, we are making the transition pretty well. There is some adjusting to do because of he schedule, and we both missed him a lot this week.

Some wise advice from Bailey to the mommas: "preschool... the experience starts prepare urself".

Day 1: "will there be snacks?!?"

Day 2: "Check out my cute outfit." (note to mommas, do not send toddler to school in nice clothes)

Art Masterpiece #1: "A Study in Red, White, and Blue"

"work"-ing
(note: he picked this shirt out himself, saying "I love this shirt!")

Hanging out on the land

It was beautiful at the cabin this weekend. Gabriel enjoyed throwing rocks in the creek and investigating the moss on the little boulders.

Smile of the day!

Smile of the day!

Preschool mug shot

"Happens...?"

Translation: "What happens next?" Usually used in reference to dramatic points in a book ("Happy Birthday Thomas") or song ("Boa Constrictor"). Requires tilting the head and looking out the side of the eyes.