Fisher's Orchard

Cal's class 

Cal is in a class of 11 boys this year. They did not intend for it to be that way, but that is how it turned out. When I called First Presbyterian in the spring to see if there were any openings for K4, they told me there was once space available in this all boys' class. Awesome! Let's sign him up. (From what I can gather, there was one girl signed up for the class and they told her mom about it being all boys and gave her the option to move to a different class. I am thinking that is how an opening became available for Cal!). This class had been so wonderful for Cal. He has a few friends his age from his previous school, but there aren't that many boys his age around us. He either plays with older kids, or on his own. He comes home everyday talking about playing with each of the boys in his class. He is always wanting to have a playdate with one or more of them, and is often upset when one of the boys isn't riding home with us for the afternoon. I have had a chance to meet some of the moms, and it has been so nice. Watching Callen play with his buddies and having a mom to chat with while the kids play is such a blessing! His teachers are also amazing. Each morning and afternoon the boys give the teachers big hugs...so cute! They absolutely love their jobs and love these boys. The effort they put into everything they do with the boys is evident, and I am amazed at how much Cal is taking away from the class. 

Cal's class had their first field trip last week! We headed to Fisher's Orchard for a morning of fall fun. Because of state rules and regulations, each child has to be driven to the field trip by his or her own parent/caregiver. (So, that means Doug or me will get to go on every field trip this year!!) I was excited to be able to see Callen interact with all the kids in the class...and meet those I had not yet met. I was also excited to meet more of the moms in the class.

We all met at the Orchard. Watching the boys run to the cars of their friends to greet them was so cute. Each kid was so happy to see the other. We all gathered at the entrance and the boys were led to feed the goats. Every boy (except Callen!) walked over and fed or petted the goats. Cal ran around and proclaimed how stinky they were in an attempt to keep from having to pet them! After feeding the goats, they headed to the rabbits. Soooo cute and cuddly. Cal actually petted the rabbits and walked from box to box admiring them. Then the boys were off to find their way through a maze (thank goodness it was not a corn maze so we could keep eyes on all these boys!). Next was a hay ride through the orchard before heading back for a little educational session. Each child was able to pick 5 apples and a pumpkin to take home. 

It was a fun morning and so nice to see Cal having so much fun with boys his age. I was a little worried how 10 boys would behave, but there was not one time his teachers had to raise their voices or get onto anyone. Those boys had the best manners, and listened so well. I was at the school today and his teacher was saying how great and fun this class is. The boys all love each other and get along very well. 

Avoiding the goats!

Talking about how stinky the goats were!

Success! He petted a rabbit

Wow! A second one!

Having fun in the maze

Almost out of there

Time to learn

Cutie!

So thankful I was able to spend the morning with Cal and have some quality time with him and his friends.

What a great day!

#fridayfunday

We have been busy trying to balance the routing of Callen going to school 4 days a week while still trying to get out and have fun. I'm trying to make every Friday #fridayfunday for the boys since every other weekday is filled with school, Kindermusik, and running errands. We've had some fun adventures so far...

Poinsett Bridge...what a beautiful area. We were the only ones there on a crisp and cool morning. The boys ran around, climbed on the rocks, and had a fun time being boys. I can't wait to take them back there in a few weeks when the leaves change colors!

Look mom...I'm so far away!

Sitting on a rock looking at the bridge 

Important conversations between brothers

Watch me jump!

 Park Hopping...we took a trip to Cleveland Park and then Southside Park. Cal loves any park with a fireman pole. He was so excited when we found Southside Park this summer because it has 3 fire poles!! Such a happy boy. 

Apple Picking...we usually go to SkyTop Orchard but so many people have been talking about Grandad's Apples and Justus Orchard on Hwy 64 in NC that we decided to give Grandad's a try. I'm sure it is great on the weekends, but all the weekend activities were not up and running on a Friday, so there weren't that many things for the boys to do. They still had a good time, and that is all that matters...and the big bag of apples that came home!

Graham would not pick an apple off the tree. He was almost scared...give me a break kid!

The little spider

The balance beam set up in our kitchen is paying off!

Graham is not so sure about this swing!

Hi!

 These are just a few of our #fridayfunday adventures. We went hiking and camping last weekend, so that was a lot of fun. The boys love being outdoors and enjoying nature. I have so many things I want to do with the boys on Fridays but I'm running out of Fridays for all the fun fall festivities!

We're back!! 

Sorry for the long delay in posting. We were enjoying the last few weeks of summer before school started. Also, Graham was only napping for an hour each day, so it was hard to get anything done...and posting pics is not high on my list when the house looks like a tornado went through it!

Cal started school at the end of August. He is at a new school this year in the K4 class. There are 11 boys in the class (poor teachers!), and he LOVES it. He asks everyday if he can go to school. He is making quite the impression on the teachers with his love for firetrucks and dressing like a fireman. He wore his fireman rain jacket to school one day. His teacher happened to be unloading the car pool line and he was so excited to show her his jacket. She looked at me and said 'Who would have guessed you have a fireman rain jacket!' They also have a fire pole on the playground, so I am pretty sure he is happy boy everyday at recess!!

September 2: We celebrated Doug's birthday by hanging at home and watching the Clemson game. Doug wanted a low key birthday, and a restful Labor Day weekend. We tried to deliver!!

Doug enjoying his new camping chair and the boys hanging out in theirs!

September 3: We went hiking! We first hiked at King Creek Falls and then over to Spnauger Falls in Oconee County. Callen enjoyed walking in the water at the base of the falls. Graham wanted to play too, but the water was quite chilly for him!

King Creek Falls

Hiking the rocks to get down to the falls

Family pic on the bridge

Graham getting to do his first 'hiking' on his own. He loved the freedom

Spnauger Falls

My big boy and me

September 4: For Labor Day, my family met at McPherson Park to play on the playground and putt putt course. We have been wanting to take Cal here for a long time. He lasted about 9 holes before he was ready to play on the playground!

Cal and Papa

September 5: Cal gets sent home with lots of papers and reminders at his new school. Since we don't have a nice 'command center' in our kitchen where I can quickly look at papers and flyers, I have been wanting to hang clipboards for each boy and Doug and me. Cal and I spent the afternoon painting names on each clipboard as well as spray painting them with chalkboard paint. It was a fun and quick little project that I hope will get papers off the counter and make us a little organized as well. 

September 6: We took a quick trip to the Children's Museum that afternoon to get out of the house (after Graham wakes up from a nap until Doug gets home in the evening is crazy time at the house! I have to get the boys outside or go somewhere to keep my sanity!) Now that Graham is mobile, the museum is so much fun for him. He was enjoying dressing up in the construction area, and was pushing the wheelbarrow of bricks around the exhibit. 

September 7: Boys being boys. These boys love each other so much, but also fight all the time!

By the smiles on their faces in this pic, I'm pretty sure they are playing...but who knows!

September 8: Now that Callen is in school Monday-Thursday, Friday is our only day to play. I am trying to take him somewhere fun or let him choose the activity for that day. This week we went to Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve. What a beautiful and serene place. We were the only ones there on a chilly morning (thank goodness I threw in longsleeves!), and the boys had a blast. They were running, jumping, and climbing on everything. They also collected rocks and were enjoying throwing them in the water. I am going to be sure to head back there as the leaves start to change colors.

Look at me mom...I'm way up high

2 boys getting into trouble 

So peaceful

Just the 3 of us

 

I am making NO promises, but maybe...just maybe...I can get back on a better routine of posting pics. We have a little bit better of a schedule, and I'm trying to get myself better organized so I feel like I can take the time to spend posting pics. Have a great week, and thanks for checking in!

July 22-28

Cal had camp this past week, so we spent the mornings playing and exploring before he headed off to camp each afternoon at the Children's Theatre. It's a good thing we have been getting out early in the day because it has been so hot in the afternoons...all we I want to do is stay inside! (These boys would live outside if we let them!)

July 22: We stayed around the house most of the day but had a happy hour that evening. We haven't done a happy hour with the boys in a while...and G loved it! He used his new champagne flute from his birthday, and was loving his happy hour drink..aka smoothie!

July 23: Cal's VBS wrapped up at church, and some of the kids put on a little performance for everyone. I'm proud of Cal for getting up there and singing along as best he could...especially since he was running the halls each night during the song portion, and not following along!!!

July 24: We checked out a new park that is part of the Park Hop. It was super hot, and there was no shade, so we did not last too long. We will definitely revisit this one in the fall though.

July 25: We headed out early today and did 5 parks on the Park Hop (the Park Hop program ends this week, so we are trying to get in as many as possible before it's over). My favorite time of day, and probably the boys' too, is when daddy rolls in the driveway. Everyone is outside to meet Doug! Cal's new favorite thing is to ride his tricycle over to Doug's car, but Graham has to be riding in the bucket of it!

July 26: We finally made it to the Curious George exhibit at the Upcountry History Museum. It was a cute traveling exhibit that brought the favorite storybooks to life. The boys enjoyed themselves, and it was a nice break from the heat.

Cal weighing his food

Graham playing a little crazy golf

Cal helping Curious George wash the windows

July 27: Doug was changing a light bulb in the boys' room, and Graham climbed up onto the step stool with Doug. This is what he did over and over!

July 28: Cal finished his Pete the Cat themed camp at the Children's Theatre. They put on a little 5 minute performance at the end where they acted out the book Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes. It was really cute, and Cal actually performed this time!!!