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!