The First Day!!

 
 
 
Gavin went to school for the first time at Westview. I set his alarm last night for 6:50a. He was up at 6:20a! Well, at least we didn't have to work to get him out of bed. Gavin was nervous and it showed with his made-up song for Westview and his strange walking. Brad and I took him to school and walked him to his classroom, snapped a picture, and left. We both were somewhat quiet on the way back. Just in shock Gavin is old enough to be attending school. When I got home, and Brad went to work, it was sooo quiet. Wasn't expecting that. No Five-Year old to answer to and serve :o). Taten slept in until 8:30a (Grandpa stayed w/him while we went to the school). Needless to say, once Taten woke up, we were able to go about our day and we spent some quality time together, including meeting up with the Kleinman girls at the library. I kept wondering how Gavin was getting along and was anxious to pick him up to hear about his day. The verdict: he had a great day and is excited to go back tomorrow!! Whoo hoo! Thank you Mrs. Braun for making it a fabulous day for everyone. He saw his friend, Grayson, from last year's preschool. He got to have recess and lunch with him. Gavin was also excited because there is a computer in the classroom with Arthur games on it (PBS cartoon). He got his own locker to put his belongings in and they worked on some key points to remember while in their school: respecting themselves, respecting others, and respecting the school property. He didn't mention lunch was quick but he ate his sandwich and fruit cup and that's all I cared about. Who cares about the chips and fruit snacks. Gavin did start talking about a kid in his class that would not obey and listen to the teacher. Apparently this kid could have potential ADD issues. Gavin kept saying the little boy was putting his hands on the fans, running circles around the room when they were supposed to be listening, and playing with all of the instruments during music time. Great. Hope tomorrow is better for the teacher and that boy. Taten missed his naptime today, but that just means they BOTH go to bed at 7:30p. What a relief . . . More to come . . .

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Getting Bigger . . .

 
 
Our boys are getting so big. My Dad took these pics during their last visit a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to blog them. They're so good. These guys have been pretty animated lately. Aside from their drama when things don't go their way, they manage to keep me laughing. Gavin asked me one day if a show was "appropriate" for him to watch. Last night at bedtime, he told me he didn't want to have any fun today. He also told me thankyou as I was dusting/wiping down the TV because now he could "see it better." I couldn't decide if I wanted to be mad or grateful he was using his manners. I had to just walk away. Taten continues to talk a lot. Some words you can tell what he's saying and then there's plenty you can't. Oh well, he'll get there. Half the time I have to ask him to show me what he means. I did realize, as his 3-year birthday approaches next month, he'll be potty-training this year (praise the Lord) and then next fall in '09, it will be his turn to go to preschool. It goes by so fast. His big moment has been learning to peddle his little big-wheel. Taten likes to ride it especially when his big brother is out there. It's definitely Ralphie and Randy in the flesh (A Christmas Story).

Jones' Family Reunion

 
 
 
Hold on Roberta! Brad talked his mom into taking a ride with him on the 4-wheeler. I think the ride was a little too exciting for her. It's not her cup of tea. Anyway, last weekend we went to White Hall, IL south of Jacksonville and had a great family reunion. This was with Roberta's family (siblings, nieces, nephews, their kids, etc.). It took place at the Green Gables Inn in White Hall which is indescribably beautiful. Then we high-tailed it out to Uncle Forrest's house to eat more, ride go-carts and 4-wheelers, and hang out the rest of the evening. The weather was great and it was so good to catch up with everyone. Gavin and another cousin, Lane, hit it off and were pals the whole evening. We later spent the night with he and his parents at their place. Lane is the son of Brad's first cousin, Pat. On the way home, we stopped in Springfield for lunch and ran some errands. Then we got back to Champaign.

On another note, we are on the official countdown to school time. Gavin's first day is Aug. 22. He'll have the following Mon. off then will be back for the rest of the week. I have to say, I'm ready. After trying to accomplish some much-needed housework, Gavin's will to entertain himself is zilch!! We are excited to say he has all ready met someone from his classroom and will be seeing a familiar face on the first day. It's exciting to see him start this new chapter in his life . . . Brad continues to work hard but hopefully we'll begin to see a slow-up. Next month we'll be off to St. Louis for the last Cards game, then Oct. to Minnesota for a 10-year anniversary trip. Can't wait to see the Kleinmans' on the way back. Brad's ready for some much-needed R&R. That's it for now.