Thursday, September 5, 2013

Kindergarten

Throughout the week several mama friends of mine have sent their own littles on the big yellow bus to kindergarten for the first day. I have talked with some and watched others with pictures from afar. Listening to the stories and experiences, I feel like I have a bit of an advantage in sending Bennett tomorrow. But still, when Bennett woke up this am I knew today was different. It was the end of the life that we have come to know over the past 5 years. 5 years...

How is it that in what seems like a blink of an eye we bring this little guy home from the hospital. A new baby, enjoying the scents, the smirks, noises and taking in every moment as a new mommy and daddy. 

We start the journey of raising him to be a fun loving, caring little guy who then takes off on his first adventures without us. Still in the comforts of a wonderful, loving home with Heather. This becomes a second family - friends still to this day. 

Then the time comes to open his wings a little more and we move on to preschool for a couple of half days a week. A new adventure that Bennett welcomed with open arms. I was a Children's Farm alumni and knew what an awesome time he was going to have at Farm School. He grew, gained independence, taught us a lot about the outdoors and showed us how adventurous and flexible he was. 

After that follows a year of 2 full days of preschool a week. Again in a small, loving, caring environment at Bethel Highlands Preschool. What a great start to traditional schooling - where all the teachers and students know your name and a little about you. He is preparing to leave the nest and the comforts of the known. But really we know that the preparation is more for us then him. He is ready! 
Walking in to greet Miss Cindy on the first day of class. Never even looked back to mommy or daddy! This boy is ready for his new adventures. 

And now here we sit on the eve of his first day of kindergarten. How can it be our baby is off to school? It is a big world out there and I know that Bennett has so much to offer. I know the he has all the tools and skills he needs to be successful - tomorrow he will spread his wings on his own and fly! 


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Lessons

Bennett made his way through level one and two this summer in swimming lessons at the middle school pool. He did a great job for a month at lessons every day. He loved going to the pool and showed all of his hard work off when he would swim with me. In this picture the girl with her back to the photo is one of my former students - Hannah - who was now a teacher to Bennett. 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Really?

Why must you torture me with putting all these things in my hair. She does not look amused!!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Selfie

One of her favorite past times... taking selfies on my phone!!

Friday, August 16, 2013

3 cousins

Here are the three Schneider cousins! Try to get a picture with all of them looking and smiling - IMPOSSIBLE! I think I took about 40 pictures and this was about the best. At least all three of the faces are towards the camera! 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

A glimpse into the future

Pretty sure that we will see this same  image about 10 years from now. I can tell you that I sure hope time slows down between now and then - I am not ready for the two of them to grow up and head out into the world. For now we will enjoy the time of brother and sister riding around in their mustang! He drives, she laughs and the circle continues!! 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Balloons

Birthday celebrations are wonderful especially when they last for a few months! Bennett and Sophia celebrated for the last time when we were at the cabin in July! You can see by this picture all they really need are balloons!