Wait a sec...what year is it?

How in the world is it time for Henry to start preschool?

In so many ways, he is still my baby, but in most ways, he is definitely a little (big) boy. Running, jumping (off high things! ah!), riding a scooter, always wanting to go outside, playing swords, sweating, getting oh-so-dirty and (gasp!) going to the bathroom ALL BY HIMSELF. Can I get a hallelujah?

He remembered first thing when he woke up that today was the day. He was SO excited. I think he walked around the house with his backpack on for about 20 minutes before it was time to leave. :) I think he was mostly excited about all those toys in the classroom, but whatever. I wanted to document this big day, but of course, my darling boy was not in the least bit interested in taking pictures. HONESTLY! HOW HARD IS IT?!?! Excuse me...that just slipped out there.

I was able to get a few pics:

Not so flattering of me, but oh how I love my boy!

Ready to go

No really mom, I'm ready.

Aaaand then we get to preschool. Of COURSE the very first thing they want to do is get a picture of your kid (and you) by the preschool sign. Mmhmm. We were there first, so there was lots of time to encourage the picture taking. And then other people were arriving and waiting. So we let some people go ahead of us. After about 6 other kids went, Henry was still in no way, shape or form going to let anyone, let alone some strange lady, take his picture. So we went inside. I decided I was not going to let it bother me. Go me!

These next pictures are backwards but I don't care today. Go me!

The first thing Henry did when we entered his classroom was run to this table to paint. You can't see it in the pictures but he was chatting away with the other kids.

Waiting for his teachers to open the doors...

What better way to wait then to goof around with your bud!

All in all, it was a good day. Henry said he had a lot of fun and all I really cared about was that he was still wearing the same unders and shorts that he arrived in. :) Okay, I cared that he enjoyed himself, too. Only I really, really wanted him to not have an accident. Which he didn't! His teacher told me he went potty all by himself, he even pulled his own clothes over his bum! On a side note, when he went potty a little later, his underwear might have been rolled and barely covering his front side, but who cares?

Not surprising to me, Henry's teacher said he wasn't too keen on participating in class time. He kind of just stood to the side. This has always been a curious part of Henry's personality. He is not what I would call shy, is very outgoing and happy, loves playing with friends and meeting new ones and yet, he will not be conformed. Just because everyone else is doing something does NOT mean he will. He is often times more content to stand on the sidelines and observe. So that's what happened today. His teacher said it happens, not to worry about it, and that they would not pressure him to be involved. He can decide when he wants to "join the group." I appreciate that. Because if I know anything about Henry, continuing to encourage him to do something he doesn't want to do doesn't help. Here's me not worrying about it! Go me!

After class, Jenna invited us to the park to have lunch. How awesome to have Henry and Nate in the same class AND have a park just down the street! First, I need to give a shout out to my girl Jenna, who has fed me so many times, I have lost count. Incidentally, we are having hardwoods put in the kitchen and thus that area is basically out of commission. So of course, Jenna offered to make Henry and me lunch. Because she is awesome. She is quite literally one of the most giving people I have ever had the privilege to know and call friend. I am always encouraged to be more generous in every way possible after being with her. Love you, Jenna! I'm so glad our boys are in class together because it means I get to see YOU more often, too.

Anyhoo. She's so great. And our boys loooove to play. Today, they decided to wrestle. Henry kept saying they were boxing (like on the Wii) but I will continue to try and force the word "wrestle" into his head. This was a huge deal to me because Henry has never been one for wrestling. Ever. Like, not even with me or Jim. It was pretty funny to watch, and Jenna and I were giggling at the force at which they would take each other down. They were all smiles and laughs and after being pounded to the ground, and would get back up and start again.

Putting their whole bodies into it

This is when they decided to dance a little jig

Watch out, Henry!

Who - will - take - who - down??

Nate takes the tackle!

My shorts may be falling off my hiney, but you're going DOWN, Nate!

How funny is this next picture?

If you ever wondered what you would look like after wrestling in freshly cut grass, here ya go:

What a GREAT day! I'm so proud of my big boy! Especially for the awesome nap he's taking right now. :)