Afternoon Concert

There is supposed to be video here as well, but I tried twice to upload it. Alas.

Mommy's Running Partner

On Saturday, Mommy had a race with her teammates in Central Park. There was a kids' run as well, so we decided to make a family outing of it and sign James up for his first race.

James carbo-loaded at dinner on Friday night.

He and Daddy cheered for Mommy in her race.

Then we waited for his race to begin.

Can you spot James on the starting line?

Sorry we don't have any photos of the actual race. It was pretty funny-- James, who usually runs everywhere, all of the time, just stood there when they said, "On your mark, get set, go!" The rest of the kids took off, and there stood James. I ran with him, and he just wanted me to carry him. What?! He still had a great time and was so happy with his t-shirt and ribbon.

Afterwards, we had a great time exploring the park from an almost three-year-old's point of view. There was much "mountain" climbing, playground playing, and walking about. We topped of our trip to the big city with a delicious brunch (James devoured his french toast!) and a well-deserved nap.

James's First Day

Today was James's first day of school. This year he's in the 2s room; there are many familiar faces from the toddlers room and some new children as well.

This morning we got James ready to go, and I said, "James, let me take your picture for the first day of school."

"It's not the first day of school. It's the first day of building a tall tower," he replied and walked off with his bag of blocks.

He was pretty unhappy about the prospect of school until I reminded him about some of the great toys he had played with in his visits to the twos room this summer (trucks, flatbeds, Ernie,...). Then he popped up and ran to the door. "Let's go! Let's go to school!"

"Mommy is going to school, and James is going to school, and Daddy is going to work. We are all going to work."

He had a good day. While he was very happy to see me, he announced, "I want to go back to school!" as soon as we walked outside. Three cheers for happiness!

Farewell, Summer.

Well, tomorrow I go back to school. Daddy and James get one more day together tomorrow before James starts in his new classroom on Wednesday.

We had such a fun summer: Lots of long mornings in jammies. A few lunchdates with Daddy (both picnics and choo-choo burgers at the restaurant by the railroad tracks). Playdates. Our fabulous trip to SC. A day at the Bronx Zoo. A train trip to NYC to the Natural History Museum. Bubbles. Playing with trains. Trips to the library. Lots of reading together. Putting together puzzles. Running together (most often by way of the bagel store). Riding carousels. Music class. Singing. Baking (pancakes, cookies, waffles,...).

James is really growing up into a sweet, smart, "big-boy." "No, Mommy. Little boy," he says. Well, Little Boy, I love, love, love you! Thanks for a wonderful summer!