Soccer

This fall Brantley is playing soccer. He seems to like it. However, in 2 seasons of t-ball, I don't remember Brantley ever getting hurt and crying during practice. We've had 2 practices and each practice, something has happened. During the first practice, Brantley got kicked above his shin guard. He cried and got over it. Second practice, Brantley was going for the ball and got tripped up. He landed on the ball which apparently hurt. He cried and got over it. Is this going to happen every practice. I'm not too sure about this soccer thing. Baseball is looking better and better.

After-care

Well, today was Brantley's first time in after school care. He didn't like it. My idea was that he would get to play for 45 minutes or so instead of sitting on a bus. The problem is that they spend the first 10 or 15 minutes checking everyone in and getting organized. Then they give the kids a snack. When I got there, Brantley was just sitting there. He looked so sad, and relieved that I was there. I thought he was going to cry, and I was just about to myself. They had all kinds of cool centers and things. Brantley saw a box of pirate toys and another box of dinosaurs as we left. But, to get to play he'll have to be there longer than I wanted him to be there. He really wants to ride the bus home, but I just don't know. The bus really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. The driver seems really nice and Brantley seems to like it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what works for us.

The School Bus

Today, I put my baby on the school bus. Working full-time, there are some compromises that have to be made. Riding the bus in the mornings is one of them. I think it's important for kids to ride the bus. If everyone drove their child to school, traffic would be a nightmare and it would probably take 3 times as long to get all the children in the school. (Yes, I am trying to convince myself that riding the bus is the best situation.) That said, it was still hard for me to put Brantley on the bus. But, I was comfortable when I talked to the bus driver and a little girl sitting up front said she would make sure he went where he was supposed to go. I didn't get a picture of him getting on the bus because he was too quick, but I did get pictures of him waiting for the bus.

First day of kindergarten

Chicago

Brantley loves going to Chicago. We had a fun-filled long weekend in Chicago. Friday, we went to a children's museum which Brantley really enjoyed. I think Uncle Matt enjoyed it almost as much as Brant. We were going to go see a car show Friday night, but, as it does in Chicago, it rained. We did get to visit what must be the world's smallest candy and popcorn shop. Very cool. Saturday we went to the air and water show. We didn't see the water part - just the planes. Very cool and loud! And, Sunday we went to a Kane County Cougars game. It was just as hot there as it is here. Brantley had his customary soft pretzel as he does at all baseball games. Afterward, Rosemarie's parents had invited us for dinner. Brantley doesn't know what he missed by eating a hot dog instead of the meal Rosemarie's mom made. It was really good. I have to try to make those sweet potato fries. I bet Brantley would like them to if I could get him to try them. As always, I took lots of pictures which you can see by clicking here.

Right of Passage

I think it is correct to say that today was a right of passage. Today, he left behind his old friends to start a new adventure in Kindergarten next week. Meeting new friends will be new and exciting. A new school, a new teacher. Brantley will miss all of his friends and his favorite teacher - Ms. Jennifer. Here are some pictures from his last hurrah at pre-school.

Kindergarten Screening

Screening went very well. The teacher came out and called Brantley's name. He got up and went right to her and said hello. No issues. That was a relief. So, Brantley did his part. I had to fill out this questionnaire. There were questions on there about what his interests are, what my concerns about him are, etc. It also asked what I expected from the kindergarten program. I left it blank. I haven't a clue what I expect. He already knows more that I would expect him to know at this point, so what do I put down? It also asked what I would do to help them and help my child learn. I left that blank to. Jeez. I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to help my child. What is it that you want me to answer here. They'll probably think I'm an idiot but to me you can't answer questions like that on two lines. I'm probably giving them the misconception that I'm easy going, won't give them a hard time and don't expect much. Not good, because I will probably be one of the most over bearing mothers they have. :)

The Fair

We went to the county fair for the first time this year. Brantley had a great time riding the rides. I made the mistake of riding the black widow with him and I paid for it. Not only did I think I was going to throw up for quite some time after getting off the ride, I could barely move the next day. I was screaming(and about to start yelling some expletives) the whole time while Brantley was telling me to stop. He actually didn't like that ride either. Brantley also got to get in this huge tractor which he thought was cool. It was even bigger than papa's tractor! You can see some more pictures here. It was a nice fair but nothing compared to the Wisconsin State Fair. We've been a couple of times and we need to take Brantley some time.

Kindergarten Picture

Here is the picture from kindergarten camp.

Artwork

Do you remember Brantley's version of a stick figure? Well, his stick figures have changed. What do you think? I like the way the hands are shaped like Bs.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten hasn't actually started, but we had Kindergarten camp. Brantley had a blast. They got to go to the different areas of the school, like a sampling of what their days will be like. The first day he got to go on the playground and I think he was impressed. He can't wait to get back on the playground. He also told me something about a mouse that comes out in the library when they have story time. Not sure what that's about. They also got to get on the bus. When I picked him up, I didn't notice his buddy that had been there that morning so I asked about him. Brantley said "He got hurt." He said something about dancing and a table and that he was hurt. Alrighty then - kindergarten hasn't even started yet. We saw him the second day and he did have a pretty good gash on his forehead. No stitches because he wouldn't sit still for that. They used the glue. In the car on the way to pre-school he was telling me about the bus and he said "Mommy, the bus didn't have any seatbelts!!" His friends at pre-school were so funny when he got there at lunch time. One of his best friends came over and said "Where have you been?" just like a mom would when she's worried about her child. The second time another friend said "Brantley, did you go to kindergarten again?"

I tried to post a picture but it's not working. I will try again later.