The Kissing Hand

This morning, after removing another link from our Preschool Countdown (only 2 more days), Hayden looked in his book bag and found the very first book I bought for my classroom library; The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. This book has an adorable storyline that goes perfectly with starting preschool. After reading it over a few times, we made Kissing Hand cookies as a yummy reminder to not be scared about going to school!

Lake Geneva

Today, we set out for another day trip and headed North to Lake Geneva. We had such a GREAT day! We started with a boat ride around the lake, had lunch at Popeye's, then headed to Fontana Beach. We spent a good portion of the day there; building sand castles, playing in the lake, and my favorite part... burying Jake in the sand! As the beach started to close, we packed up and headed back downtown for dinner at Gino's East, ice cream, and a walk along the pier!

Hayden had so much fun at the beach, it was like a giant sand & water table! :)

Yee-Ha and Choo-Choo

Jake is on vacation for the next 10 days... woo-hoo!! After much debate the past few months, we decided instead of spending too much money on a big vacation, we would spend time around the house, relaxing, and doing some fun, family activities close to home! Our first excursion was to Union, Illinois!

First stop, Wild West! We took Hayden here last year, and he liked it, but this year he REALLY liked it, and was able to do a lot more of the activities they have there!

After we finished up at the Wild West, we decided to surprise Hayden with a trip to the Train Museum! We are so glad that we did, because Hayden absolutely LOVED it!! On our way home, he asked us if we could do this day again! :)

Construction Sensory Bin

Every few weeks, I try to change Hayden's Sensory Bin up to keep him interested!  He requested a Construction Sensory Bin.  I must say, it was kind of difficult to find some items to put in here that I would want to keep in the house.  So I decided against the rocks and dirt, and went with popsicles, wood blocks, and pom pom rocks :).  He seems to like it!!

Preschool Orientation and Surprise Afternoon

Today was Hayden's Preschool Orientation!  We started the morning with our Preschool Countdown... 7 more days! In his backpack there was a Preschool Rocks shirt that I made him! :)

Then we headed to his preschool!  We were able to meet his preschool teacher, Ms. Alaine.  She seemed very nice and Hayden seemed comfortable around her.  Then Hayden had the opportunity to look around his classroom, and play for a little while.  Of course, he managed to find every truck she had in there! :)

Ms. Alaine, asked him to find his name on the Chart.

He was excited to see a calendar and weather chart.

He can't wait to play in their play yard soon!

Then we decided to take advantage of Jake taking the day off for Hayden's orientation and surprised him with a trip to the Riverwalk!  We had a yummy breakfast at Egg Harbor, fed the ducks, watched the construction trucks, and enjoyed a smoothie!

 

First "Official" Day as a Stay-at-Home Mom!

Today was the first time, in the last 11 years, that I wasn't partaking in the first day of school as a teacher.  For a split second, I was sad, then quickly realized how extremely LUCKY I am, to stay home with Hayden this year. 
So to celebrate, we went with Aunt Nikki and Cousin Chandler to Navy Pier  for the Tall Ships exhibit.  We couldn't have asked for better weather, it was gorgeous!  Had a great day!

 

Who wants a Mud Pie?

If there is one positive thing about the end of summer, it would be that all of the outside toys go on clearance!  We found some mud pie toys super cheap at the store, and of course we couldn't pass them up! :)

It was pretty humorous at first, how Hayden didn't want to get dirty.  Jake made a face on his shirt with dirt, and Hayden's expression was PRICELESS!  He didn't know what to do!  After that though, it only took him a few seconds to dive in and get filthy!! :)

"Nature" Bike Ride

Hayden wanted to go on a Nature Bike Ride and hopefully find some frogs.  His new interest is frogs, ever since he received a squishy frog from the store. :)  So, we took a bike ride to the neighborhood pond in search of some frogs. 

Since this past Spring, he has shown soooo much growth with his pedaling and steering!  I am so proud of him!

We did see a frog... be it a squished frog.  None the less, he was excited! Go figure!

Another exciting find on our Nature Walk... a dead cricket with ants eating it.  Again... something else that made him very happy... must be the boy in him! :)

Baby Geese were pretty cool! Although, he didn't find that as interesting.

Listening to the "waterfall"

Preschool Countdown...

Hayden starts preschool in 12 days!  I wanted to slowly start talking about preschool, as well as get him excited, so we started a paper chain countdown.  For the next 12 days, Hayden will leave his backpack on the outside of his bedroom door and if he is a "good sleeper",  then he will receive a preschool present in his bag in the morning. (Hopefully this will help to get him back on track with early bedtimes, since we have strayed a little this summer).  Every morning, we will remove a link in our chain until the First Day of Preschool!
 I am so excited for Hayden to see some of the fun "getting ready for school" activities I have planned!! I will post more activities the next 12 days! :)  Hopefully some traditions in the making!

First look at his Countdown Chain

Taking off the first link... 11 more days!

Looking inside his backpack for his first Preschool Present

Needs a little practicewriting on the board... a little slippery! :)

Copying the Cherry Picker! :)