Blake took approx 1 1/2 weeks to adjust to the new Grade 1 routine! He is now excited to get going in the morning and does not ask to stay home ;) Phew!! I'm a bit of a softy, that was quite hard on me. All I wanted to do was wrap my arms around him and keep him home!
We had a meet the teacher/BBQ at Blake's school on the 19th. It was fun, nice to visit with our school friends and friends with kids in other grades and lots of fun for the kids!! I love watching them all play together! The siblings, classmates, everyone, just having a blast :) I really like Blake's teacher, Mme. Khair. The few times I have spoken with her, I've been very happy with what I've heard! And Blake seems to really like her. They've started going to the library every Tuesday, so he is bringing home an English and a French book. His nightly homework is spelling different family members and friends names and sounding out the letters of the alphabet in French and English. They are starting on French sight words and will soon begin a home reading program. I can't wait for him to begin reading more!! Although I won't have a clue what he is saying, I'm still excited for him!
He's had his first hot lunch of the school year, which was exciting for both us ... I was happy to not have to make a lunch! Blake started bringing his own soccer ball to school. They play a lot of soccer at recess, along with Star Wars! Everyday after school we stay at the park and play, sometimes for an hour or more. We're so lucky our weather has allowed us to do this! The kids have so much fun and the mom's chat and often remark at how well they all play together :)
Last Thursday the girls and I joined Blake and his school on their Terry Fox run (walk). It was a brisk morning but beautiful around Lake Beaumaris. We love this hidden little gem in our city ;)
On Sunday afternoon Blake and I escaped on a little date! I asked him where he would like to go and he quickly said, "Chapters!" We spent 2 hours reading books and looking at Lego! And followed that up with a treat at Starbucks ;) We love Chapters and I love that our kids love Chapters!! It was really nice to spend some one on one time with Blake. I do feel like I don't get to spend much time with him since he's started grade 1! Even when he is home, it seems like the girls take up so much of my time! Take getting dressed for example, Blake grabs a pair of pants, underwear, socks and a tshirt and gets dressed. The girls are a whole process of leggings, skirts/dresses, tops, headbands, hair clips, etc, etc ... they just take longer and have more 'coordinating' to do, which takes up more of my time!! So it was great to spend some uninterrupted time with just Blake :)
Blake has started hockey, he's been on the ice every weekend since the 15th. They have now formed the teams, so this Saturday will be their first skate together. Cal is head coach this year and really looking forward to the challenge! He's already planned out numerous practices for the year, he's very excited and prepared :)
Blake's also enjoying swimming lessons and started 6 yr old lessons this session! He's expecting to be in the 'big' pool for the majority of the time!
Blake participated in his 3rd and last 1K run of the 5 peaks trail running series 2012/2013 season, a couple of weekends ago in Devon. He told me that the run seemed short! I told him he should maybe try the 3K next year ;) He's really enjoyed these runs and Cal and I are so proud of him!! Emerson opted out of the Devon run, as it was quite chilly outside that morning! I can't wait for the kids to run next year and I'm guessing Reese will be joining them!!
Blake would like to try Tae Kwon Do and so we've been looking into programs. We'd like to take him once a week but most schools recommend twice a week. It's such a juggling act, trying to balance school/homework/extracurricular activities. Our current schedule is working quite well, so I am afraid to upset that balance ;)
~ Tracy
