The first day of school:

Our family has a long history with this particular school. I attended in 1972, Casey is a 1996 graduate and Ryan graduated in 1999. My four younger cousins all attended and one of them, Carmen, is also a Co-op parent so we are enjoying the experience together! The school is a parent participation preschool. The cost of operation and maintenance is kept low by the parents taking an active role in the day to day function of the school.

I work there every Tuesday and every other Thursday. I also hold a Board position and act as the parent in charge of maintenance needs. On any given day the teacher/director is present along with 6-7 working parents or grandparents.

The thing I love most about the Co-op is the focus on developmentally appropriate social skills and learning through play. What a wonderful beginning to life-long learning. The along with the tactile curriculum the school emphasizes learning through experience. We take at least two educational field trips per month so be prepared for lots of pics!

Bella and Her 1st Lunchbox:

Steven Gets His Wings

The school has an extensive "dress up" closet filled with wonderful wardrobe choices....here is what Steven donned:

Three hours ended up being a little too long for Bella....but all in all it was a good day and we are looking forward to an exciting year!

We spent the day with Sean's birthmom this weekend. Although we stay in contact via email, and I send her pictures on mother's day and Christmas every year....we haven't visited with her since Dec of 2004 when Sean was just a few months old.

The lapse in visits wasn't intentional....we are very busy and so is she. Melissa is very active in sports, she plays tennis, basketball, floor hockey and softball for the Special Olympics. She is also on the council for the Special Olympics that helps develop programs for children.

Her sports, in combination with her full-time job added to OUR hectic life doesn't make for very easy scheduling....but it worked out this time, and I'm OH so glad it did!!!

She was as sweet as ever, more beautiful than I remembered and a pleasure to be with. Sean of course...couldn't care less...he was too busy exploring the beach :). I was worried that Melissa's feelings would be hurt...if she expected him to be interested in her, but she was quick to reassure me: "It's okay Cindy, he's only three years old.....I just want to see him".

When I dropped her off at her apartment, after the wonderful day at the beach she said "thank you for sharing him with me.....I love you". Of course, I started to weep and said...."No Melissa, thank YOU for sharing him with US".

I can't wait to see her again.........