Sully's First Day of School

Today was Sullivan's First Day of Preschool

He had breakfast with his Big Brothers

 and when it time,  he grabbed his new lunch box (that's right, he chose Spider Man)

 put on his backpack, and headed with Mom and Dad to preschool!

He walked right into the building, holding Mom's hand tightly.

 Sully got right to work with shapes and numbers and did not cry as we slowly walked out of the door.

When I picked Sully up, his teachers told me he had a great day, no tears.  

He yelled "Goodbye Preschool" - we're so thrilled he had a happy day!

Sully is ready for preschool!

Tomorrow Sullivan will start preschool.  While our days have been filled with gymboree, art, storytime and playgroups, it just doesn't seem to be enough to keep our little man happy.  So, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Sully will be heading to school!

I know I'm not ready to let him go tomorrow, but we think he is:

Nature Preserve Visit

This morning, Johanna and I took Sully and Liliana to the 

McDowell Nature Preserve for a toddler program about Autumn.  

The kids collected leaves around the preserve and then turn their collection into a vest.

 After their masterpieces were complete, we explored the Nature Center and had a picnic lunch.

Pumpkin Patch Date

This morning Sully and I had a date at the pumpkin patch with Johanna, Liliana and the babes.  (Who are actually no longer babies since they turned one last week!)

Ana and Alex snacked like big kids at the table

 Sully worked hard at the duck races and got soaked!

 These are my favorite pictures of Lil and Sully:

Liliana:  Hey Sully, let me fix your glasses

 Sully:  Woman, STOP!

 Sully:  and give me your snacks!!

 (hilarious, they truly act like an old married couple)

After playing in the maze, sand, duck races and play area, Johanna put the babes in the stroller and I put the big kids in the wagon.  We had a nice peaceful stroll through the pumpkin patch.

It was a beautiful day and a great way to spend the morning.

Monday Morning Playdate

This morning, like most Monday mornings, 

Sully had a playdate with Athena and Sebastian.

The kids explored the playground together, 

shared snacks and gave their mommies mild heart attacks 

by testing their limits on the big kid equipment!

Such sweet little friends

Balloon Fest

After school today we piled the boys in the car and 

drove up to Statesville for the North Carolina Balloon Festival.  

We met our friends up there and within minutes of getting our picnic settled 

the balloons started to inflate.

Before we knew it the sky was filling up with the a rainbow of colors 

and the kids were cheering!

 

 This balloon we so close to us that when the wind blew the right way, 

we could almost reach out and touch it.  

(oh, and notice Patrick enjoying his first corn-dog)

 Later in the evening, we got to walk down to the balloons and get in some of the baskets.  Patrick watched cautiously on the sidelines, while Finnegan got into 2 and even Sully joined in for one.

 It was a beautiful evening and so much fun.  

We hope to make this a new annual family tradition.

Fall Festival

This weekend we went to a Fall Festival at Mom & Dad's local Greenway

We were all surprised when our ever-cautious Patrick saw the horses and immediately asked to ride. 

Our brave boy put on the helmet (and his cool shades) and climbed right onto the horse.  He was very serious during his ride, held on tight, and smiled the whole time.  Go Cowboy Patrick!

When he was done with his ride, 

he stood with Nannie and PopPop and watched his brothers each have a turn.... 

That's right, Finnegan had a great ride and then...

SULLYMAN!

 The big guys then raced some buggies on the hay track

and then all 3 of them rode the cow train.

Finn got his face painted like Batman

and then we made our way through a huge corn maze.

It was a really fun afternoon!