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Our big four year old started his second year at 4 R's Preschool last week. He had been talking about going back to school ever since school got out in May it seems, and he was so excited to see his teachers again. This year, there are two classes, a morning and an afternoon one, and most of Cameron's close friends signed up for the afternoon class, and we chose the morning one. I think he was a little disappointed that they weren't there, but he has already made some new friends that he talks about almost every day.
I can't say enough good things about his preschool. It is held in an old home right here in Haymarket, and the teachers are phenomenal. I remember being skeptical the first time I visited the preschool, it is small, and really old, and the owner was in her 80's. But after talking to friends that had children there, I decided to enroll Cameron and it has been such a rewarding experience for him. Instead of drilling facts into the kids, they learn morals and things like respect and caring for others, skills that they need throughout their lives. I'm so glad that such a school exists for my children with good old fashioned values and a non stressful environment for learning. We are definitely looking forward to a new year at 4 R's.
As this has been the last week of summer before Cameron starts back at preschool, we felt it mandatory that we pack in as much fun as we possibly could to go out with a bang. Jeremy took off last Thursday and we headed to Kings Dominion to take advantage of our season passes one last time. Cameron's favorite ride is the Avalanche, a roller coaster that reminds him of being flushed down the toilet because it winds around and around. This time Gavin actually wanted to ride some of the kiddie rides, whereas in the past he has been too petrified to get on. It helped having his big brother with him to reassure him that everything would be ok. We really love the waterpark there at KD, which has a great spot for toddlers, a wave pool, and one huge slide that Cameron can go on with either Jeremy or I. That night, my sister Kristin and her family joined us there for a few hours and we closed the park! We had two extremely exhausted kiddos when we left and were greatful for the quiet ride home.
On Saturday we took the family to Gravelly Park, a little open area right past the Reagan National Airport where the planes take off right over your head. Gavin is particularly fond of airplanes and after the initial fear of the loud noise, he was eager to point out each plane. We then went to Roosevelt Island which I haven't been to since I was on a field trip in elementary school. It was hotter than we expected so we only walked around for a bit before we were ready to head out, but we definitely want to go back in the fall when we can hike the little trails and bring a picnic or something. 
Labor Day Monday we went to Stribling Orchard to pick some apples and welcome the fall. I was just grateful that the bees weren't out like I'd remembered from last year when we were there since I have a major phobia and Gavin has recently been obsessed with finding bugs and squishing them. I just knew he would get stung, but ther were not enough apples on the ground yet to attract the bees, phew! Again, the day was warmer than we thought it would be, so later that day we hit the pool one last time before it closed for the season. Cameron has made great strides with his swimming these last few weeks, I am just hoing that he remembers what he has learned for next year. We are going to have to take a few trips to the indoor pool this winter so he keeps up his skills.
Cameron starts his second year of preschool at 4R's tomorrow and he is so excited! He has definitely missed his teachers there and keeps asking when he can go back. I hope that this love for learning sticks with him forever. I don't remember at what age you start dreading the first day of school. I think I've got a few years yet.
Cameron was in the Haymarket Days parade with his preschool again this year. The kids dressed up like cowboys and marched and sang songs. Cameron loved waving to everyone and acting like he was important. He especially loved the candy that some of the groups were throwing out...
This last weekend Jeremy and I took the kiddos up to Chambersburg, PA to see my maternal grandparents that recently moved into a new home in an assisted living community. We are happy to report that they are settled in and loving their new surroundings. It is always such a nice visit with them and the kids adore them, what a blessing it is to have them here.
