Arthur's Picnic in the Park!

PBS (Channel 9) held a festival for kids called Arthur's Picnic in the Park. It had games, inflatable slides, bounce houses, and character meetings. It was a beautiful day, so Forest Park was absolutely packed which resulted in long lines and our inability to accomplish much. Nonetheless, Chase had a blast! Here he is getting a "Super Why" tatoo!

The finished product! A "Super Why" tatoo, what could be better?

A picture of Chase and "Super Why," also known as Wyatt.

Chase with "Miguel" from "Maya and Miguel."

Although Chase really wanted to see Clifford and Arthur (the lines were astonishing), he settled for "Digit" from "Cyberchase." He also got to do some experiments in this tent that he thought were "willy cool" (in his words).

Our Day at Eckert's!

Today, Chase and I got to go apple-picking with his preschool class. We got to ride on a bus to Eckert's Farm in Millstadt, Illinois. Chase was very excited to get to a ride a school bus! He enjoyed looking out the window and pointing out the "Mack" trucks.

Here is Chase using the turn and twist method that the farmer told us about!

He is smiling proudly and packing his bag full of apples. He made sure to pick out "big, green" apples for his daddy.

We had to pause briefly so that Chase was able to put the apple in the bag properly. Okay, I may have created a little OCD in my son! :P

"Look, Mom! This is the best apple I have ever sawed." Yes, those were my son's exact words upon finding this perfect apple.

Chase's First Day of Preschool!

Yesterday, Chase and I completed his first "homework" assignment of the year. His teacher asked that he create a colorful picture to hang on the bare walls at preschool. Chase is into drawing circles using a variety of colors these days as this snapshot depicts. He told me that he drew a colorful feather. He definitely has more artistic skills than his mommy. Phil, no comments about the previous statement!

Today was his first official day at his new preschool. I will admit that I was a bit worried about the new transition, but he did not seem to mind at all. In fact, he was so excited, that he couldn't help but to run to begin his day!

Phil and I got him to pause briefly at the front doors so that we were able to take a snapshot! My handsome man on his first day of school!

It is official! Chase is a Green Bird! Here he is standing outside of his classroom.

Last Thursday, Chase and I had the opportunity to go to his school and meet his teacher and friends. His teacher, Mrs. Koenig is so nice. She really took to Chase and was impressed with his verbal skills (I mentioned that he may get that talking trait from me!). This morning, Chase was the first to arrive and she had him hang up his jacket and tote bag. Then, she put a smock on him and he got to paint right away. He did not have any problems leaving us. Phil and I stood at the door to say goodbye, and he replied "See ya!" I guess it beats having an upset and crying child. He absolutely loves school and cannot wait to go back on Thursday!

Parents as Teachers Vehicle Fair

Today our Parents as Teachers program held a Vehicle Fair. It was open to all family and friends and drew a very large crowd. The fair included a tractor, four-wheeler, flat bed truck, tow truck, R.V., motorcycle, police car, excavator, school busses, Frito-Lay truck (with free chips) and the highlight of the day, a helicopter. This picture depicts Chase "driving" the tractor. In the words of Chase, "Giddy-up!"

Chase loves school busses. When we see a bus while driving, he always says, "Mom, that bus takes kids to school." He is so excited about the opportunity to ride a school bus on his field trip to Eckert's for apple picking!

Chase loves construction equipment. Here he is driving the excavator. He said, "Yook, Mom, I am driving Scoop (from Bob the Builder)!"

Such a cute idea! My fellow Parent Educator lent her car to the Vehicle Fair for children to wash. She brought spray bottles and sponges. It was a big hit! She also had "Working at the Car Wash" playing on the CD player. Chase absolutely loved washing the car and dancing to the music!

This was truly the highlight of the entire fair. About halfway through the fair, a helicopter began circling above the high school. It circled about five or six times and then landed in the front lawn of the school. Chase was amazed by it! He really wanted to get in the copter, but they were only letting people look at it. The Vehicle Fair was a huge success. Chase enjoyed every minute of it!