Milo's First Day of School

Today was Milo's first day of preschool at the Columbia Jewish Day School, http://www.midnet.sc.edu/cjds/index.htm. The photos are from before we left our house for school and once we arrived in Milo's classroom.

We could tell Milo was a little excited today because he got up bright and early this morning and came into our bedroom with a big smile on his face. When we brought him to school this morning, Milo walked right into his classroom and started playing with all the toys, art projects, other children, and his teachers, Miss Becky and Miss Stephanie. He didn't even bat an eye, say goodbye, or wave. After about ten minutes of watching Milo interact and play happily, we left him there after saying some quick goodbyes. Milo really did not want to be bothered by us, as he was already having so much fun.

Milo's school ends at 1 p.m., after lunch. Calder and I arrived at school a little early so that we could observe Milo. We stood in the classroom door with a few other mothers, quietly watching Milo, who was oblivious to our existence. After a few minutes I said, "Hey Milo!" and was rewarded with a big, almost somewhat relieved smile and a hug. Miss Becky said that the class went well and that they "even brought out the glue today, on the first day," since everyone was sharing and playing so well together. Milo's cubby was full of his artwork from the day. Milo returned home very exuberant and excited. Following his afternoon nap, Milo spent the rest of the afternoon singing, dancing, and sharing little snippets of what (possibly might have) happened at school today. Later when Daddy asked what his favorite part of school was, Milo replied, "Friends." It's hard to believe Milo is actually old enough to go to school, but we're glad he seems to enjoy it so far.

A Visit With Grandpa

Who knew that Columbia could be such a hot spot (no pun intended . . .)! Grandpa made it to Columbia this weekend prior to meetings he is attending in Columbia this week. Grandpa proved to be a champion pillow-sandwich-maker and tickler. By the time he left, Milo had dubbed Grandpa a "Goofus on the Roofus."

By the end of the month of August, with all the fun we've had with recent visitors and our many visitors still to come, Milo and Calder are going to be sorely disappointed when they are left with boring old Mommy and Daddy.

Columbia Children's Museum

We have visited the local children's museum, "EdVenture," a couple of times since our arrival in Columbia. It is billed as the largest children's museum in the South, see http://www.edventure.org/home.asp, and continues to be a lot of fun for Milo and Calder. It's a nice indoor playground, especially during the sweltering heat and humidity of Columbia in August. This past Wednesday we created lots of oddly shaped bubbles in the "Bubbleloosa" exhibit, made a paper flower in the arts and crafts room, drove the fire truck, drove the VW Bug, drove a tractor on the farm, crawled around the little tots room, self-propelled a child-sized bulldozer, and attended storytime in the museum library, among other things. We hope some friends and family can join us on our next fun-filled visit!

Surprise! Uncle Ben Visits Us

Busy Uncle Ben, who lives in London and works all over Europe, recently came to New York City for unexpected business and was able to swing a side trip to visit his nephews in Columbia. Milo and Calder had so much fun with their uncle. Uncle Ben is a supreme tickler and is exceptionally good at playing "chase"/"hide-and-go-seek" and inciting non-stop giggles. In Milo's words: "Uncle Ben is fun. He is good at running around and making me laugh." Milo, especially, was very sad to see Uncle Ben leave and has asked repeatedly when Uncle Ben is coming back to visit.

While Uncle Ben was with us, we visited Congaree National Park for the first time, http://www.nps.gov/cosw/, which is only a half hour's drive from our house. The park is lovely, with many giant trees, exotic butterflies, and very friendly moths. We took a short hike to Lake Wise, where we had a picnic. Milo, of course, asked where the picnic blanket was. Next time it will be in his backpack . . .