5-year old bus driving tips

Matthew has a super-cool bus driver named Joe. But, I guess Matthew must think Joe needs driving advice. As he was de-bussing, Matthew pointed at the nice little old lady walking down our street and told Joe, "Hey, don't hit that old lady."

Joe just laughed and said he'd be careful.

Matthew's SECOND first day of Kindergarten!

How many kids get to start kindergarten twice for reasons other than expulsion or not being potty trained? Well, Matthew was lucky enough to have this opportunity yesterday. He has a BOY teacher too! His name is Mr. Dreschler, or as the kids refer to him, "MR. D!" This is extra special because we also had a Mr. D at Timber Ridge (although he was the gym teacher). Matthew's room is big with lots of windows and just looks like fine all around. The girls were with us in the room when the rest of the class came in, and after a few odd looks at them I explained that they were trying to sneak into kindergarten with their brother but were just too old (they thought that as funny).

We took a few pictures. I HAD to take a picture of the sign about taking off boots - this school has been around for quite awhile and I just thought it was funny to see it and to see it worded the way it was (which is probably circa the 1940s!)

Amanda starts middle school tomorrow (don't expect pictures), and Julia and Allison should start on Thursday (I will try to get pictures).

Our new home

Here are some pictures of the house we now live in...

* The first pictures are of the outside of the house from Highland Ave. The whole way here, Matthew kept asking when we were going to ge to "the blue house".

* The kitchen is large with plenty of storage, and there is even a bump-out for plants and natural light. There's a fireplace and sitting area - just a nice little spot to relax.

* The basement actually has 3 rooms - and you can get a good look at the really neat stairs from the first basement room shot. Incidentally, we also apparently have a hot tub and sauna (who knew!?!) I don't think we'll use them much, but how cool is that to say you have your own indoor spa? There's another storage room and full bathroom in the basement too - plus a full garage. Yes, seriously.
* The family room and dining room are sort of one big room, but it's easily used for both purposes separately. Bucky has his bed in there and can be on any floor in seconds (if he wasn't afraid of going up or down the stairs, that is - he really is a clod and is literally afraid of stairs!) But, it's cute.
* Amanda's room has 2 closets. Actually, so does "the big room". It is long and large. Todd and I actually have 3 closets in our room. And, some bees in the bathroom...

* The big room is also either the room of Julia or Allison (or both) - they've slept in there a few times, but mostly just make a mess in it.

* "The bunk room" is either going to be Julia's room, or Allison's room, or both their room. Allison has to sleep with someone, not alone. Lately, they've all been piling together in Amanda's room (who for some reason doesn't seem to mind - or she just doesn't notice them with all the other clutter laying around - see her picture).
* Matthew's room has the dragon, and actually has a nook to the right and a sitting area to the left.

So, we will have room for people to visit if they are brave enough to come this far north. We will be visiting Niagara Falls sometime soon for the first time, hopefully when it's not below freezing.