A Day at the Beach

It was going to be a whopper of a hot day, but surprisingly the temperature was just right when we arrived at Sandbridge Beach. There was a breeze that felt so nice and refreshing. Mom and Tyler went for a stroll along the water to look for shells and other neat things when we first got there. Meanwhile I did my favorite thing to do on a beach, lay down, close my eyes, and listen to the waves. Before long, Tyler and Mom were back and they had shown me all their findings. Then Tyler found some other children to play with while Mom and I relaxed for the remainder of our visit. Check out the cool picture of the crab I took. We saw lots of crabs going in and out of their holes.

A Walk in the Park

Our morning was spent walking along a pretty lakeside walking trail in the Oak Grove Park. We were lucky that we arrived early enough so it wasn't too hot for walking. Tyler and Nanny had a grand time collecting lots of rocks along the way. It was quite funny because Tyler filled every little pocket he had.We were surprised he could still walk. LOL At every opening to the lake, we would stop and Tyler and Nanny would unload their rocks by throwing them in the water. We made it all the way around the lake. It was a good hike, but we made the most of it by stopping a lot. I got some nice photos of Tyler with his Nanny.

Steve Update: We got to put another sticker on the globe this morning. Steve's ship is in port in Puerto Montt, Chile. Unfortunately, he was too busy following around the Captain taking photos today, to explore the city. But he did say there was a lot of volcanoes and mountains. I was super happy when he surprised me tonight by calling!!! :) He sounded great and it was sooo nice hearing his voice again.

Virginia's Living Museum

Today's adventure consisted of a fun trip to Virginia's Living Museum. We've never been there before, but we heard some great things about it. The museum's main focus is educating people on Virginia's nature through exhibits. It has a conservation garden, outdoor educational lectures, a planetarium, wildlife exhibits, an aquarium, and special events.

We got tickets to see a show at the planetarium, so we had to plan our visit around that in order not to miss it. The butterfly garden was next to the planetarium; we decided to start there. It's always such a pleasure visiting a butterfly garden and this one was no different. Tyler got up close to a few and put his arms out in hopes one might land on him.

There was still a lot of time afteron visiting the butterfly garden, so we stayed in the area and walked through the conservation gardens filled with local wildflowers. The flowers were beautiful. Then we noticed an outdoor show taking place and decided to watch the remainder of it. The guide was showing everyone a Mexican snake. After the show, we went into the solar house, where Tyler tried to generate enough power to light up some light bulbs. He really liked that.

Finally it was time to see the planetarium show. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos because no photography was allowed, but the show was amazing. Tyler kept saying how cool it was throughout the entire show. He loves learning about our solar system and this show was very educational for him.

After the show, we headed back outside to walk through the wildlife section. All the animals featured can be found somewhere in Virginia. We saw foxes, possums, deer, coyotes, and bobcats. It reminded of our wildlife park in Cape Breton. We also saw lots of reptiles and different types of birds.

We then went back inside where we saw many more exhibits that included an aquarium, night creatures, caves, cypress swamp, skeletons of wildlife, and several discovery centers where you were able to have a hands-on experience. Tyler liked touching a live starfish.

Then came Tyler's favorite part of the whole visit. Each month the museum has special exhibits. This month was a very cool butterfly maze. It was a fun way to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly. In this photo, Tyler is in the web of Nanny the Spider. Luckily for Tyler he didn't get stuck and freed his way out before he became Nanny Spider's lunch.

Before we made completed our visit to the living museum, we browsed through their gift shop.They had some really cute items, including this long rattlesnake that we bought for Tyler. I think we named him 'Rocky' though Tyler isn't awake to confirm that. LOL

What a lovely afternoon we had. It was just so great getting out and seeing something that was new to all of us. The exhibits were fantastic and very educational. It's always good to learn more about the area we live in. We are so glad we decided to visit the museum today.

Pool Opening

Tyler's objective this year was to be the first one in the pool. We had planned on meeting that objective, however we were just seconds too late. This morning our apartment complex provided a continental breakfast for us tenants. There was a huge selection of delicious breakfast items to chose from. After we ate, we headed over to the pool, but it wasn't ready yet. The lifeguard was still preparing for the grand opening, so we hung out until the pool was ready to go. Then all of a sudden the lifeguard blew his whistle. An older boy and his brother made it in there first. Tyler was the third one in. It was a little chilly, but kids don't seem to notice temperatures much. It didn't take long for Tyler to get back into swimming around the pool and having an awesome time. Tyler even saw a frog. We were wondering if it may have been the same frog from last year that became so friendly with Tyler.

Last Day of Pre-K

It was a sad day. Today was Tyler's very last day of preschool. We would come 5 days a week. We made so many new friends. These friends became close. We would see them everyday and it was so sad to think that this was all coming to an end. Every morning after being greeted by Ms, Maria, the director, when I drop off Tyler, I would go in Tyler's classroom and talk to Ms. Charlene and Ms. Karen. We got to know each others' lives. Even though we most likely won't see most of Tyler's classmates because we're going to different schools, we promised to keep in touch with the close ones with lots of play dates. These special days have become memories and will be held in my heart forever.

Pre-K Graduation

When I first mentioned to Mom at the beginning of the school year that Tyler's preschool would be holding a graduation ceremony, she expressed how much she wanted to attend. Of course, Tyler and I were delighted when we heard she was actually flying here to be with us on that special day. My mom's love for her grandson is so strong. It was really important that she help join us in celebrating. Tyler worked hard all year long learning lots of new things in preparation for next year's kindergarten. It was so hard to believe that the year had come to an end already.

 The ceremony itself was super cute. The children performed about five different songs that they worked so hard practicing on. Tyler sang each song so well. Nanny and I were so very proud of him. One of the songs the children performed was quite a tearjerker. The song was 'You Are My Sunshine'. I used to sing that song to Tyler when he was just a baby, and now my baby was singing it to me. All thorough the song, I just couldn't believe how much he had grown since those days and how fast it happened.

 After we listened to the beautiful songs the children so lovely sang to us, it was time to receive their certificates. Each child so proudly walked across the stage when their name was called. It was a very emotional to hear the names to think how much they had become a little family over the year. There were three classes graduating. Tyler looked so happy when his teacher, Ms. Charleen, shook his hand and passed him his certificate.

 Once all the certificates were received, there was a special presentation. Our preschool director, Maria, had compiled a collection of photographs over the year of the children. Again, it was very moving to watch. As the children were viewing the movie, you could hear some of them really surprised to see themselves in it. We picked out Tyler several times.

When the ceremony was over, we gathered together for a cookie and punch reception. The kids ate and we got a chance to snap some photos, including this photo of Tyler and his buddy, Brady being silly. LOL
Soon it was getting past the bedtimes of the graduates, so we had to go home. It certainly was a big night for them. Big dreams lie ahead of them. Again, I couldn't be more proud of what my son had accomplished during the year. He has certainly learned a lot and I'm so glad that I made the right choice in his preschool. He definitely has received an awesome start in his academics and has made some lifelong friends.

End of Year Party

It was the beginning of the end for Tyler and his fellow pre-k class. Today was their class 'End of the Year' party. The party was held at a fellow classmates house where the children enjoyed swimming in the pool and playing on the jungle gym. This was Tyler's first dip in the pool of the season. It was a great day for a pool party; it was so hot out.

After the children finished eating, Ms. Charleen and Ms. Karen held a special awards ceremony where the children received a certificate for their outstanding achievements. It was funny because as Ms. Charleen would present each award, she wouldn't say who they were for right away, she just described what the award was for and the children yelled out who they thought the award was for. They managed to match each child with their award. Tyler was awarded the "most scientific" award for having the most knowledge about science in the class. What an awesome award to receive. So proud of my smart boy!!!

But that wasn't the only presentation of the party. Us moms wanted to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Ms. Charleen and Ms. Karen. The moms were asked to submit a gift card for each of the teachers. Fellow mom, Lori, organized the party. She asked me to collect the gift cards from everyone prior to the party and attach them to the geraniums we also gave to the teachers. I added some sparkly butterfly and dragonfly accents to the cards. Lori and I presented them to Ms. Charleen and Ms. Karen. Before long, Tyler and I had to leave to get back to Nanny who was waiting for us back home.

Gone With the Wind

It was way too hot out to spend the day outside, so yesterday afternoon we decided to go see a movie instead. Tyler and I have been waiting for the movie "Hop" to come to the cinema cafe since we first saw the trailer. Tuesdays is $1 day, plus I had a coupon for buy one, get one free admission, so we all got in to see "Hop" for a total price of $2...not too shabby. During the movie, the power went out twice for a very brief periods of time.We didn't think anything of it until we came out and we heard the last boom of thunder and it was raining. However, by the time we got on the road the rain stopped.
Then, we started noticing the damage. Leaves and tree limbs were scattered all over the place. Traffic lights weren't working and roads were shutdown due to larger trees falling. What normally would only take 8 minutes to get home, ended up taking us an hour due to all the detours. When we pulled into the apartment complex it was evident that the storm hit home too. As you can see from the photo, a lamp post was knocked down and large parts of our iron fence was broken or knocked down from the trees. My neighbor said she witnessed the whole thing. She said it started out with some dark clouds rolling in and the next thing she knew, there was nothing but green outside due to the high winds and leaves flying everywhere. We were out of power from 4pm until the next day at 9am. We did get one more storm over night, but it wasn't as severe. So glad that we missed the big storm by being at the theater.

Two Peas in a Pod

Steve Update: His ship is still anchored off of Chile. They should be leaving soon. Here is the latest photo...

NANNY IS HERE!!!!!!

This video pretty much sums up how super happy we are to have Nanny come visit us. She arrived safe and sound this afternoon after getting on two wonderful flights.We are very much enjoying her company. :)
Steve update: Unfortunately, Steve's liberty was canceled today because of a snow storm. Crazy, huh? Anyway, to make up for their lost day, they enjoyed an ice cream social.

Last Game of the Season

It's so hard to believe, but today was officially the last game of the season. It really seems like we just started. Tyler had a blast and I must admit so did I. It was so much fun watching his team develop over the weeks. Watching Tyler out in the field was the highlight of my weekend. Today it was not only special because it was our last game, but it was the one that Tyler had been waiting for ever since we started soccer. He played against his best buddy, Brady, today. As always they have total fun when they are together. I have no clue what they are doing in this photo, but I think it captures their silliness perfectly. LOL

After the game was over, the teams gathered together to receive their trophies. Tyler was so happy to get his. He definitely earned it. He did an awesome job considering it was his first year and most of his teammates were on their second or third season. He told me the other day that he wants to play soccer until he is an adult. So happy he enjoys the sport so much. He'll only get better over time. I'm still debating whether to sign him up for Fall. I would like him to concentrate on adjusting to his new school and kindergarten, but if not, we'll sign up again in the spring. It will give us something fun to look forward to. Good job, Buddy, Mommy and I love you so much and couldn't be more proud of all your accomplishments!!! Here's another photo of Tyler and Brady.

Hardworking

Tyler is absolutely loving his workbooks that Nanny sent him. It's practically the highlight of his day, besides, of course, going to preschool. The day before yesterday he sat down and did 30 pages. Yesterday afternoon I figure he could use a break, so I took him to the park for a couple of hours. Well, when we came back home he said to me, " Mommy, we forgot to do workbooks today." He was determined to do them even though I told him he didn't have to. He ended up finishing 2 workbooks and doing a total of 41 pages. Today he did 53 pages and completed his maze book. I hope this is a sign that he is going to be a serious student and will have no problem doing his future school assignments.
Steve Update: They are currently in the Strait of Magellan and it is freezing cold there with temps as low as 37 degrees. He doesn't think it's fair that he has to experience two winters this year. I agree.

Keep Moving

Lately, Tyler has been into exercising. And he asks me to exercise with him. I'm not quite sure what has caused this interest, perhaps it's the result of his physical fitness he does at preschool. Anyway, he loves to do push ups, and bend and touch his toes, and sometimes he just wants to dance around. It's good to stay active, and for him it's good to burn off all that energy. LOL

Hail to the Haircut

A downpour of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning occurred this afternoon. Then before we knew it, the rain had changed to hail. It was quite the storm. Tyler was excited to watch it all. He called it a 'Tropical Winter Storm'. LOL Unfortunately, our soccer game was canceled. :( On another note, Tyler got his haircut today. It had been awhile since our last cut and even though we didn't clip it was short as we usually do, he still looks so much different. He even looked in the mirror when we got home and said that he didn't look the same. He still looks as handsome as ever.
 In the photo, Tyler is holding a piece of ice from the hail storm.

Photos from Steve

These are some of the latest photos Steve has sent. The first one is him with a Chinese Army Colonel he met at a reception a few nights ago. The Colonel wanted to know all the details of Steve's uniforms, what the gold was for, etc. Steve thought it was pretty funny. The next photo is of some penguins. He took this one for Tyler. Finally, the last one is a just so beautiful.

Pet Week

It's Pet Week at preschool. But since we don't currently own any pets to bring in, Tyler brought Munches the big mouth bass. Tyler said that Munches "really really liked being at preschool" today.

Opa!!!

This weekend Norfolk hosted the annual Greek Festival. It is the largest and oldest ethnic festival in the area. One visit and you will understand why. It is an awesome event filled with excellent entertainment that included dancing and authentic Greek music and singers, delicious Greek food, arts and crafts, and other authentic merchandise from Greece and even other countries.

What can I say? The food was the reason why my friend, Yasuko, and I decided to go. We weren't disappointed to say the least. Everything was prepared right on site. There were tons of Greek foods to select from that included moussaka, pastitsio, lamb, and souvlaki. Tyler and I decided on Greek salad, calamari, gyro, spanakopita, and baklava. We've been to some Greek restaurants and of course experienced real Greek food in Crete, but the food here was excellent. While we were enjoying our food, we listened and watched some fantastic Greek singing and dancing.
We could have just stayed there the rest of the afternoon listening to the great music, but we decided to do a little exploring and found they were also selling some amazing merchandise that included Greek clothing, jewelery, paintings, and authentic Greek toys for kids.Living in Europe for several years, I even recognized some of the products; one of which was Capodimonte from Naples which I absolutely love. They also had Greek olives, chocolate, olive oil, drinks, and ceramics. It was a great cultural experience for Tyler to learn about. Both Steve and I feel it's very important for Tyler to learn about other countries as it helps us to be more open minded about the world. Speaking of Steve, he was the only thing that was really missing at the festival. All throughout our time there, I kept thinking about how much he would have loved it there. It made me miss him so much more. There is always next year though, and we're definitely going back.

Tyler Says the Darndest Things

Tyler was sitting behind me today and I thought maybe he was playing with my hair, but no he was doing something else. Instead, he said he was looking for the eyes in the back of my head. LOL

Farm Field Trip

Today Tyler and I joined the rest of his classmates and their parents on the last field trip of the preschool year. However, we almost didn't go. This morning Tyler said his tummy was still hurting. It started hurting last night. But he was more than determined that he wanted to go and meet his class at the farm. He was most excited about the chance to dig for worms. LOL
Despite him being a little under the weather, he did pretty good. It was probably due to the many things we saw and did at the farm to get his mind off his sore belly.

The first thing the class learned about was how bees work hard to make honey. The viewed the bees in their wooden hive. After the bees, it was time to dig for those worms. Tyler dug up two which he was pretty proud of. Then the children went into the garden area where they actually planted seeds and learned about other plants. They saw and smelled various types of mint growing, which was pretty cool to them. Llamas, donkeys, and birds were next, followed by the goats. This was the same farm that Tyler had his party, so we were already familiar with some of the animals. Oh and we can't forget the chickens. Tyler loves his chickens. LOL The kids went into the chicken coop and they each had a turn petting a chicken.
Then it was back to the goats where the kids had a chance to go into the pen with them and pet the goats if they wanted to. After this Tyler joined his classmates in the play area where they remained until it was time to head on home.The children thoroughly enjoyed their last field trip together as a class, even Tyler who wasn't completely feeling that great. Right now, he is fast asleep on the sofa beside me. He had some diarrhea this afternoon. Hopefully he will feel all better tomorrow.
Steve Update: He is now in Montevideo, Uruguay. Although busy with work, including attending a reception tonight, he hopes to get some time off tomorrow afternoon and perhaps grab a cache.

Souvenirs

Tyler has no shortage of items to choose from for this month's Show & Tell. It's Vacation Destination month at his preschool. Today he brought in Raymond the Stingray we got in Grand Cayman.