Porter's 1st Day of Preschool

Porter started preschool today. He was SO excited!! Stella's been in school for over 2 weeks now, so he's been pretty bored with ole mom during the days! :) When he woke up he told me, "I can't believe I start school today!" Too cute. I took him shopping last week and let him pick out a new shirt for his big day. He choose this one that has a whale on it, which is perfect for him as he LOVES ocean life.
Mike and Porter this morning. Me and my baby boy!

Stella and Porter before loading into the car.

Outside the school, all smiles!

In front of his cubby. He was happy that his cubby was next to Sam's (Sam is a friend of his from last year). I was kind of hanging around the preschool this morning waiting for some of P's friends/parents from last year to show up so I could chat with them. Well, I had to be at work at the Y at 9 so at 8:45 I told Porter I had to leave to get to work and he said, "For real?". I said, "yes" his reply--- "Well then get going mom!". No tears from my little buddy. I'll miss him during the mornings for sure, but luckily I'll be working 2 of the 4 mornings he's gone.

Cyclone Country!

We decided to trek to Ames today and explore Reimen Gardens, The ISU Campus and Hickory Park for dessert!! :)
Reimen Gardens is such a fun place to explore. The kids have been here a couple of times, but neither one of them remembered it. Our first stop was the butterfly house. They loved this and outside the butterfly house there were a few displays full of butterflys coming out of their cocoons. Porter is trying to get a butterfly to land on his finger.

Last time we were at Reimen Gardens there was a dinosaur theme going on, dinosaur replicas were scattered throughout the gardens. This year was they had the Big Bug display, which was neat b/c a state park in Okoboji had the Big Bugs a couple summers ago and the kids really enjoyed seeing them again!

In front of the Praying Mantis.

Pretending she's being attacked by a giant spider!

Giant Ant!

Lots of lily pads
Pumping water through the frogs mouths.

The corn was 13 feet tall!

After we left the gardens we drove around campus town a bit and showed the kids the various dives we used to live in! Then we headed to campus. We parked right in front of Lake La Verne, and Sir Lancelot and Elaine (the swans) are in the background.

At the Campanile
Couldn't quite get it all in the photo!

It was a gorgeous day to be outside and we had a lot of fun spending our day in Ames. :)

Of course Stella found a huge tree to climb in!