More Magic Time with Zi

A week before school started this year, I called Zion's preschool in a panic asking if I could pull him from the 3 day program and move him over to the 2 day program. There were several factors behind this decision, one of which was the fact that I wanted a little extra time with him before I lost him to school forever. I've gone back and forth regarding this decision whether I feel it was perfect for him or not, but looking back on all these pics I can see that it's one of the best decisions of my life. Sure there is a lot of errands and down time that he would prefer to not be a part of but there is also endless days of THIS. These are the days that I will cherish for all of my life. I'm pretty sure we sat in the parking lot on this day for the better part of an hour while he counted bugs. I'm so thankful that we were able to take that hour to count bugs and I pray for many more days like that in the coming months because real life just moves way too fast. And I can't help but wish we could stay in this toddler bubble forever.

Shane's Place

Some pics from Shane's place in early September. These show the beginning of Zion's gradual transition from the shooter to the skateboard here. Also some pics with Makai and Finn who have been making the trek here from Huntington to skate with us and at Shane's. It's pretty crazy how Eden and Makai have known each other since they were small babies, and though they don't spend much time together anymore, so many of their passions and pastimes are so closely aligned. 

T Street

Pics from another after school beach session. Those September afternoons were so nice and the water was so warm that it was truly hard to do anything but run down to the beach and jump in the water after school. It was a season for the books, one we won't soon forget. 

Fire Station with Friends

Jon worked an overtime in San Clemente on Zion's first day of school. We haven't visited Jon at the fire station much since he has been out in Irvine, and when we do it's just not the same as it was when he was at 9s. It's a different vibe - not quite as warm and fuzzy. So when he was nearby the kids were ecstatic to go see him and to share the fire station visit with some of their dearest friends. 

Eden, Ruby, and Phoebe

Afterward we all went back to Ruby's house to play in her hot tub - best afternoon ever!

Zion's First Day of Preschool

Sigh...I kept him little for as long as I possibly could. My baby has slipped through my fingers. Why is it that these landmarks feel so big and like such a permanent installation of their growth? He was super excited to go to school. He stayed super strong for at least one week, maybe two. Right when things started getting somewhat peaceful with Eden at school is when he started to fall apart. Then, every day that he had to go to school was a battle. Now in February (this is post-dated) he is finally used to it, and says that he actually enjoys school now. 

Playing with Dad in the driveway before school...