Tired boys

Today was a great day with the boys, despite all their shenanigans last night (up and down and up and down and water and oops I peed the bed because I had so much water and a whole bunch of other nonsense). We had a bath when they woke up at 7:30, a leisurely couple of books cuddled in bed before going downstairs, and then breakfast before going for a tour at Most Holy Rosary.

I've been looking into options for a more structured nursery school, and this seems to be the best option for us. The pre-k three class is taught by our friend and neighbor Maureen ("Mo"), and Mo's mom is her classroom assistant. They have a great big room with lots of books and toys and tables and sitting area, across the hall from a huge playroom with playground equipment and lots more toys and fun things to do. The pre-k three program is part of the school, which goes to I think 6th grade, so there's also a cafeteria and gym and big outdoor playground. I found very few reminders of Jesus in the classroom beyond encouragement to treat others with respect, kindness and understanding. Apparently there is a rather agnostic prayer of thanks before lunch that everyone does together. Mo is willing to be flexible with us for days, so Grandma Joanie and Grandpa Stu can continue with their weekly babysitting if they want, and we can still send the boys twice a week for full day programs. The boys loved being there and everyone was very welcoming and calm. They were very excited about coming back to "MY school" some day soon. It won't be til September, but it's exciting to think that they will be comfortable and happy somewhere so new and different from where they've been.

While he gave us a tour of the school, I got a surprising amount of gupp from one of the priests, who kind of talked down the church where we've been trying out attending services, St. Lucy's. Jeff grew up Catholic and I have wanted the boys to grow up with some kind of faith background and familiarity with religious customs, and we have kept hearing great things about the St. Lucy's leadership and congregation. We also went to friend Tara's wedding there a few years ago and loved what we heard and saw (e.g. a banner on the wall that read "The holy spirit is loose, and she is wild"). We have attended the last few weeks and are figuring out which masses are best for us, and where to sit, and how to get to the bathrooms for two new potty trainers. But it feels meaningful to us, and it feels welcoming, so I think we're going to keep it up.

The boys took a great nap and then when Jeff got home early from his work trip a little after they woke up, we all headed to a bounce house for a great afternoon of getting the energy out. After dinner Beckett was all but begging to go to sleep, and everyone is now happily tucked in for the night.