Here. We are.

Arlo is a kindergartener. Crazy to imagine he is so big and so little all at once. He has such an old soul, full of insight and torment, it's crazy that he's only 5!!

He likes school so far. Except for the part where Aesa gets to stay home (with Tirfe- gasp) and play all day. Aesa will be going to afternoon preschool three days a week starting soon. His teacher is nice, but a bit conventional. I was just ready to cash in all the santa stories and that buisiness once and for all. I'm sick of the neverending upping of the story to satisfy the curious mind of the child. I want them to believe magic and wonderment are real, and not have that all crash down one day when I have to fess up. BUT, Santa comes to Arlo's class this year- really- I was so surprised!! I can't believe that is even acceptable... He also learned this rhyme today to remember how to draw a "7" ... across the sky and down from heaven, that is how you make a seven... I know, super innocuous, but still- really confusing for some kids (like mine) who's family's have a less than conventional attitude toward religion. Oh well. It's not really a BIG deal to me, but it is a tiny deal to throw on the pile of other tiny deals. Makes me yearn for bigger city life where more diversity might mean more understanding of the varied values of the people who make up the community.

Anyhoo. Everything else is grooving along, we are well, the chickens are still adorable, I want a puppy, the kids are full of energy and beauty- the normal I guess.