Drinking the COOP cool-aid and PNS (Parents Nursery School)

So We just finished week 2 at our new coop and it is nothing short of fabulous. Kieran wants to go to school every day (a welcome change from our morning mantra of, "I DON'T want to go to school", especially the day that I go in to assist. For those in the know, the yard is about the size (or a little larger) than Murhpy Park, but with better and more interesting play equipment, 3+ large sand and digging areas, a path that circles and weaves through, and a large shed full of great toys - there are 5 or 6 fabulous tricycles, several bikes and scooters, enough helmets for everyone, trucks & shovels, galore (not to mention it all works/nothing is broken that would inhibit use by being broken), and a chicken coop with 3 chickens who lay eggs. The main building is 3000 or more square feet in 3 big rooms, has tons of well loved and fabulous toys, a great dress-up area and many a craft and project box.

Today was super fun and fast because we made cookies, which made my "station" the most popular place to be. What was great is that we got to make a big mess, get flour and sprinkles everywhere, from the cookies to, well, someones hair, and in the end, sweep it all up and eat yummy cookies (did I mention the full kitchen with not 1 but 2 stoves), and just let the kids go. The house rules are that as long as its safe, the kids get pretty free reign (no guns, pretend or otherwise, and "you can't say you can't play" are the other hard and fast rules). Its both hard and easy for me. Kieran of course immediately tries to push the mark and can make many an activity a danger to those around him, but is mellowing out and having fun. He got covered in flour today and loved every minute, and I got to let him do it without destroying the house.

Akira is thriving and quickly acclimating, and (YIPPEE) wandering off and being fine away from me. Many of the moms bring the younger siblings in who get to enjoy the school as well, and everyone keeps an eye out for the siblings as well, and quickly herds them back if a problem occurs. It amazing as by the time Akira is ready to be there, it will be so normal there should be no transition in leaving her for the day (I hope).

The moms so far seem welcoming and very nice overall ... a very warm response as is often typical of CA. The kids .. are kids. We are all having fun, which is how it should be.

I think we'll stay a while.