Two Months To Five

K,

In exactly two months, you will be five years old.  I can hear your little voice in my mind saying, "whhhhhhaaaaat!?"  Indeed, dear boy, that is the question!  Where did these five years go?

Thank goodness we have this blog we can look back on to reflect on all the joy you've brought us!

In the last month you have had two fun-packed trips to the cabin.  We went a few weeks ago for a long weekend with Ryan.  You absolutely loved having him there and followed him like a shadow.  We built numerous architectural marvels with your magnet blocks.  We also played Mario Kart, and you had lots of wisdom to share with Ryan about Super Mario, because you know, you're a pro.
On the prettiest day we went for a morning hike, you walked almost two miles before giving out and riding on Daddy's shoulders.  We also walked around the lake where you enjoyed throwing rocks in and creating a big splash.

This week you went back with Grams for a few days.  In addition to creating some artwork, you visited with Uncle Ray and helped Grams do chores around the cabin.  I believe the highlight of the trip, aside from making fruit pizza, was going to the nature center with Grams where you saw a red panda, a bear, wolves, foxes, and deer.  You brought home a stuffed otter which we have named "River".  Apparently today is River's fourth birthday so he is celebrating with a zoo party and a custom made paper birthday hat.
 

At school you've enjoyed Friday dance parties and playground time immensely.  You were so excited to talk about the clever leprechaun who left surprises for your class each day last week.  Today you all had a rainbow party to welcome spring! It is extremely windy outside today--so while we welcome spring and all the blossoms, it would be nice for the wind to subside, and also to have less rainy days!

You seem to enjoy more craft activities as of late, we've used lots of glue and straws in the last couple of days.  You seem to be improving on your writing and slowly recognizing letters better.  You are doing an excellent job counting too.  Our efforts to make you more independent continue, you're doing relatively well getting dressed and brushing your teeth--although the first of these often takes some coercing. You love getting the Little Passports in the mail from Whitney each month.  Yesterday's was all about Art from all over the world and it came with a little canvas and paints.  Daddy took your masterpiece to put in his cube at work.

The last two Thursday evenings while Daddy has been working, you and I have gone to worship at Wild Goose Christian Community.  We have attended fellowship and worship and you have done an excellent job greeting people and participating in worship.  Last night you raised your hand and answered the question about what kind of things we do to protect our treasures. You said that you can "bring them with you" (like you often wish to do) or "lock them up."  I have to say this is sensible, considering I often wish I could take you with me or keep an eye on you everywhere you go and/or lock you up so you are always safe. 

Right now you are playing the game of putt-putt you invented yesterday.   You've got some plastic cups, a golf ball, and all manner of obstacles and tunnels for the game.  I am proud of your putter--a dried out bamboo stick with an old munchkin cup lid taped to the end.  Whatever works!

We are looking forward to enjoying longer and warmer days with you kiddo.



Love,
Mom

And More Tuna Fish

K,

Tonight you were in the bathtub, splashing water everywhere, as one does.  After basically wrestling you like an alligator to get you soaped up, it was time to rinse out your hair.  You do this crazy thing where you try to shove all your little toys into the water cup so it can all be dumped out on your head.  But tonight as you filled the cup you were making me a recipe.... you didn't actually use the word recipe but it was close enough that I figured it out.  You added a few ingredients that I cannot recall.  And then you added "garlic" *plop*, "tuna fish" *plop*...  I said "Ew!" And you irrupted into a heap of giggles.   After that, every ingredient was, "and more tuna fish, and more tuna fish" with wild laughter and sparkly eyes as you imagined you were playing the best joke on Mommy ever.   This joy was welcomed after the two rough meltdowns today; one because we couldn't go to 'Thunder Island', (that's Thunder Valley for those of you who do not know Kemper slang) and the second one because of a splinter we had to dig out of your finger.  Your tears were quite justified at that one.

We've done some really fun things in the last few weeks.  One major step....you are officially registered for Kindergarten!  I was pondering today if I will be one of the mom's that blubbers at your preschool "graduation" in May.  Right now, I do not think so. But also, I'm not really diving into the rabbit hole of thinking too seriously about you beginning elementary school in six months.  Heavens, let's get over you turning five first! In truth, I will probably blubber.  When you leave preschool.  Your first day of Kindergarten.  Your first day of middle school.  The day you drive on your own.  The day you leave for college.  And on and on.  If you have not done so already by the time you read this blog, maybe you should just invest in a nice embroidered handkerchief for me!

We had some really beautiful, warm days in February.  We went to the Peter Pan playground and walked around downtown one day.  Of course we had to go into Chocolate Paper and get some candy! We've gotten outdoors every chance we have had when the days are sunny and warm enough....they are few and far between but I know that spring is coming!

Amelia came for a play date when you all were out of school one day.  A herd of elephants.  That is the best description I can give.  I had to laugh because you are both such sweet, sensitive souls.  Also, only children.  So, for every minute you played together, you spent another minute running to me to tattle on each other.  It was great fun for you to have someone to imagine with and doodle with and make messes with that day.

The Derrenbacker's came up one Saturday and we went to Jurassic Quest, much to your delight.  The civic center was filled with huge dinosaur displays and all kinds of bounce houses and activities.  Boy, as a parent I have to say this thing was a total racket in terms of expense.  However, you and the girls had a great time! My favorite activity was you all getting to uncover fossils.   After this we went out to lunch and then had fun playing on the Switch at the house.  I am so thankful that we have these dear friends!

Over the four day weekend we also went to Lynchburg.  We had lunch with Aunt Whitney,you were so thrilled to see her.  We then went to Amazement Square.  I was impressed by Amazement Square, especially the batteau exhibit where you could float a model boat down a pretty elaborate replica of the river.  After this you wanted to "see Aunt Whitney's museum" so we spent some time there before coming home.  

                              



We recently had a family game night where we played board games and card games.  You always want to win! I have no idea where this competitive streak comes from (*cough cough* I think it is Grams).  We've been watching "The Dragon Prince" together as a family some evenings.  It is fun to all enjoy it and to watch you engage in the story as well.

We had a full weekend of birthday parties last week!  On Saturday Ayden had a very cool Paw Patrol Dance Party complete with a disco ball and limbo.  Side note: we put two and two together that you and Ayden are cousins!  So fabulous!   Ayden's great grandma and your great grandpa Tate were brother and sister. They had something like 9 siblings so it is pretty difficult to keep up with how we are all connected.  But you are 3rd cousins.  Too fun!

 
On Sunday afternoon we went to Joshua's birthday party and you all got to go through a bounce house obstacle course for like an hour.  You all were so exhausted, it was marvelous. It was very sweet of them to invite you.  Even though you only knew Joshua and his sisters you jumped right in and enjoyed yourself.  I was very proud of you.  All of this made you start thinking more about your own party and who you would like to invite to the festivities.

You are learning and playing hard at school.  You are improving on writing your letters.  You all studied space for two weeks and Mrs. Shelley and your parents were both so impressed with your Space Book where you drew and labeled things! You guys seem to just run yourselves silly on the playground.  It was very interesting last week on one of our warm afternoons to observe you playing with Amelia and Ayden on the playground.  Ayden was having a great time throwing mulch and getting it into Amelia's hair, but she didn't like it and Ayden's mom told him they would have to go home.  Amelia very politely took Ayden by the arm and said, "I need to talk to Ayden." And the three of you marched over to the picnic table far away from us adults, and worked it all out together.  I could hear your little voice saying, "we forgive you Ayden."  I am sad you will not be able to go to school with these friends next year.

We are attempting to get you to become more independent at home as well as things you are working on at school.  You are doing well getting dressed, picking up toys, brushing teeth and other hygiene necessities.  For each day that you do these things, eat well, and generally behave and are helpful, you get a coin for your Ninja Turtle Piggy Bank (thank you Mert and Nick).  Daddy's friend also gave you a Zelda wallet so now you think you are hot stuff and occasionally you get a smacker or two to put in there.  You have informed us you are saving for dinosaur feet to match the roaring mask Beba and Papa Tate gave you.

This weekend we are taking Uncle Ryan to the cabin.  You are, as always, eager to go spend time there.  As I was reading Jen Hatmaker's book Of Mess and Moxie last week, she had a chapter entitled "The Cabin" and it was all about her family's summer cabin where they shared numerous joyful memories of their childhood.  This delighted me to think that we are all making such memories with you in a beautiful place.

Darling boy, I will always share my flavor of ice cream with you.  And Daddy will always share his Legos and games with you.  We will always try our best to teach you the importance of kindness and compassion above all else.  We will always demonstrate to you that there is courage in being vulnerable and strength in believing in yourself.  We hope to make you as proud of us as we are of you.

With love,
Mommy

Hallow-Thanks-Mas

Cutest photo ever in Daddy's hoodie at the grocery store. 

My darling son,

The fact that I have not documented your Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas enjoyment yet is indicative of our lives together these last few months.  That is to say, a lot has happened and I've spent a lot of time reflecting on other things, rather than our wonderful memories with you.

I am delighted to report that you made an excellent Captain America for Halloween.  We walked the neighborhood until darkness fell and saw so many fantastic costumes.  We are now *almost* done eating all the candy.  I believe your goal for next Halloween is to be Hulk.  This is great because Aunt Mert and Uncle Nick gave you "hulk hands" for Christmas.

Halloween 2018

Serious Voting Faces

On a sad note, our kitty Heffy went to heaven in early November.  He had been sick for several months and there was nothing more that could be done for him.  It was hard to say goodbye for us, but you handled it all very well.  You still tell people he went to heaven.  Daddy got you a stuffed kitty that looks like him, which you have named Heffy as well.

For Thanksgiving we went to D.C. and had a delicious meal prepared by Uncle Nick and Aunt Mert!  It was so fun to see their home.  You absolutely loved releasing all of your energy and playing with them.  We also went to Great Jane & Great Tom's house a few days later for another family meal.  Jason brought you a bag full of matchbox cars and you had a blast playing with the car tower Beba and Papa brought over.

Matching T's for Thanksgiving

Trees at Hotel Roanoke 

We didn't go to any Christmas parades this year, but we did go see the Christmas Trees at Hotel Roanoke with Beba one day.  Such a fun outing to get us into the Christmas spirit! We also had a field trip with school where we visited Santa's workshop.  This was an awesome way for you to usher in the holiday, since you do not actually wish to sit on Santa's lap.

Right after Thanksgiving we decorated the Christmas tree, just in time to capture an awesome photo op during our HUGE snow, about a foot in early December! We had a great time getting bundled up and playing in the snow, even Sirius joined us.  Daddy made us some snow cream too.

Major Snow Day

Family Snow Fun

 

Christmas was a great time to be with family.  We spent a Saturday at Beba and Papa's with my side of the family where we stuffed ourselves with goodies and you finally got to open some presents, as you had been begging for weeks.  On Christmas Eve we drove to the cabin where Grams and Papa met us Christmas night so we got to spend several days with them.  I wasn't sure how I would feel about this change in our usual traditions, but I have to say that a quiet Christmas Day just the three of us was just perfect.  Santa found us there in the mountains and you were up long before dawn playing with your new toys.  We decorated a gingerbread house together and had dinner ready when Papa Bass and Grams arrived.  Spending a few days together there was lovely. We played Ping Pong and Mario Kart. We saw beautiful sunrises and ate lots of delicious goodies that Grams made.   We missed Aunt Mert and Uncle Nick but they won the gift giving award this year--I might let Aunt Mert do all the shopping next year!

Gingerbread House

Cabin Love

Christmas Day 

Between Christmas and New Year's we had lots of fun on play dates with Amelia, Lawson, and Dalton!  We are so lucky that you have such darling friends with great parents! We also went to Emmi's fifth birthday at Chuckie Cheese.  Honestly, the fact that all of you are turning five is mind blowing to me! You got lots of new pants, socks, and pjs for Christmas because everything you owned was an inch too short.  Stop growing so fast!

Mario Kart 

Super Hero Party 

Preschool Playground Pose

We also went to Lynchburg to visit Aunt Whitney one day.  It was a bummer to find Amazement Square was closed, but we had a great time anyway. You had a great time chasing her cat Gracie around her apartment.   At Christmas, Whitney sent you a really cool gift.  It is called Little Passports  and each month you will get a new kit in the mail with new things to learn about places all over the world.

Little Passports

We are so blessed to have awesome family who enjoy spending time with you.  You've had multiple afternoons with Beba and Papa, even playing with my old toys in the attic at their house.  You also got to spend a week with Grams and Papa this month.  She took you to the movies and a children's museum which you loved.

We have of course had some mild days where we could go to the playground to play or walk around the track.  There has been plenty of Lego Building, Water Color Painting, Drawing, and Paw Patroling.  Last week we began making fruit smoothies together.  You have also enjoyed playing Smash Brothers and Super Mario with Daddy on the Switch.  It is good family fun and it makes me laugh because you tell me how to play the game with such confidence. :)

You are doing SO well at school.  You continue to practice writing your name and recognizing more letters and sounds.  You have become more interested in drawing and cutting out shapes....when you cannot draw something, you make me do it (note: I cannot draw either).  You did a great job singing in your Christmas program before school was over.  It is hard to believe we will be registering you for Kindergarten soon, but Mrs. Shelley says you will be ready.  It is fun to hear about your day and what you have enjoyed with your friends.  We carry on conversations and you have a vivid imagination.  You also love to win and be right.  Not sure where that comes from....

Smoothie Making

Saturday Morning Bonding

Some days you wake up way too early.  Some days you eat us out of house and home.  Some days you only want to watch toy videos.  These days can be exasperating.  But most days you play contentedly (even if you do make a mess).  Most days you use your manners and give us hugs and "sugars" (grudgingly to be sure).  All days you have the sweetest little heart.  You are observant, sensitive, and inquisitive.  We are so lucky to be blessed with you as our son.

We love you tons,

Mommy

Septober

K.

It is really hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that we have come to the end of October.  I write this to you almost every time, but it is true.  It has just been a whirlwind of things and I have been slack in writing this blog for you which I started so long ago so that we would have memories of your growing up preserved, both for us and you.  The truth is that every day we make each other laugh as a family, and every day we drive each other crazy in some way.  I keep hearing that the days are long but the years are short. 

   

You started back to preschool in September in Mrs. Shelley's class.  You pal around with your friend Amelia most days.  You've said you wished everyone could be in the same class because you miss some of your friends in Mrs. Anne's room, but fortunately playground time and Friday Dance Parties are together!  You have been doing Gymnastics and Bricks 4 Kidz activities after school.  I was optimistic that you would continue to enjoy these but halfway through the 8 weeks you seem to be losing interest or wanting to just come home.... we are making you finish what you started! You love playing on the playground or climbing in the tree after school.

You have had some fun times playing with Dalton at his house and at the playground before the weather turned cool.  We've tried to take you out riding on your bicycle some too, in the driveway and church parking lot.  On nice evenings we have filled the driveway with chalk.  Your rendition of the entire Paw Patrol is my favorite. 

We have celebrated both Daddy and my birthdays, thank you for the drawings you made for us and singing so sweetly to us.  It was lovely to see both sets of grandparents in the last few weeks too.   

At the end of September we went to the Train Tug for the PCC and had out faces painted and rode the little train around before spending the afternoon exploring the museum with the Ridenour family, our friends from church.  You all had the chance to climb up on the 611 train engine and see the coal inside and how the engineer makes the train move.  Not many folks get that opportunity!



We also switched out your toddler/baby bed for the twin bed.  This required a lot of effort on Daddy's part, who took both of those beds apart and brought the big one upstairs and made it up for you.
I am thankful for good family time in recent weeks, just enjoying being together.   We've been to the playground, evening walks, and boys club with Daddy when I have had to work in this busy season. Fall is finally here, so school trips to the pumpkin patch, painting pumpkins for the porch and making Halloween cookies have been fun. 


I look forward to Halloween this week, when you will don your Captain America costume and take us through the neighborhood! I am sorry you will miss the Trunk-or-Treat at school but you will be having fun with Grams and Papa Bass so I am sure that will more than make up for it.


We love you so.  We will try our best to provide all that you need to be successful.  Thank you for the joy you bring us. 

Love,
Mama

Twas the night before preschool

Twas the eve before Preschool
And all through our house
The encouraging and scurrying
Of mom and her spouse.

Its the first day of pre-K
I guess I should be sappy
Maybe I'll drown my tears
In a pumpkin spice latte.

The clothes are laid out
on the dresser with care
We've tried on new rainboots
And fresh underwear.

You just won't believe it
Sweet as he looks
He's been crazy and cranky
And frankly I'm shook.

For Shelley and Kelly
and Mrs. Anne too
Our prayers for Mrs. Jill,
 teachers, and aides too.

So here's to the first day
And every day hence
For good sleep and recess
And boundless patience.


Parody penned with love September 3, 2018.

Reaching For The Sky

Willie K,

What a fun-filled summer we have had watching you grow like a weed.  July and August have flown by.  We took you for your first fireworks viewing on the fourth of July.  We found a great spot without a lot of people or traffic and we could see several of the fireworks being displayed all over the Roanoke Valley.

You've had excursions bowling and to the movies with Daddy on his days off.  I love to see the smiles on both your faces when you come home from these fun outings. We also went to a Japanese Steakhouse where you got to see the food cooked in front of you.  You really enjoyed this, especially when Daddy caught the shrimp in his mouth.

We've gone out to Hollins a few times. It was really fun to be there when the Children's Lit program was happening because there were storybook characters everywhere!  You've been getting pretty good at throwing the Frisbee so we've taken it out there a few time and played on the lawns, just the two of us, but also a trip with Daddy too.  It is wonderful for us to go back to the place where it all began for our family.

We went out to Troutville for a Tractor show with Dalton one Saturday morning.  You all got to sit on a lot of different tractors, play on some fun playground equipment and have ice cream.  

A common theme this summer has been water play.  You had water camp at preschool, which was such fun to reconnect with all your pals.  We have gone to the fountains at Elmwood park several times, most recently with Dalton.  You've found joy playing in streams on hikes, water play on the back deck,  and splashing in puddles through the neighborhood.



Of course playgrounds have been high on the list for outdoor activities, we have to go really early in the day or late in the evening to beat the heat. You've mastered what we call the "spider web" at your playground this summer.  I just can't believe you are big enough to do that.  You and Daddy went over to Smith Park one day and you both enjoyed it so much you took me back a few days later.  Lots of cool things for you to explore and right on the greenway so you could ride your scooter too.


You've had some grand adventures with your grandparents this summer as well.  Time at Papa Tate and Beba's house has been full of morning walks with Becca, playing in the backyard, and my favorite--the gift of a giant dinosaur mask that actually roars when you wear it.  Beba and Papa have been on some fun adventures of their own to Alaska!  But when they have been home they have come to church with us to sit with you (you are so well behaved in worship, thank you)! Grams and Papa Bass have also had you at their house a few times over the summer.  They took you on a train ride which you loved and most recently they took you on a hike and to Luray Zoo where you saw some rescue animals. 


Last week we made our long awaited trip to Emerald Isle.  This year you were not afraid of the water at all.  From jumping into Ida's pool to splashing in the ocean waves, you were awesome.  As always, you were fascinated to see the horses in the barn on the Wright Farm and tried your hand at driving a little four-wheeler around.  It delighted you to go out on the boat and look over the edge at the water, feel the spray on your face.  Eventually we just stopped carrying your bucket of sand toys out to the beach because you played in the surf the entire time.   We also had to bring home lots of seashells. We made several attempts at fishing with your Paw Patrol pole, and you and dad built a mega fort in the den of the beach house.   We had dinner with our family one night and another night with Corinne and Jeremy.  Your dad and I talked a lot about what an awesome, well-behaved, and sweet child you are.  We feel so fortunate you are our son.


At the moment we are at the cabin with Grams and Papa Bass--an impromptu trip to the mountains.  Dad and Papa have gone into town to Lowe's and you are helping Grams pull weeds in the yard.  The cabin is sunny and quiet, with the mountain air occasionally punctuated by your sweet voice calling out to Grams and playing.  Yesterday Uncle Ray came and we spent the day enjoying the sun, riding your bike and watching wildlife. There were also two rousing games of Corn Hole.  You have spent your evenings roasting marshmallows by the fire.


You will return to school in a few weeks, in the Pre-K class.   You are now one of the "big men on campus."  It is hard to believe that next winter we will register you for Kindergarten.   I know by then you will be ready. I have to wonder as I see friends sending their children off to their first days of school if Daddy and I will be ready by then too.

I titled this blog post, "Reaching For The Sky" because I've had some good inspiration lately.  Earlier this month I got to travel with my girlfriends to see Hanson play with a live orchestra.  A new song they wrote for this project is called "Reaching For The Sky" and it talks about a boy who has this dream for himself and how he will keep striving to achieve all he aspires to be.   Last summer you told your cousins that when you grow up you "want to help people."  This summer you've been telling me that when you grow up you want to be "a firefighter and a daddy."  I think you are well on your way to achieving all you put your mind to-and not just because you are stubborn!  You love to be a helper (on your own schedule though) and you are so caring of other people.  And, you remember everything!  If we could just get you to stop wanting every toy you see, I think we'd be all set.  Haha! Anyway, I hope that Daddy and I can continue to give you all the tools you need to keep growing into a compassionate human being--because the world needs more of those.

As you ask Daddy all the time, "is that cool?"

We love you kiddo,
Mom

P. S.--sorry this is two months in one (again)  we are just too busy having all the fun in between adulting.  :)