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.  :)

June Bug

K,

Did you know that your nickname was June Bug before you were born?  Yes, you were supposed to be a June baby, not a May baby--but God's timing is always right. 

We have been on several adventures in the last week or two.  We have had some pretty days (also some hot ones) so we have spent considerable time doing fun things outdoors.  We have celebrated Daddy for Father's Day.  Even though he had to work, we picked out a funny card about animals in the wild and their farts (because what little boy and their daddy doesn't think that is funny) and gave him a bag of sweet chili pistachios which we know he loves.  I always enjoy hearing you call out, "Daddy" when he comes home from work and you have something to show him or tell him as he walks through the door.  You always like to have boys club when the opportunity arises and revel in "kicking me out of the house." 

We went over to Hollins one hot Saturday morning, Daddy & I's anniversary actually.  I thought it would be nice to revisit the place we met with you, since Daddy had to work.  We went and visited the horses and then walked around in Beale Garden. 


We had a generous friend give us a gift certificate to the Mill Mountain Zoo so we also enjoyed a cool morning there before it got too hot.  We also managed to have our fun before a big group of kids came in and began running all over the place.  We rode the Zoo Choo for the first time.  Your favorite animal to see was the Red Panda because he was smiling at you!  We then went up to the picnic area near the star and had lunch and played on the rocks and slide there. 


Last Saturday we enjoyed a hike with some of our church friends to Roaring Run.  You and Mr. Mark's dog Cooper only have one speed, so we were first to the water falls.  On the hike back down you hung in with the Burr family.  I am really thankful you did not step on the copperhead snake that we came across in the path just moments after you. 
 

Last week was my fourth and your second year at Vacation Bible School.  We had a wonderful time!  It was tiring for ALL of us, even you sir.  But, you had a wonderful experience.  One day you came home and told me all about the story of Jesus calming the waters and how your group climbed in a box that was a boat and water splashed on you (from a spray bottle)! You have been singing all of the songs you learned, even the one in Spanish.  One day you said, "I liked singing 'Yes, Lord' (which is really 'I'm Trading my Sorrows') and I was good at it, and the other children were too!"  You were engaged in the activities all week. I believe your favorite thing might have been playing balloons and noodles with Mrs. Mary. 


On the final night of VBS we had a summer concert at Covenant and we brought in Little Critters Petting Zoo.  Despite the rain, this was a great success.  Not only did you enjoy looking at all the animals, but you played in puddles, danced to the music, and pulled weeds from the flower beds (yes you read that correctly)! You had so much fun I hated to make you leave, but bedtime was past due. 


We had dinner at Great Tom & Great Jane's house Saturday evening with the family.  You were pleased that Beba made you more cheese ball since Daddy and I ate it all last time.  I wish I could deny this, but I cannot....and I might eat it all this time too.  Papa Tate made homemade ice cream with blueberries and strawberries, yum! Great Tom took you for a ride on his Kubota which you really enjoyed. 

I took you over to Mommy Time, an indoor play area for kids yesterday.  You just loved it.  There is a big obstacle course there to climb in with slides on it and a ball pit.  Also some swings and other things. There were a few other children there and I was impressed at how you played with them and used your manners.  It is nice that it is so close and not too expensive for an hour of play.  Also, I got to sit and read a book while you played which was honestly worth the cost to me. :)

This week you are at one of the preschool camps, having a blast with all of your friends.  You will come home with lots of new artwork to share.  You don't know it yet, but this weekend you will get to go and spend time with Papa Bass and Grams.  I know you will love this because you were just talking about them this morning and said that you miss them.  Daddy and I will miss you over the weekend but I am excited for you to have more fun adventures with them. 

New obsessions: Garfield, Super Heroes, Camping (sleeping) in your old nap roll. 

 It becomes harder and harder to remember you as the little infant in our arms in the first weeks of your life.  We love you a whole lot, and we are really proud of you and the person you are becoming.

Hugs (because I am not supposed to give you kisses),
Mama

Embracing The Era of Four

K,

I swear you have grown another inch in the last month.  It is possible,  after all you grew 2 inches since September.  It seems like every day a little bit more of the baby falls away and a little boy emerges.  Growth reveals itself in the way you speak and interact.  The scrapes and bruises that mottle your legs illuminate a boy who is still learning how his limbs work...not because you are too wild, but just a tad impulsive and clumsy.  Your little voice is so very sweet.  The first day I hear it crack in adolescence I will probably cry.

Watching the new sign construction.

Learning Fire Safety

Muffins for Mom

For Muffins for Mom & Mother's Day you gave me the sweetest artwork and a card about how I am Super Mom.  You said that at work I show my powers when I preach.  Melt my heart.  You also said I was five years old and my best dish is Mac & Cheese.  You know me SO well.

As the season grew warmer we got out a bit to play.  One Saturday while Daddy was working we went downtown early to the Peter Pan Playground and I convinced you to try out the fountains in Elmwood Park.  It wasn't long before you were drenched and laughing hysterically.

Downtown

Elmwood Park Fountains

We ended the school year with your birthday week.  Yes, you are following in Mommy's footsteps of stretching birthdays as long as possible.  On your actual birthday you opened your gift from your parents--the long desired Darth Vader Mr. Potato Head.  After school that day the staff at church brought you a cake and a huge Paw Patrol balloon that is STILL floating in our house.  The next day was a party at school for you and a couple of other students with summer birthdays.  We baked sugar cookies and took sprinkles for you and your friends to decorate them.  That evening was the big surprise we had kept secret for months--Beba and Papa got you tickets to see Paw Patrol Live.  You had a great time at the show and can recount for us the story line in detail.  You were not so thrilled to meet them, scared of the big costumes, but that is okay! I am so thankful to all your grandparents for providing these memories of Daniel Tiger and Paw Patrol for you.

Birthday Morning

Love from the staff 

Paw Patrol with Mom, Dad, & Beba

 The following Saturday we threw you a Curious George Birthday Bash at the church.  I am thankful that we had it there because it started to rain while we were playing outside so we were able to come in and utilize the hula hoops and pool noodles for games while we waited for the Pizza to arrive.  When not engaged in an activity you all had fun just running laps around the fellowship hall.  Grams & Papa Bass came, as did Beba & Papa, and your Great Aunts & Uncle and cousins.  Grams made your birthday cupcakes.  Of course the highlight for you was opening gifts, all your friends surrounded you to observe and even helped you with the wrapping paper a few times.  So many fun things to play with, it took all afternoon to open them all up and play.  The nap after that was glorious.

Birthday Bash

Last weekend we played with Dalton and went to story time at the mall.  You guys were so hyped up to see each other.  The following day we went to the Miller's pool party where you all enjoyed swimming together.  I am glad that you are happy to play in the water now and look forward to you learning how to swim.

This week Meredith & Nick came and stayed overnight with us.  You really loved building your new lego set they gave you with Aunt Mert.  They also gave you a cool tent to play in--but it is missing some pieces so we can't build it just yet.   Yesterday on Daddy & Mommy's day off we went to the Glazed Bisque-It and painted pottery.  Daddy wanted us to replace his Christmas Gift that got broken.  A fun family outing that actually had minimal mess.

Our afternoons and evenings have brought playground trips, chalk art & scooters in the driveway, water play and library books.  And lest I be accused of being a person who paints the perfect picture of life on social media (ask me in 15 years what fake news means) the transition from school to summer hasn't always been stellar.  We are lucky to have Beba & Papa hanging out with you a lot this summer, and teenage friends to hang out with you some beginning next week-- but you and I have butted heads several times in recent days.  There has been defiance (yours), there has been yelling (mine), and there have been tears (ours).  But I have to remember that transitions are difficult and the change from seeing friends every day to summers off is very different.  So, there you have it--I try not to dwell on the negative moments but we do have them.

We have Vacation Bible School, two summer camps, and a beach trip to look forward to in the coming months.  Here's hoping your shorts won't get too short, your hair won't get too long, and we can find you some sandals that hold up in this wild season we call summer.

Dressing yourself, selecting your own snacks, and eating cereal on the couch: "Because I am four years old so I can do it."

Love you, Bear.

Mom