Biker Momma

E definitely loves bikes...but not and of those "baby bikes", no...it has to be the hot wheels of course. Our driveway has a little slope to it and she squeals with delight as she zooms down onto the street.
The first time she did it she climbed onto the bike and went down on her own. I turned around in time to see her halfway down the driveway. So, I bolted after her and was sure she would either crash and fall off or cry from surprise. Nope, neither...she was so excited and happy with herself. So we spent the next hour dragging her back up the drive for more.
Now if we could just teach herself to get back up the drive...I'd have it made in the shade!

Down at the Farm

We went to a lovely little farm just outside the city limits with B's preschool class. It was pretty fun if you ask me...or E or B. Highlights include, but are not limited to when the farmer was milking the cow and he squirted the audience, the hayride, the fairy forest complete with cool faced trees, lots of touching animals, friends and a picnic to boot.
I just love to see the kids grown and their independence flourish (most of the time when it is not mis-directed against me).

NYC+DC-CHILDREN =GOOD TIMES

PART 1 : NYC
What a great girls' trip. Marc sure knows how to spoil me. I spent almost a full week back east with fabulous friends in September. To say that we lived each moment to the fullest would be a serious understatement. This was not a trip for sissies...oh no, we had it planned by the hour and we kept to the schedule to try to fit it all in. One of the most common phrases of the week was "can you even imagine how this would be if we had our kids here right now?" It was so fun and we fell onto our pillows each night with pure but happy exhaustion.
Seriously, I cannot even remember everything we did...but here is a small list: Yummy pizza in Brooklyn at renowned Grimwalds, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, walking tour of Union Station and its surrounding neighborhoods, Central Library, Empire State building, shopping, Broadway musical, Jimmy Falon Show, the Met and Cloister museums, China Town, Little Italy, bike around central park, etc, etc, etc.
To say that we did A LOT in the three days is an understatement. It was wonderful and so much fun to see the girls (two of the crew had the nerve to move away). Can't wait to do it again...thanks to Mel for making it happen!!

PART 2: DC
So, after a morning of breakfast and biking central park we misjudged our time and nearly missed our bus to DC. We literally ran for our lives...sweating all the way. Then Abby and I enjoyed our most relaxing portion of the trip...a four hour talk on the way to DC. We had already agreed we would use the time to catch up on much-needed sleep...but that was a useless idea. Hours of uninterrupted chat time...seize the day, right!? So, we got to DC and were picked up by my lovely friend, Jenna. She obliged in taking us on a mini car tour so that Abby could take in a few of the sights (she had never been to DC). Then we headed to Kimberly's for the evening. Unfortunately...the craziness took a toll on my traveling buddy and landed her with a major migrane that put her out of the fun for the night. So, we put her to bed and ate and had over a dozen of my closest friends from DC. We sat out on the deck and talked till the wee-ish hours of the night...or at least until we were all blinking back the sleep. The next day I enjoyed church in my old ward before heading back to the airport where, our flight was canceled and we had to re-book for the following day. Darn...
So, I got in a day late, slightly worse for wear but happy.

Preschool here I come...

B was so cute getting ready for preschool. He had his "All About Me" poster ready...which he HAD to carry by himself. He was so excited to do his homework (let's hope that never changes). I think dropping him off was much harder for me. I have never actually sent my kid to a preschool (one that I wasn't actually teaching/co-op). I felt guilty.
His teacher is the nicest southern lady with big bangs and scrunchies. She is perfect and the kids all LOVE her.
The biggest problem of the day was trying to tell sissy that she didn't get to stay at preschool also. I think that is the sad thing for the youngest...they always want to go along with the big kids. Soon enough, young one...soon enough. (sniff, sniff)

First Grade

M started first grade today! Where does the time go. I remember how long the summer seemed like it would be as I welcomed him home from his last day of Kinder. But, in true life fashion, it was but a blink of my eye and I am already sending him off to 1st. Tomorrow...college.

He was excited and ready to learn. Much more sure of himself than last year. When we got to his classroom he went right to his desk and got to work. I had to call him to turn his face for a picture. I am his teacher thinks I am a kook...but I just love to get those pictures so I can document how eager he is. I hope that never changes.

He seems to be really excited about the year and not really phased that there is only one girl from his last class in his new class. His teacher seems great...first year teacher...so hopefully it will be smooth sailing for her. I know that M will be helpful to her and I can't wait to see how much he learns and matures this year.

B is FOUR!!

Four short years ago today, our little family of three became a whoping family of 4 with the arrival of our vibrant and strong B-Man. We love this fierce little spirit and can't wait to see what he decides to do with his life and how to channel all of his will and desires.

As tradition stands...B chose all his meals beginning with a breakfast of champions...doughnuts, gogurt and fruit. Next we had a fun little party...mostly it was a monster party with a hint of star wars. He requested the Anakin vs. Obi Wan lava planet battle...yeah, and I am not a cake maker/decorator so I was just a bit intimidated.

We played fun games outside and ate lots of monster snacks. B requested that I make goo...another thing I think I would outsource in the future. He seemed pleased and I haven't heard of any of our guests ruining any furniture with it yet...bonus.

At the end of the day, my little monster Jedi seemed pleased...

We LOVE the Beach!!

I almost forgot how much I love the beach. We went down to Corpus Christi and had our first Texas beach experience...and I have to admit, it was much better than I expected it to be. There was plenty of sand and the water was warm...what more could you ask for? The sand seemed very unique and the kids enjoyed digging huge pits almost non-stop. We did a pretty good job not getting sunburned and got to play with some great friends. It made me want to become a beach bum...I just love it so much. E took to the sand like a crab and was joyously dipping her Doritos to cover each chip with bits of sand before eating. Yum! For me the only down side was getting stung by tiny jelly fish. Luckily I was the only one who really got a bad one and the sting only lasted for about half an hour. Upon discovering the little jelly fish, the boys also made a little prison for as many jelly fish as they could capture. We had a fun time keeping E from taking a dip in it...but they loved it all.

I look forward to many happy returns...