M-O-M

Gavin is learning to spell in Kindergarten. It's an enjoyable experience to watch. He however has started referring to everyone in the house by spelling out their name. Tonight after going to bed, he needed me for a sore knee (knees and feet are common nighttime complaints for him, managed with hot washcloths) and summoned me by calling out M-O-M! M-O-M! I can't say its my favorite nickname.  

He is finishing up soccer, and we'll probably be spending a little more time in Karate, hopefully building his enjoyment. He likes the little kids class, but he is by far the oldest. Time to cut the cord from the toddlers. He's also been building a sled. See image below. He wanted to bring it to school to show his teacher, but settled on a picture of it instead. He's been pretty into arts and crafts when coming home from school.

Annah is, well, Annah. She is definitely my wild child. We had music together today, and she used me as a human jungle gym. Then she ran to a corner of the room and smiled malevolently, bringing two other girls with her into her little circle of naughtiness. We did salvage our day with some Panera Mac and cheese, which in her mind is the best thing ever invented, and a trip to the makup store, where she got some shades. Pictured below. They lasted 10 min. Se la vie.

You may also notice the outfit. I think I've managed to talk her out of Rapunzel for Halloween and into this. It fits her personality much better. Gavin has spent the last month working on a knight costume (ie M-O-M has been working on said costume) only to inform me today that he's going to be a dinosaur. Hopefully I will be able to talk him into all the wonders and enjoyment a of a homemade costume. I used a whole roll of aluminum duct tape for goodness sake!

Gav is also learning to ride his bike sans training wheels. Hard to tell from the picture, but he's actually doing it here. Hopefully by spring he'll be unstoppable.

Not-A-Box

 Gavin and Annah got a gift from my office.  A massive, white, cardboard box.  I brought it home last night and they have spent the last two nights working hard decorating it and cutting out windows.  It's been a house, a train, a rocket. It's their Not-A-Box, to quote one of their books.  

The cat has also enjoyed the box.  But to her its a lair.  

We have been really busy with the kids with soccer and dance and karate and music and now Mad Science! after school on Mondays for Gavin.  I now see a massive advantage for stay at home moms.  And as you can see from the picture above, Annah LOVES dance class.  I signed her up for a full 90 min.  30 minutes each of tap, ballet, and acro.  One would think that a three year old would not be able to focus.  But focus she does.  She wears her dance clothes to school, dance, and then back to school (or daycare) for the rest of the day.  I think I might be purchasing more tights.  They're taking a hit.

They both enjoy Karate. We have been trying to convince Gavin to go to the bigger (5 to 8) kids beginner class, but he's found it a little tougher.  They both like the toddler class a lot.  Mostly because they get to run around with these cool helmets.

That's Annah on the right.

Kindergarden is going really well for Gavin.  He is really enjoying learning to read, and last night "read" Go Dog Go to me.  He likes spelling mom, dad, cat, and Toots (short for Toodles the cat). Neither Annah nor Barker's names have made the cut yet.  Hopefully soon....

We are also working on more chores.  We have a chore chart for both kids.  Gavin gets 10 cents a chore.  One of them is loading the dishwasher.  Perhaps Ryan is abusing this chore just a bit......

Finally, speaking of Barker, he got to enjoy some recent time on Baba's boat.  Turns out he's quite the salty dog.  While the kids spend their time down below, wrecking havoc on the cabin, Barksie sits happily next to us, the wind in his ears and the sun in his eyes.  Maybe boat living is the trick to good doggie behavior!