Stepping Stones Christmas Program

Kate participated in her first preschool Christmas program last night. She was really anxious to get there, and when we opened the garage door to leave and she saw it was dark outside she said, "See! I told you it was late!" I tried to explain the difference between dark and late, but she didn't get it.

So we were there excruiatingly early. Its harder to get good seats at the preschool programs than in the GA at Allen Fieldhouse. Well, almost. Anyway, it's craziness, so it was only the 4 of us plus Grandma and Granddad. Don't worry, it's all on video.

Kate did a great job. She had no fear, and followed directions. She only played with the bottom of her skirt at the very end when they were sitting on the step-- fortunately it was long enough to cover up any potential lifting. Whew.

Here are the pics! Note Sam and his fellow alumnae Grace. Always making the moves, that Sam.

Our Tenth Anniversary

Friday was our 10th wedding anniversary. With a December anniversary and small children, big celebrations do not frequently occur. So, we had a family celebration.

The day of our wedding, Stuart and I went through the drive-thru at Winstead's in Independence (no longer there), and it's always been a favorite memory from that day. So, we decided to take the kids to Winstead's on the Plaza and then drive through the lights. They really enjoyed Winstead's, having never been there, and were more excited about the lights than I really expected them to be.

On the short drive to the Plaza (like 2 blocks), we pulled up alongside horse-drawn carriages making their way to the Plaza. The kids went crazy about the horses, begging us to let them ride. I had no plan to let them do so, but when we parked and looked at the lights, I guess we just got caught up in the excitement and Stuart said, "Let's go!" They were thrilled. It was cold that night, and of course I hadn't brought gloves or hats, but the wool blanket they provided kept us warm. We had a slow horse, Governor, and so we had a long ride around the Plaza. It was beautiful and the kids had so much fun. The driver told us that the horse liked Christmas carols, so we sang Jingle Bells and Rudolph at the top of our lungs (if that was you passing by on the street, sorry.) She also told us that the carriage was a replica of Abraham Lincoln's carriage, so Sam was pretty excited about that too.

When we got home, I surprised Stuart with a cake that was supposed to be like our wedding cake, and was close enough to make the point. All in all, it was a great anniversary.

December pics

Actually, this happened Thanksgiving weekend too, but the kids went to visit Santa at a pancake breakfast fundraiser at the clubhouse. They had lots of time with Santa, but I couldn't help but laugh at the poor volunteers ill-fitting beard. Really, we'd have great pictures if it weren't for the double-mustached Santa.

I mentioned our snow day. We had a great time making cookies. Kate cut and Sam sprinkled. Taking the picture was more of a chore, though, and Sam's decided he doesn't want Kate putting her arm around him when they take pictures anymore. You'll notice our other pictures this month have him standing behind. Very intentional.

This is a picture of the two kids looking at picture albums while we're trying to put up Christmas decorations. I just think they look cute sitting there together, like they like each other.

I took this picture Sunday morning before church to show off the kids in some of their Christmas finest. I'm notorious for having multiple Christmas dresses, sweaters, etc, so we have to take lots of pictures.

Picture Catch-up

I've been a horrible, neglectful blogger lately, so I have all these pictures saved up to post. We'll start with November pics and go from there.

This is a picture of a super-cute craft project from Kindergarten. During a parent activity, meaning Stuart was able to go up and help, they made pumpkin bread for every kid in the class to take home in this cute Turkey cozy thing.

We went to the Lake of the Ozarks for Thanksgiving this year to spend time with my mom's side of the family. My aunt has two little granddaughters, and all four kids played really well together. This is Sam and Kate and Callie, the oldest of the two. The younger one, Kori, is a little camera-shy.

After Thanksgiving, we decided to stay overnight at a hotel so that I could go outlet shopping on Black Friday. The kids thought it was a real vacation, because the hotel had a pool! Here they are settling in:

Our small group from church volunteered on a Friday night loading shoeboxes heading overseas for Operation Christmas Child. Our church was the regional hub, so we had lots of counting and packing to do, which proved excellent jobs for little helpers. Kate is shown loading boxes with Bob below, and Sam and Grant worked together well too. What a team!

Our First Official Snow Day

We had our first elementary-school snow day yesterday, sans snow. It was all very exciting. For me. I didn't mention the possibility to Sam, because I didn't want to get his hopes in the non-materializing snow up. So, when my phone rang at 5:50 to announce the cancellation of school, I wasn't greeted by an anxiously-waiting child or anything. When they did wake up, the response was mixed. Kate was disappointed to miss silver/gold day (and santa) at preschool, but Sam was thrilled for a day off of kindergarten.

Naturally, I had to try to cram in as much snow-day fun as possible into this one day. We started with chocolate chip pancakes. Kate liked, Sam did not, but didn't admit it. Then we made a Christmas gift for dad. Can't say any more, but it was the most crafty I've been in a long time. They loved it and worked really hard on making it great. I will tell you it involved some coloring, and when I suggested that Sam do some and Kate do some, Sam looked at me and whispered under his breath, "You know mom, Kate scribbles." I had to laugh, because until about 4 months ago, so did Sam.

Then we had to take a little activity break (for my sanity) and they watched some Christmas cartoons. (That "Prep and Landing" by Disney was SO cute. They loved it.) Kate demanded cookie-making, so we made some of our annual Christmas sugar cookies. Only sugared this time-- I told Sam we'd save the special icing for closer to Christmas. Kate cut cookies while Sam mastered the art of sugar-sprinkling. We had several cookies that should have been labeled hazardous material because of the heap of sugar on each, but he learned how to use it sparingly.

After cookie-making, I required another break. Kate, who previously pronounced "no naps," crawled willingly into her bed for a rather long one. I tried, but of course the phone rang too much, so I got up to exercise while Sam played Wii. We really need some new games, Santa, if you're reading along.

We finally ventured out for piano and Chik-fil-a, complete with adult converation for me with Janet and Bill. Thank goodness for Chik-fil-a. It was a long, exhausting day, but we all had a really great time. Yea for snow days!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year, we treked to the Lake of the Ozarks for Thanksgiving. Kate and Sam got to play with their second cousins, Kori and Callie, which was a lot of fun. At some point, Sam was overwhelmed by girl time and retreated to the TV, but he did a pretty good job coping. Neither of them really enjoyed the feast-- I think Sam ate 3 rolls and Kate liked the green beans and pumpkin pie.

We stayed overnight at a hotel across from the Osage Beach outlet malls. The kids loved getting to swim, and we had the whole pool to ourselves. By whole pool, it sounds massive, but it was in fact about the size of my living room. They loved it. I went outlet shopping on Black Friday with my parents, which was semi-productive. I'm down to 3 people on my list now, so that's pretty good.

We took them to see Santa at a local fundraising breakfast. We had Chris Cakes first and then they sat on santa's lap. The picture is great of the two of them, but I can't help but look at Santa's mustache, which was showing underneath the fake beard/mustache he was wearing. Odd. Oh well. They loved it anyway. Sam kept going over to the Chris Cakes pancake guy and talking his ear off. I'm not sure what he was talking about, but that conversation went on and on. I guess we can safely say he has my gift of gab. Sam asked Santa for Han Solo's lego ship (the Millenium Falcon for those who aren't up to speed), and Kate asked for a "princess dress with a crown." Both pretty good requests. I'm thrilled that my kids are able to narrow the list down to one thing for Santa-- it seems so much less greedy, even if in their hearts they want one of everything.

They really play so well together and had a great time over the long weekend. On Thanksgiving and every day, I can say we're truly blessed.

I would love that.

Kate is Miss Formality these days. She's great about saying thank you and please. It's definitely not a bad thing.

This morning I told Kate that I would be at her Thanksgiving worship. I love Thanksgiving worship at our preschool, really any worship at preschool. They are so good at telling stories so that kids can understand. My favorite thing is how their theme is always "I am welcome here in God's house." I tell you the truth-- I cried the last time Sam sang it with his class. I think it's such a great message for kids to know that God's house is for them. Okay, enough about that.

So, I told her I'd be there, and she pauses a moment, and gently says, "I would love that."

How can I not go with a response like that?

My little musician

Sam's very musical. We know that already. He's got his mother's knack for remembering song lyrics, lines from movies, etc. Today, he took it to a whole new level.

He's going to the KU basketball game tonight with his Granddad. Woo! He went with me a couple of times last year. But I was shocked when I heard him humming one of the pep band songs today. Not the fight song, or something inherantly recognizable, but just another of the tunes they play at KU games. I was shocked. I started singing a long a bit to see if that's really what he intended-- yep, he's right on track. That's some musical memory for a 6 year old, I think.

My kid's a musical genius. Probably good, because he's not destined to be a soccer superstar.

We're 3. We're girls!

Kate had a Fancy Nancy Tea Party for her birthday this year. It was big time. She invited two friends-- Chloe and Lottie, and they wore their fancy outfits for a fun girl lunch. They have to learn the girl lunch sooner or later, right?

It was a great day. I tried my best to use make it very girly, with a sparkly tulle tablecloth, pb&j in girly shapes, and even a craft project. Fortunately, the small numbers made it very manageable.

They were really cute sitting at the table together. They would talk nonsense, mostly, but then just giggle like crazy. I let them ice their own cupcakes, which was messy but awesome. Kate thought it was a good party, and that's what counts.

Put God in there

Kate and I were chillin', post non-nap, and she was watching good old Hannah Montana. I'm not paying a whole lot of attention, but she looks up at me and says, "Mom. Teacher says that I need to put God in my heart, but I can't because He's too big."

"Well, you are the only one that can choose to put God in your heart, Kate," then thinking that might be a bit too theological for a 3 year old, I added, "You already love God, so He's already in there."

"No mom, look!" she says, lifting up her dress and pointing at her tummy, "He's not there! YOU have to do it! I can't do it-- He's so big! You've got to."

I really wasn't sure how to respond to that. How exactly do I do this? Coupled with the comment she made in Sunday School a few weeks ago about how mommy NEVER reads the Bible to her, but Daddy does, I'm starting to get a complex about my spiritual teaching. I mean, we pray each morning and before meals, she reads little Bible stories, but not really the Bible. Good grief. Maybe I need a home schooler to take over here or something.

My girl is SO cute

I ordered some clothes for Kate for her birthday. The woman who made them was a high school friend of my brothers, and the clothes she makes are all custom and very cute. It was a splurge, but Kate's a girl and her birthday is coming, so there.

Yes, the girl thing is difficult to overcome. It is more fun to dress up little girls and she loves to look at herself in the mirror and smile at how cute she looks. That's fun! When they were dropped off last night, Stu looked at them like, "so what?" It's a girl thing. As Kate loves to say, "Mommy! We're girls!"

So, I went ahead and gave her the tutu and leotard. The leotard had to be worn to school today. Oh well, what difference does that make? It looked super cute, if I do say so myself. I'm saving the dress for her birthday.

Model Marriage

Sam and Kate were invited to the younger Wilkersons to pick pumpkins last Wednesday. It was very fun, and the kids had a good time. Sam watched Ben play World of Warcraft (I know, right? Is that even appropriate for a 6 year old?!) and Kate played games with Rebecca. By playing games, I mean that she asked Rebecca to get out a game, extract all pieces, and then put it away. They played at least 10 games. Fun.

We did look at a wedding album while at the Wilkersons, and I can only assume that was the cause of the latest in my children's ongoing dialouge on marriage. In the car on the way home the discussion went like this:

Says Kate: "Sam! Are you going to marry me or what?!"
Sam: "No way! You're my sister! I'm not marrying you!"
Kate: "Then who is going to marry me??!!"
Sam: "One of your friends."
Kate: "From Jo's or from school?"
Sam: "I don't know! I thought you were going to marry Lincoln."
Kate: "NO! He said he's not going to marry me EVER."
Sam: "Well I don't know who you're going to marry."
Kate: "I have to marry someone!"

At this point, I felt it necessary to interject. After all, I don't want my daughter to be oppressed by the image that in order to have value as a woman you must marry! So I added, "God will provide who you need to marry when it's time, if you get married at all. You don't have to get married, you know."

They both acted like that was total lunacy. What? Not get married! Craziness.

Good grief. I had no idea how important marriage is to little people. What does that say about unmarried parents-- that would really rock their world, huh?

Dancing with the Mom

Sam was sick on Monday, so Monday night was pretty sedate at our house. The three of us watched "Spy Kids" and finished in time for some "Dancing with the Stars." We've long been fans of the family-friendly show, but due to my busy meeting schedule, I can't really remember the last time we all watched together. I can tell they watch some with Grandma, because Kate's first question was, "I can watch 2 dances, right?" Sure, sounds good.

We sat on the couch watching, and they had such funny comments. At the very first, Kate said, "See that girl in the blue dress. I like it. I want to buy that dress." I thought it was funny that she was watching the clothing, of all things, and it wasn't even on a dancer, but someone else. Wow. No wonder she's picky.

Later, Sam and I were watching and he looked at me and said, "You could be on Dancing with the Stars, Mom. You could do it."

I said, "I'm not a star!"

"Yeah," he said, "but you could do it."

So, if I'm missing from the next JSL meeting or family event, it's due to my new rigorous training schedule. I can do it. Sam said so.

What's that? Oh, it's Kate singing

My mother is a hummer. You know, one of those unconscious types that hums while cleaning, ironing, driving, shopping, whenever. She knows it now, but is helpless to stop.

Kate has inherited a derivitive of this trait: she sings. Constantly. Not real songs, like preschool songs or church songs or hannah montana. At least not with any type of recognizable tune. She sings about whatever she's doing. Just now, she was in the tub and she's singing "I am in the tub. I am looking at my toes. Something is wrong with my toes. They need painting. The paint is gone."

It's cute and simultaneously incessant. It's the music of my life.

Mission accomplished!

I'm getting so lazy on my days off. Since I'm going to exercise after I drop Kate, I've taken to laying in bed as long as possible then throwing on clothes and going. Gross, huh?

Well, about 15 minutes before Sam had to get on the bus, I was trying to look presentable, and Sam ran up the stairs declaring "Look what I did Mom!"

So, i looked. To my surprise and amazement, he'd done it. He'd tied his shoes all by himself! After working on it last winter, and starting again on PE days for school, he really had never done it completely by himself, but was getting closer. Sure enough, in his own time, and without my help, he did it.

What an accomplishment. I kept wondering if we'd have to send him to high school graduation in velcro. I'm sure he wouldn't be the only one-- I think that's why the trend of those converse shoes with the untied laces has become popular.

Hurrah!

In trouble?

Kindergarten is a big wasteland. I have no idea what's happening over there, but am happy to report that we are getting "monday mail" now that attempts to keep us boy-moms somewhat informed.

Therefore, every sentence from Sam about school is a treasured gem. I'm looking for anything and everything that will help me glean some sort of understanding about his day. So last night in the car, you can imagine my surprise when his comment about his day was:

"Well, I didn't get in trouble, and I didn't have to have any meetings."

"Have you been having a lot of meetings?" I asked. (Meetings are some sort of new disciplinary code for getting called up to the teacher's desk, I think.)

"Well, yeah. Sometimes I have meetings."

"What for?" I asked, shocked. I think of Sam as the good, compliant one, so I'm shocked to learn of his newfound rebelliousness.

"Just doing things I'm not supposed to, breaking rules. Like talking in the hall, and stuff like that."

I'd heard about a talking in the hall incident before, but I'm not sure where the other meetings have come from. I guess the fact that I haven't been called in to meet with the teacher means that it's not too serious. Right?

Trading in

On the way home from Jo's the other day, Kate told me that she is going to marry Lincoln. This was a surprise, because just a couple of weeks ago, she declared that Riley would be the one. (Poor thing.) So I asked her, why the change?

"Riley takes toys, mom. So I'm going to marry Lincoln," she said decisively.

"Who is Riley going to marry?" I asked.

"He can marry Kennedy."

"Okay, well what about Gracie?" I said.

"I don't know mom. She could marry S..." and then trailed off-- I don't think she's willing to give up Sam. So when I asked who, she said, "I just don't know mom."

I'm really glad Kate could figure all this out for everyone. Takes a lot of the guess work out of dating.

First day of school, Kate edition

Kate had her first day of preschool on Monday. I have to admit, with all the kindergarten hype, I nearly forgot to prepare for Kate's first day. And it's a big deal! Her first day of preschool. I didn't buy a new outfit or even have the video camera out. I did do better than my fellow fourth-year preschool mom who lost the supply list and didn't bring her family picture-- preschool felon!

So, we woke up, got dressed in our outfit we picked the night before, which happened to be new. And which happened to make her cry for 10 minutes about how it was NOT what she wanted to wear. I found the camera (still, not video) and managed to snap a few pics of the two kids before school, and Kate outside school. I took Kate to her first mom and me breakfast, which is supposed to be donuts, but she campaigned for the cinnamon roll store and I caved. She wore her backpack all morning, even to breakfast, because she's a big girl and going to school.

When we got to the school, she went right in her class with no problem. No tantrum. No tears. It was great. I did warn the director about her, how do I put it, strong will? No worries.

She reported having a great day when I picked her up after school. She said she played with puzzles (of course) and watched the fish. She did not like her cheese that I packed for her lunch. It was "weird."

Pictures to come.

Another one down the aisle

Yesterday in the car on the way to Jo's, I asked Kate if she was going to play with her friend Riley. She said, "No! Riley takes toys away! I don't play with Riley!"

Then right afterwards, she says, "I'm going to marry Big Riley, you know the one from Jo's." Later she added, "When he grows up and I grow up, he won't take toys anymore, and then we'll get married. I'm going to tell Glen that."

I guess it's a reflection of my quality marriage that I've produced two children so anxious to line up a marriage partner.

First note from teacher

Okay, so I emailed the new teacher on the first day of school. Before you judge me as over-eager or whatever, know that I had a specific question about Sam's birthday snack for tomorrow. We drew early snack due to Sam's August birthday, so I needed to know!

Here's what she said:

Dear Mrs. Matthews,

Donut holes are fine... they are not homemade, so that works. I will just pass them out... if you could please send some napkins. :)
Sam has had a great day.... He is so fun. One time he remembered something and he said, "I am always on it!"
He is really a doll. Thanks for checking with me.

J.B.
Kindergarten Teacher

----------------------------

See! He really is great!

The First Full Day of Kindergarten

Waiting for the bus

My big kindergartener!

I stayed home to put Sam on the bus for his first full day of Kindergarten. We did all of the pictures and videos and such on Friday's transition day, so I figured this would be easier. He wanted to ride the bus, not be taken to school, which was fine with me.

When we went outside to wait, he wanted me to stay in our driveway, while he waited across the street. No problem. The separation was symbolic of the way he's being cut out of my life and transplanted into new, big boy, school life. (Ha. Just kidding about that part!)


It was difficult though. I gave him a couple of hugs (he asked for an extra- yea!), and he wanted me to watch from outside, not inside, while he waited. He is so ready for school, and I know he'll do great.


I never thought I'd be one of those moms who greeted the first day of school with tears and apprehension, but I drove away from the house with tears in my eyes. It is the beginning of something so great in Sam's life, but the end of something great in mine. Those years where we were the primary focus of his world, and influencers of his life, are gone. I am really glad that I was home as much as I was. I feel like I truly appreciated and enjoyed every day, or most every day.

So, onward and upward! The Father who has watched over Sam and listens to my prayers will continue to watch him now. "And Samuel grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God."

BMB: Starting School, The Bad Mom Way

Since Sam was in utero, I have dreamed about him starting school. I've drooled over the aisles of school supplies each summer, just waiting for the day when we'd pick our pencil case, our backpack... you get the idea.


Starting last spring, we began receiving little glimpses of elementary school life. We went to kindergarten enrollment. (Previously called screening, which they still do but don't want to call it that or be too critical because that wouldn't be PC.) One thinks, as an educated and modern mama, that the point of such a process would be information. I have learned, however, that parents are on a strictly need-to-know basis. We provide all sorts of personal information about our kid and ourselves, but when it comes to dates or procedures or even expectations we can have for our first school days-- don't need to know.

Top off the total sense of confusion with something I should have expected, but in fact did not: social hierarchy. Why is it I feel like I have returned to junior high? It seems so obvious who the cool parents are and the fun parents and the popular parents... throw in the conservatives vs liberals, rich vs poor, and worst of all the concerned and the nonchalant. Who do you want to be? What do you want the other parents to think about you? The world and identity I've worked hard to create, to earn, to be in other spheres of my life is irrelevant here. I'm an unknown, and whether or not that will be good enough for everyone else is unknown too.

Of course, all of this heavy pressure comes from the inner desire to create the perfect school experience for your child-- sign up for the right volunteer opportunities, the right after-school clubs, the perfect Cyclone sweatshirt. As if any of that will actually impact their experience at all. The truth is, Sam's school years are his, not mine, and it's his role to create. He was totally cool with the whole process. In the car on the way to school, he said, "I want to try everything. Everything you can do, I want to do." And he shook hands with other kids and introduced himself, just like he always does. He'll be exactly who God made him to be. And he's so much stronger and bolder and more secure than I think that he is, and I know he will be just fine.

Now whether I'll make it or not remains to be seen...

Coco Key Birthday Fun

Everyone had a good time at Sam's CocoKey Water Park birthday party. It's a good thing, because frankly, it was kind of a pain. The hostess said I was supposed to relax and let her handle everything, but that turned out impossible for me. Good idea though.

We played and swam for 2 hours and then had pizza, presents and cake. Most kids had a parent with them, which helped with the overall corralling. The only person I could never find while swimming was Sam. Go figure.

Sam's 6th

Yesterday, my sweet Sam turned 6. I've always thought of him as my sweet Sam, because he is so good-natured. I have a feeling I'll be kissing not only the moniker, but the attitude good-bye when school starts this week. I just keep praying that they don't crush his spirit.

We had a good birthday. He woke up and opened presents (little ones) from Kate and me. I got him a card that sings, because he really wanted one like that, so they fought over that for a while. "Shake Your Groove Thing" was the song and the card told him to "Shake what your mama gave you," to which I added: "God and your mama gave you good stuff!" I thought it was funny, but probably underappreciated.

We had the Summer of Fun tour of the chocolate factory and lunch at Fritz's train restaurant today. He had a good time. He looks so much older now than at this time last year. I guess he is!

Then, as the final topper on the cake, I took him for a surprise trip to Chuck E Cheese. I always feel like mid-week birthdays are hard for my kids, because the party usually isn't until the weekend, and Dad isn't even home. So, CEC is generally on the agenda. I can only stand to go about once a year, so never say I didn't sacrifice for my children. Beth Scholes told me that she hopes she can go without ever having to take her kids-- yeah right.

So, all in all it was a good day. Several friends and family members called to wish him happy birthday, and I think that means a lot to him. Party comes this weekend, so that will be interesting and blog-worthy I'm sure.

Sam's birthday pics

Sam's birthday commenced with a summer fun trip to Fritz's train restaurant and Chips Chocolate Factory. As I said before, a fan favorite.

Sam and Carter waiting to eat lunch

Sam, Carter, Kate and Chloe: Life imitating art

The girls waiting to eat lunch: Kate, Stella and Chloe

That evening, we went to celebrate at Chuck E Cheese with the Ernstings and Janet.

Stuart broke the no big gift rule and got Sam his very own flight jacket with patches to sew on and a name badge. We ordered big, and it's REALLY big. I think it will be able to be used this year and next. At least. He opened it on the weekend after his birthday.

BMB: Such a sucker!!!

The countdown to Kindergarten is on. In my head, a clock is ticking away every day, every minute until my little man steps on the bus for transition day.


For those who don't know, transition day is elementary school code for letting the kindergarteners have a practice day all to themselves before being trampled by the more experienced bullies, I mean, 6th graders. They even have a "yahoo/boohoo party" during the morning, which I think means that the parents of kindergartners who are home on friday mornings get together and bond. Aren't I going to be spending enough time with these people over the next 7 years?

The impact on my life seems to be that I have become a total pushover to the whims of my son. Now, he's gone to timeout twice in the last 24 hours for disobedience and attitude (yes, my son, with the attitude). But if he wants to play computer all day, fine. If he wants to build a space ship in the living room, whatever.

Case in point: yesterday I took him to piano. This is Monday routine: Kate to Jo's, Sam to piano, Sam to Jo's, mom to work. Well, he heard me making plans for Five Guys, and wanted to come to lunch too. It's an adult lunch, with boring conversation, I said. No games. No problem, he responded. So, he came.

Then during lunch, he looks at me with those big eyes, and comes over to give me a hug and tell me that I'm his "best mommy." I assume this public appreciation will disappear with many other vestiges of youth on August 14.

So, when I mention going to Jo's and he gets all, "Let's run errands. Let's spend the day together." What am I supposed to do? Run errands. Spend the day together, even though that is Sam code for going downstairs to play Jump Start World while I work upstairs.

It's going to be a long two weeks (but oh so short!!!!)

Vacation pics

I know some of you are waiting to see vacation pics, and that I need to record some of our experiences on this year's trip for posterity, but it won't be until this weekend at the earliest. I could have blogged from camp, but it would have required actual work, so, no.

Summer of Fun WHAT?

I can't believe I haven't posted any pictures or stories about the Incredible Summer of Fun yet! It's really been a good summer and we've done lots of good things. I was going through getting pictures ready to add to previous posts and didn't find any previous posts! So, to make this easier to view and more accurate for posterity, I'm going to go back and post pictures on the days they were taken. So, you may have to look back a bit for the good stuff.

Yesterday, we went to the Whorton's for the annual pool party. I counted at one point, and I think we had 25 moms and kids! That's a lot of kids! They had so much fun swimming and squirting and eating, as you'll see in the pictures. I think it will end up being one of my kids' favorite activities this summer. Beth was so brave to open her pool for us, and she even mentioned doing it again sometime! Wow! What a woman!

Here we go:

I dubbed Chloe the "Floatie Queen" and I heard her refer to herself as that later!

Amy and Addie

Weston and Kate, pool supply team



"Wow! How does she do that with her foot?!!"

Brothers sharing? This is incredible!

Eating!

More eating fun!

Lunch Box

Sam loves the Night at the Museum movies. Therefore, Kate loves the Night at the Museum movies. Of course, only the first is available on video, therefore when the kids crave Night at the Museum, it's the choice.

Sam's also really good at quoting movies, and one of his favorites of late is something like: "Watch it, lunch box! I once went 8 rounds with John L. Sullivan." I can't remember the exact phrase right now, but he does.

Well, Kate wants to quote movies too, though as of yet hasn't shown a real knack for it. (She did demonstrate a Sharpay pose for me yesterday, though, that was quite funny.) So her version of the quote goes something like this: "Watch out, lunch box. I want two thousand dollars from Jullivan Sullivan."

I know it's not nearly as funny to read as it is to hear, but it was just cracking me up in the car this morning and I wanted to get it down before I forgot. Those Mickey Rooney lines are by far the funniest in the movie. They like to call each other "Snack Shack" too.

BMB: I hate mornings.

Actually, I don't. If I had to characterize myself as a morning or night person, I definitely fall on the morning side of the fence. So does my son. For sure.
So, to clarify, I hate WORK mornings. In order to be at work near the 8 am target, we need to be out the door as close to 7 as possible. No, my commute is not an hour, but the sitter is 10 minutes away in the opposite direction, add in a stop at McDonald's and my 30 minute commute—you get the picture.

It shouldn't be a big deal, I tell myself, because Sam gets up at 6:15 on a Saturday anyway. Murphy's rule applied to children: The child who wakes up at 6 am on Saturday will always want to sleep late on work days.

I remember mornings B.C. (before children). I'd take my time getting ready, stop and watch the news a little bit on my way out the door, grab a leisurely breakfast and read a little before heading out the door. Now, I didn't give myself as much grace in the desired time of arrival, but in general, it was relaxing and a great way to start a day.

Now, mornings are filled with terror, prodding, and frustration. The kids have to be woken to cries of "it's too sunny in here" and "leave me alone" (both from my 2-year-old) and a constant battle with Sam about watching "just one more cartoon" and taking a Wii game to the sitter. I have to look over the banister about every 5 minutes or so while making breakfast, monitoring morning potty stops, and trying to remember all the things we need to take with us for that evening's activities. I look over and yell: "How can you not be dressed by now?" or "We need to leave in 5 minutes! Eat up!" Then, when the clock strikes 7, it's mush, mush, get out to the car, what have we forgotten today?, and is the garage door closed? Heaven forbid that I failed to see the morning forecast, because my drive to the sitter may include a quick U-turn to put the dog back in the house if clouds look menacing.

Does all that exhaust you? It does me too. And it honestly makes me rethink the entire parenting ordeal. Was I this difficult to get out the door? It takes me the entire drive to work just to calm down from the frenetic pace of it all.

I'm doing a Bible study about the thoughts we carry and how they affect our lives. Let me just tell you, the thoughts that are generated between 6:30 and 7:30 each morning are not helpful. God is not being honored. Even our traveling prayer team (i.e. circus) inspires little positive thought.

I'm not sure if I'm alone in all this, but I doubt it. I'm just thankful that it isn't a 5-day-a-week occurrence. For that, I consider myself blessed.

Are we even at the Royals game?

Since I had a little boy, I have longed for the day that we could pick up and go to a day game. Well, today was that day. Thanks to the new Outfield Experience, I think I can safely say we had more outfield experience than game experience, but thus is modern sports. Get used to it. How many of you can honestly say you go for the game, not for the hotdogs, peanuts and post-game fireworks?

They did have a fun time. Only a few families went and once we met up and got the ticket situation all settled, I think we all had a good time. The kids sure were worn out afterwards. All that running around and playing will do that to you.

While watching the game, Sam and I had a memorable discussion about how farts do not really impress girls. I don't think he believes me.

Ticket transition required some waiting. No problem: Sam and Kate show me their muscles!

The wait to bat at the Little K was longer than the wait to get inside! Note, Evan's not thrilled with the waiting.

Sam hitting in the little K! Look at the intensity!

Look at the ball go mommy! (Hee! She really did hit it later.)



The big moment was worth the wait. Especially for us, as Evan took the bases backwards!

Sam on the Slugger carousel. I have to say, I encouraged the horse selection just so I could get this picture!

Food was a big part of the experience for all. Especially Kate. (This is staged, but she had just done this to get the last of the popcorn just beforehand.)


See. We did watch the game for a while.