Summertime Fun

Around here, summer seemed to come early as LT's summertime activities overlapped with the last week of school.  The first thing on the agenda was a month long swim class.  LT enjoys playing in the water, but swimming is another thing entirely.  I wasn't sure how things would go, but LT quickly showed everyone that he was determined to do his best and try everything.  After the first day, his most repeated question was, "Is it time for swimming class?"

Ms. Jessie worked with LT for the majority of the class.  They were fast friends.

 

That same week, I took the boys to Sea World for a day camp.  This was LT's second year at the camp (somehow I managed to miss it on last year's blog).  We got there bright and early - before the park was open - and enjoyed a private tour of the park, complete with opportunities to feed the sea lions and birds.

The penguins were fun to watch.

 

And the sea lions were lazy.

 

The aviary was really cool, but LT had trouble spotting the birds at first.  Gabe didn't.  In fact, a rather large bird decided his shoulder was a good place to land, which sent the poor child into hysterics.

 

I was able to get a couple of pictures of LT feeding the birds before I had to take a very upset baby out of there.

 

Things have since quieted down.  The boys have enjoyed playing together and trips to the public library.  But LT still misses school and is counting down the days until first grade starts.

Last Day of School

Here he is - one school year older, one school year wiser, and happy to be spending today in "party mode" with his class.  

On to First Grade

Just 9 short months ago, we shared photos of LT's first day of school.  And yesterday, we celebrated the end of that journey at his class' promotion ceremony.  Each student earned a Kindergarten completion certificate and a candy award.

Ted received the "Bubble Yum" award for having a fun and bubbly personality.  He was quite proud of his accomplishment.

After the ceremony, we spend a lot of time taking photos with Ted's kinder buddies.  Here's a few of the images we captured:

And the day would not have been complete without a picture of LT and his teacher, Mrs. Leveck

and his little brother, who has earned the title of "Ted's cute baby":

I didn't realize how much Ted has grown in the past 9 months until later that evening, when I was reading Ted his bedtime story.  We were trying to predict the plot of "A New Pet for Pete" when LT grabbed the book from my hands and said, "Here Mom, let me do it." Then, he proceeded to read me the rest of the story.  In just 9 months time, Ted turned into a big boy who can  read his own story books, work independently, and help others.  We couldn't be more proud.

Who Am I?

I'm one cool cat (do you see my ears on my hat?)

I have a shirt with groovy buttons, I rock my school shoes, and I love to play the guitar.

I'm Pete the Cat!  LT chose this character for today's book character parade at school - the first event to kick off Literacy Week. I might be biased since I made the costume, but I think it's a pretty good likeness.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4LF9XMqdFjo

Don't blink . . .

Or your mega roll of toilet paper will be stretched out across your house.

An Inexpensive Mother's Day Gift

Carly and Chica have a good Mother's Day gift idea for you that I know mom will love . . .

Happy Mother's Day

Luckily, my boys have shown no signs of inheriting their mother's rhythm. 

Ritual Nighttime Conversation

LT: Am I clean, Mommy?
Mom: You need to take a bath tonight, Ted.
LT: AGAIN!?!
Mom (with a sigh): Yes, son.  Again.

Watch Out World!

Gabriel is on the move:


And he's very proud of his new skill:

Two Breaks

Spring Break and Easter Break - the two main holidays for the spring semester - have already come and gone.

Spring Break was a little less than enjoyable.  We passed around a stomach virus (I'll spare you all the gory details), and that superbug attacked everyone except LT and had us down for the better part of the break.

While we'd all like to forget that illness, we did manage to get some memorable photos taken at our local JCP.  Apart from his hospital photos, these are Gabriel's first professional pics.

Easter was far more fun, but far too short.  We started off the holiday with the arrival of this:

Believe me when I say that LT was the happiest boy in the city that Thursday.  The best part about this swingset - LT gladly puts down his electronics in favor of spending time on his slide and swings.

Grandma and Grandpa Gonzalez and Matthew arrived that afternoon.  They helped us celebrate Gabriel's birthday on Friday, and on Saturday, we had our Easter egg hunt.

We always enjoy their visits.  LT especially likes running around town with Grandma, Grandpa, and his cousin, and we like having a good excuse to BBQ and enjoy lots of sweets.  

It will probably be a good while before we enjoy another break like this, but we certainly look forward to it - whenever it comes up!

The Little Boy Turns One

One year ago today, on a stormy spring afternoon, Gabriel made his grand entrance into the world. Where did the time go? Has it really been a year? Indeed it has, and what a year! If I had to sum up Gabriel in one word, it would be "playful." He loves to be silly and have fun. One minute, he'll let out a squeal and chase down his brother's abandoned iPad. Then, you can find him tossing a throw pillow over his head, giggling the whole time. Next, he's crawling around the living room at full speed, head down so that he can go faster. If he happens to bump into the couch, no matter; it just makes things all the more fun.

But as I write this, I realize that reading about Gabriel is not sufficient. You have to experience him. He might be small, but he can let out mighty squeals, screams, and shouts. Sometimes they're the result of him copying his brother. Other times, he's letting you know that he needs your attention . . . now.

Experiencing Gabriel also means that you might receive a bite on the chin or a swipe across the face. He's an active little booger, and he channels much of that energy into roughhousing, just like the big boys. He'll lean into, tackle you, and grab your cheeks, so if you want to play with him, be sure you're on your toes.

But don't get the wrong idea. Gabriel is an all around sweet and happy boy. He's full of smiles and will make sure that he makes you smile, too.

Happy birthday, precious boy!