Big Guy

He just got on and rode.  He hasn't had any interest in the balance bike since he couldn't keep up with the big guys on it, so I thought he'd be in training wheels forever.  Turns out this guy has great balance and quite a bit of determination.  

4th of July

Our neighborhood park was prime viewing for the Macy's fireworks this year.  We had a picnic supper with some friends at dusk as we waited for the show.

Lots of ooooohhhhs and aaaaahhhhhhs from the boys.  Looking forward to it again next year!

Preschool is in the books!

With Ms. Jelena

Hans was not so sentimental about leaving preschool.  He told his teachers he would not miss them.  Oh, that boy.  We celebrated with pizza for dinner on the patio.

With Ms. LaTriece

He'll officially "move up" at a ceremony in August, but we decided he'd be out for the summer with Freddie before starting prekindergarten in the fall.  I'm hoping some time and space between experiences will make for an easier transition.  He seems to be excited for his new school and actually mentions it pretty regularly.  I'm excited to see what the fall brings!

Kindergarten is in the books!

My last day walking my kindergartner to school with just the two of us.  

The last week of kindergarten was an emotional one!  When I said "Today is your last Monday of kindergarten!"  the tears began, for both of us.  And it was the same on his last Tuesday, last Wednesday, last Thursday, and the very last day of school.  He really loves school.

4 kids were absent, already traveling to their home countries

Freddie and Ms. Shappee

Charlie, Hans, and I got to visit Freddie's class with other families to celebrate the end of the year and look through all of Freddie's work through the year.  So amazing to see how much he has grown academically.

I drew a picture and wrote a note on every single lunchbox napkin this year.  Wonder when he'll ask me to stop.

The last day of school he asked that the whole family walk him to school and pick him up.  He had decided we'd have a lunch celebration since it was a half day of school.

Last day of kindergarten!

The walk the last day of school was just like all the others.  He had to run ahead to get into the building as soon as possible!

My boy picked Popeye's for lunch.  I didn't complain, but did find it funny that this was his idea of a big meal out.

He got his report card, and all rave reviews except for one comment from his music teacher about "more singing and less talking."  He is quite the social butterfly, but he did take this comment to heart and seemed a bit bummed that it was written on his report card.  That's the consequence of being silly in music.  Something to improve on next year, my love.

First day of summer vacation

Can't believe he's finished kindergarten, and moving up to 1st grade!  I am so very proud of him, and so thankful for a successful start to school.

Field Day

Freddie and his buddy Ezra.  Not sure who the kid photo bombing is

Kindergarten had a morning of games for field day.

Egg Spoom

It was nice to see Freddie with his buddies and so excited about something special happening at school.

Charlie was able to come for a bit.  I am so thankful for his flexible schedule to be present at these times when it means so much to Freddie.

Racing one of his best buddies, Diana

There were lots of parents around to help which was so nice to see.

Freddie, Cole and Deniz

This was the last week of school and winding down to the end of kindergarten!

What did you wish for?

I wished for Dad to not have to go to work every day.

Yup, tugging at your heart.

Imdependence

The kids have been exerting independence in all sorts of ways lately, some welcome and some not so welcome.  One that has gone over fairly well is making their own lunch.

Usually it is a double decker pb&j, but the other day Hans put together a grape jam and pickle chip sandwich.  He rounded it out with some yogurt on the side for protein and a few blueberries.  And he ate it.  All of it.

They manage to take care of everything themselves, scaling the counters to get down their supplies.  Everything gets put away and dishes end up in the sink.  I try to overlook the sticky counters and cabinets, because they're trying and I don't want to discourage.

Having a taste of each other's creations (concoctions?)

And it's so cute to see them work together.

Hans is FOUR

How is it that you are four, my baby boy?  And remember you are always my baby.  Always.  Lately you ask a lot of questions about the future and I never want you to be afraid of what lies ahead.  I look forward to seeing who you become as much as I have loved watching you these last four years.  You are amazing.

Loving...  Snuggling in the mornings.  And I love you hearing you say "You, and Fweddie, and Daddy are the most important things to me."  I'd say Freddie is your ultimate love even though he causes you quite a bit of heartache.  You also have traded in your imaginary friend for you best buddy, Gabe.  No other friends compare, although your teachers said you finally warmed up to some other kids in the class.  You also LOVE the water and swimming.  I hope we always have access to a pool for you because swimming is something that makes you quite happy.

Hating...  You have a hot temper and get so frustrated if anyone dares interrupt you.  "You're interrupting me!"  Thankfully you let people know where they stand!  You are hot and cold with social events, but mostly stick close to me and would rather just be at home with your family.

Eating...  just about everything.  You're not picky and are pretty much willing to try most foods.  You don't like macaroni and cheese as much as most kids but you'll take one for the team and eat it when Freddie requests it.  You consume quite a bit, as I assume your tall stature and thick build demands it.

Reading...  You'll bring me books a lot and love to be read to. Dad has just started reading chapter books with you and you sit ad listen for quite some time and follow along well even without the help of pictures.  You've also started "reading" to us, reading books you've memorized or make up stories to go with the pictures.

Writing...  You are expressing so much interest in writing lately.  I love it!  You used to want me to write so you could trace it.  Now you sometimes ask me to write something so you can copy it to you just ask how to spell it.  I think you know what most uppercase letters look like, and you are pretty good with lowercase as well.

I Love Mama

Signs for your store

Answering the question of the day at preschool

Drawing...  Your drawing has changed so much in the last few months.  You've started to draw people and trees and the sun.  You still have very elaborate stories to accompany your pictures but I am usually able to see what each picture represents.  You do love drawing and can sit at your little table for an hour or more drawing and cutting and glueing.

Playing school

Doing...  You love playing with dinosaurs, cars, trains, and blocks.  Pretend play is how you spend most of your time.  You have no problem keeping yourself busy when there's no one around to entertain you.  This year you've participated in swim team, soccer, and gymnastics.  You're a pretty talented athlete from what we can tell, excellent coordination and balance, and pretty determined.

Talking about...  You talk.  You talk a lot.  You tell lots of long stories.  You still can't quite get the L and R sounds so sometimes I need you to repeat things a few times.  I know these sounds will come later, and it actually makes me sad to think about.

Singing...  Lately you've been asking me to sing "I'm a little teapot."  You love listening to music and mumbling along with the words.

Wearing...  You're wearing size 4/5 in most things and size 11 shoes.  You like hats and surprisingly ask to pick out your outfits more often than Freddie asks.

Watching...  Wild Kratts and Octonauts are your two main shows.  They're about animals, something you love.  You still aren't too interested in movies, although you like to talk about scenes from 101 Dalmatians still and chuckle about them even though it has been ages since we've watched it.

Sleeping...  During the school year you were fast asleep by 7.30 most nights and up about 6.30.  Our schedule has shifted a little with summer but you're still logging a solid 11 hours each night.  You love snuggling with Teddy still each night.

Feeling...  You're an emotional little dude.  You get your feelings hurt, a lot.  And it makes me sad to see those tears but you do like a good snuggle to help you get over it.  You've also got a hot temper and get very frustrated, although I have seen lots of improvement lately in being able to control your emotions.  You don't haul off and hit Freddie nearly as much as you used to.

Wanting...  a pet, a swimming pool, a treehouse, and believe it or not... a baby sister.  Hope you get one of those one day!

Happy 4th birthday, Hansie.  I love you as big as the world, forever and ever.  My love for you is unconditional.  I am so proud of you and so thankful you are my son.