Adam Learns To Ride A Bike

We got a notice from Adam's preschool that they were going to do a Ride-A-Thon for St. Jude's.  The kids would ride a bike of their choice around the parking lot in order to raise money.  So, we thought this was a perfect motivating factor for getting those training wheels off of Adam's bike.  We've tried in the past, but really not dedicated the time/effort to the training and Adam would inevitably end up scared, crying, mad, or whining...or a combination of all.  Now we had a deadline...today actually.  He worked so hard and over the course of 2 days, and a total of about 20 minutes practice time,  he did it!!  Chris and I couldn't believe how fast he caught on.  There were some spills, but as the expert parents we are, we brushed it off and kept going.  Here are a few pics of the beginning process.  The result is a kid who asks to go ride his bike everyday and a kid who has found a whole new independence with what he can now do "All By Himself!!"

Success!!

This was one of those learning moments

Visiting Aunt Teresa

I'm so behind on blogging. I can't seem to sit down and devote the time even with Adam in school now.  Then, last week, we had a piece break on the computer and it wasn't worth fixing. So we got a new computer which took a little longer to get back to blogging.  Anyway,  A few weeks ago we drove to spend a blitz weekend with my sister now that she's moved to Austin.  We wanted to see her new place and where she works.  This trip had a cloud on it though because at the very beginning of it, Chris got food poisoning that didn't end up leaving his system for a week.  So, we did as many fun things that we could while Chris felt good enough to leave the apartment. 

We stopped in Houston to visit Uncle Jeff and his family for one night.  We took advantage of the fun pool and play time with the cousins!!  Here's Caleb trying on some goggles.

When we got to Aunt Teresa's apartment we had to try her pool out too, of course!!  It had a great view because it's on top of one of the hills overlooking Hwy 360.   Gorgeous!!

We took off to Zilker Park to fly kites one morning.  The boys loved it and we adults had a blast too!

More on this vacation later...all the other pics are on the old computer. 

Adam's First Day of Preschool!!

This was it!  Adam walked into his very first classroom this morning.  I was thinking about it and the first day of school will only happen a few times his whole life.  He was a little nervous but as soon as he crossed the threshold of the classroom there was much to do.  I gave him a quick hug and let him go.  Caleb and I turned and headed out alone.  Since that moment I've been struck by how odd it is to be without him this morning as I drive and do laundry and play with Caleb.  I've pretty much spent 24 hours a day of 4.5 years with this kid since he was born. I know it will become the norm because he will go to school everyday, but I'm trying to soak up how this transition feels and remember it.  He's so smart and humorous and such a gentle soul.  My hope is that this school year gives him the confidence to go into Kindergarten and the playmates he's been starving for.  Good luck Adam!!  We love you!!

The night before school, he picked out his clothes and got his bag ready.

Walking in to school...looking around nervously.

Walking down the long hall to his classroom

Found his Monkey Room.  I did not get one good picture of his happy face.  He kept looking around at everything.

His teacher, Mrs. Sheila, showing the kids to their cubbies.  Adam's seat is in the middle of the horseshoe at the green table right now.  She has lots of centers around the room for the kids. 

After a great first day, Adam was all smiles and full of details.  I treated him to Cane's Chicken for lunch as he told me about it.  Notice his sticker on his shirt.  He was very proud that he did not have to move his Monkey on the behavior chart!!  He will earn a piece of candy if he stays on green all week.  He hurt his leg on the slide and got an ice pack!  He was the first to find the class mascot, a hidden Curious George monkey.   He always washed his hands after using the bathroom.  He got to paint a monkey with 3 colors, but it has to stay at school.  And he came home singing,  "Where Is Pumpkin, Where is Pumpkin,"  I thought that was funny. 

Caleb telling me about his day without Adam.  He kept calling for him and asking about him all morning.  I think Caleb and I will have some great one-on-one time this year. 

The Next Michael Phelps

Just thought this was a cool shot.  Adam's new favorite thing, at 4 years old I remind you, is to dive down into the deep end and retrieve rings or other things off the bottom!!   Amazing!! 

Caleb and Mommy having some fun too!!

New Baby in the Family

Welcome baby Aviah!  Chris cousin just had this beautiful baby girl and we got to see her the day she was born!! 

Shout Out

Finally got an update from my brother Brian. He's been firefighting out west in the wilderness all summer and I don't get to hear from him often. He sent this shot to show us some of the fun stuff he's been doing! At least he's not bored!  Thought I would pass it along to all you family out there that checks my blog. 

 

Caleb's New Question

Caleb, who is now 21 months, has a new question he is asking me everywhere we go.  He is trying to categorize people into good guys and bad buys.  This makes total sense because his favorite thing to play with Daddy and Adam is "Bad Guys" with Batman and other heroes.  It began in Wal-Mart as I saw somebody I knew and Caleb asks in greeting,  "Bad Guy??"  I had to explain to the lady what he was talking about with a little embarrassment.  Would you want to be identified as a bad guy or a good guy?  It happened again as I had a visitor come to the house.  The first thing out of his mouth was, "Bad Guy?"   I stumbled over another explanation.   I'm hoping he switches and starts asking,  "Good Guy?"  The explanations will be so much easier.