Swimming Lessons

Let's just say that swimming lessons are not your favorite. 

Us

Picnic

Block Tower

You were so proud of your tower!  You tried to make a house but got very frustrated that you could not make it exactly like the picture on the box. 

Silly streak

Lately, whenever I ask you to say cheese, you do this. :o)

At the River

Every summer as a kid, we made the trip to Uncle Mike's river house.  I loved it. It was where I learned that muddy water is where you learn to swim with life jackets, where boats go slow under bridges, and you learn to mind your wake when riding jet skis.  Hot dogs and hamburgers on paper plates are always served for lunch, and you are always welcomed as family. 

It is especially sweet to bring my own babies here to this special place that we are still treated as special guests every warm summer day spent at the river. 

Turkey dinner, Brother John

We were singing an old reverse of "brother John" called turkey dinner

You immediately picked up that the melody was " brother John" and started singing it. 

Brother John

We were singing a song you learned in nursery school "turkey dinner"

We sang a verse, And by yourself you came up with the actual song of the melody which was brother John. Incredible. !!

Play Math with me?

Tonight after dinner, You brought over your comprehensive learning book And said "Grandma will you play math with me?"

Love this kid. 

"So Smart"

We know you're smart. It's still validating though, When other people recognize it. 

Every Sunday morning before church you go to Sunday school. And Out of all the kids in that class, your teachers decided that you are too smart to spend another year in the preschool room and need to move up with the rising kindergartners.

That, along with the fact that you have another year of preschool to go before you're even eligible for kindergarten, and you would be the youngest kindergartner in your class if you start on time makes you incredible. 

"Stop messing with my baby Brudder"

Yesterday at the pool was the first time I had heard you angrily defend one of your siblings. 

A little girl was dumping water on Henry's head and making him cry. You scrunched your eyes down and said" hey stop messing with my baby brother. "

Proud mama moment. 

Daddy's letter about Charlotte on Fathers Day

Charlotte is so smart.   Her mind remembers everything and her heart is full of love.  She understands how things work and will never press for what she wants to achieve through engaging an obstacle.  Charlotte can sense the obstacle before it appears and has a work around for every problem.  She spends her time (usually after bed time) pretending to read, organizing her vast collection of things.  My favorite time is when she can recite what she learned in Sunday School to the toddlers' teacher a full week after she learned it.  (As a result, she will be moving up to the kindergarten class.)  She can recognize letters, numbers, count to I don't know how high; but, beyond that, when she makes eye contact and says 'Daddy, you need to...'  You just better do it because she has already figured out why I need to and it is just a matter of she cannot do whatever is she needs done.  With her, your word is your contract and God save the queen, you best live up to it or you will get "Daddy, really?"  And yes Charlotte we can read one more book because you do not want to sleep... Jackie gets another A+ here for raising  this little girl with a heart full of love.

Charlotte the turtle

One morning we found a turtle on the sidewalk. You thought of the perfect name for her. "Charlotte".

We Observed her for a little while, then we set her free back in her home in the pond. (So she could be with her mommy who was obviously missing her by now)

Busch Gardens

Pool

Beautiful Charlotte

Literally. :)

We are experimenting with a sticker system for a behavior chart for you And your sister and brother.

Turns out it's a big hit! I asked each of you to put two stickers on your name. You took the stickers and put them on your name, covering the letters.

You make me giggle.

Xander's Birthday Party

Roar!!! Your friend Xander from preschool threw a dinosaur birthday party and it was so fun!!