The fortune

Tonight I gave the kids a bath, John read books to Gillian, and I read a few pages of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Then the three of us snuggled in my bed with Gillian's manket. John decided to get his Grandma blanket so we could all get under it. After about thirty seconds, the kids got bored. John said "I wish we could build a fort." I said "Go for it." They went running to John's room. They were working for awhile when Daddy got home. Gillian heard the front door open and she greeted Daddy when he walked upstairs. "We're building a fortune!" she said proudly. Daddy questioned her "A fortune?" Gilly nodded and said "Yup. We're building a fortune in Johnny's room." Daddy said "Oh a fort, go help John." She ran away and about two minutes later they both were standing in our doorway. John said "You know what? We need some help building our fort." Daddy went to John's room to help out. 

Soon all I heard was giggles. I checked on them. Gillian proudly said "Daddy made our fortune! And we can watch movies in here!"

They played in their fort until bedtime. When I tucked John in bed, he was telling me "I want to make it so it's taller. That way we can bothe sit up in it." When I tucked Gillian in bed, she said "I wish I could have a fort in my room." I love that a simple fort made them use their imagination.  

Exhausted

I brought Gillian to work with me today. She was due for her annual physical and I figured it was easier to bring her to work instead of dropping her off at school after her appointment. Plus then her teachers didn't get stuck dealing with a cranky little girl. 

We went to work first and I tried to get some stuff done before heading to the doctor. Gillian set up on John's desk and worked on a picture and her "un-pewter" (her leapfrog laptop). Then it was time to go to the doctor. She was amazing in the doctors office. While we were waiting for the doctor to arrive, I said "I hope you have your listening ears." She smiled and said "Nope. I left them at home." Luckily for me, she was teasing because she listened to the doctor and didn't even cry when she got her shots. 

Since she was so good at the doctors, I let her pick whatever pastry she wanted from Starbucks. She picked a chocolate chip cookie. And then said "But I need something to drink." She really can work the system. She had her snack when we went back to the office. And before I realized it she was eating goldfish. She told Mimi "I like to eat!" 

Having Gillian at the office is different than John. John entertains himself, while Gillian needs constant contact. "Mama, can I use your stamp?" "Mommy, do you have any markers?" "Mommy, can I sit with you?" "Mama, what does that say?" 

It was a long day for Mommy, but Gillian feels special. 

Family movie

Tonight we ate pizza in the living room and watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I know. It doesn't sound that exciting. But it was. John was super excited to see all the characters that we have read about come to life. He jumped on the couch when he was excited and hid his face when he was scared. It was amazing watching him enjoy the movie and remember parts from the book. My favorite was when he questioned why they would have to cut parts of the book out of the movie. Perfect night. 

A day at work

John's school was closed today for Rosh Hashanah. I brought him to work with me. It was raining this morning, while in the car headed to the dealership and John said "It's too yucky to go to work." Kinda hard to disagree with that. But I said "Sorry Buddy, we gotta go to work even when it is raining outside." 

We had a pretty unevntful day. John sat at his desk (yes, he has his own desk in my office) and worked on a big picture. He also did some homework too. He assisted me when I went downstairs. Mr. Carlos told John that he could be in charge today (since Mimi wasn't in), but John said "No." Mr. Carlos continued to encourage him and said "You could send all of us home." John again said "No." We told him that Pop-Pop would be very proud. 

We had lunch together and he got to watch some cartoons. 

He did spend a good part of his day playing his DS. 

But he did get to try out the Harley that was in the showroom. 

All in a days work. 

Harry Potter

A few weeks ago, I started reading John "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I did the same thing last year. But he really didn't really get into it. And it was hard to keep his attention. So I started reading it again. He loves it. He remembers what I read about and questions everything. Daddy asks every night about what we read. And John will give him a little synopsis. "He played quiddich and he caught the ball in his mouth! And he didn't fall!" "They had a dragon and they had to give it away!" "They had to go in the FORBIDDEN forest. And there was something drinking unicorn blood. And you know what? That's no good. You only get half a life!"

Last night, we finished the book. He told me "Harry Potter, the boy who lived twice! Two times he beat you-know-who!" I told him that there are movies of each book and that when we finish reading a book we can watch the movie. He is looking forward to seeing the movie, but he was very excited to start the second book tonight. I am very excited that he enjoys our special time together reading one of my favorite books. 

Dance - lesson 2

Today was Gillian's second day of dance class. She was super excited to get out of bed this morning. Dance class certainly motivates her!

Tonight she told us about class. She said "We did this!" And she stood on her tippy toes and spun around in a circle. Daddy asked her to do it again. She did. And then she said "And we did this. Fast feet!" And she ran around the kitchen table on her tippy toes. 

Tea Party

It's been a long time since I have enjoyed a tea party with Gillian. Yesterday Aunt Betty and Justin came to visit. The kids were playing happily downstairs while Aunt Betty and I talked upstairs. We went to check on them and found John and Justin playing video games. Gillian, on the other hand, had on a pretty dress up skirt and fairy wings. She was setting up a tea party. Aunt Betty and I joined her. I laid out a blanket and helped her set up the plates and napkins. Aunt Betty worked on the cookies and sandwiches. Gillian got some friends (stuffed animals and babies) to join us. She brewed up some coffee (in her coffee maker). And then she said "We need a menu!" She found the Magna Doodle and gave it to me. "Write the menu." Aunt Betty and I laughed and she insisted "Write the menu." I asked her "What do I write?" She gave me a little list of what we were having. "Mac & Cheese, chips, coffee, drinks, cookies, sammiches." I wrote her list and she got mad because I missed something. And I had to rewrite it. Aunt Betty and I really enjoyed our tea party with Gillian and her friends. 

Here are some pictures of the party. And yes, I know I can't spell potatoes. 

Suburban

In the car this morning, we got stuck waiting for a train to pass. John looked out his window and said "I think I see an animal." I saw it too. I told him, "I think that's a groundhog." He said "I don't know. I've never seen one. We should look at my animal book. First we know it's a suburban animal. And it eats leaves." I questioned "Suburban?" He said "We live in a suburban community. Rural is the biggest. But we live in a suburban community. We need to look for him in my animal book."

Sunday Hugs

Sunday morning, John came downstairs and immediately asked "Can I watch shows?" Daddy said "Yes." I said "No." John said "I guess I gotta pay you." I said "Yes. I gotta get all my hugs now. Because, I know you won't believe this, but at some point you won't want to give Mommy hugs or kisses." He came over and climbed in my lap and gave me a big hug. He said "I would never not want to give you hugs." Daddy and I laughed. We said "One day you won't want to. And you will not like Mommy and Daddy. But that's ok, because it won't last long. And we will still love you eventhough you will think you know better than us." He still didn't believe us. But I got a super tight hug as payment for letting him watch shows. 

Dance class

Gillian started taking pre-ballet class at her school.  It is with Wee Can Dance.  They come to Gillian's school once a week and teach basic ballet techniques.  They do an introductory class and Gillian really enjoyed it.  We figured we would sign her up and see if she likes it or not. 

Gillian was super excited this morning when I dressed her in her leotard, tights and ballet shoes.  When Daddy took her to school, one of her friends saw her and said "Yay!  Gillian's in our dance class too!"

When I arrived home tonight, Gillian said "Do you want to see my ballet moves?"  And she did a little twirl.  She also told me "Boys bow and girls do this."  And she did a little move.  I tried to mimic her and she said "No.  Like this."  And showed me again. 

After dinner, I asked her to show me some of the things she learned in class.  She insisted on putting on her shoes and using the deck to dance.

Spike

Gillian has a stuffed dragon named Spike. Spike had a little cut on his neck. Last week, we asked Aunt Betty to take him home so Grandma could stitch him up. Before Aunt Betty could take him, Gillian had to give him lots of kisses and squeezies. When I tucked her into bed that night she said to me "I'm really worried about Spike!" I said "Don't worry. Grandma will take good care of him." She questioned "What's she going to do to him?" I said "She is going to stitch up his neck and make him feel better." She started to cry. And said "But he's going to he so scared. I'm really worried about him." I said "Don't worry. Aunt Betty will hold him while Grandma stitches him up." I asked John to talk to her. He told Gillian "Remember? Grandma fixed my Scorch. You want to sleep with him?" And she did. He made her feel better. 

The next morning the first thing she said to me was "I'm really worried about Spike." I again told her "Don't worry Grandma will take good care of him." While Gillian was at school, I received an update. Spike had his surgery and was very brave. Also while his neck was repaired, Grandma noticed another spot that needed to be fixed by Spike's ear. They even sent me a picture of the surgery to show Gillian. 

After his surgery, he rested on Aunt Betty's bed. 

When I arrived home that night again the first thing Gillian said to me was "Can we call Grandma? I'm really worried about Spike!" I showed her the pictures and we FaceTimed Aunt Betty. Gillian said "How's Spike?" Aunt Betty showed her where he was rested and said "He was very brave and he is resting now." Gillian wanted to talk to Grandma but she wasn't there. So she said "Thank you Aunt Betty." We didn't have to wait long and Grandma called us. Gillian said "Thank you." But she was also very concerned with when she would get Spike back. Grandma said "He's resting. He needs to rest before he comes home." And then Gillian said "Why's the light on then?" Grandma laughed and said "You're right. Let me turn off the light so he can rest." 

The next few days, Gillian would say "I'm really worried about Spike." Finally today they were reunited. 

She told me all about Spike's ordeal. "He was really scared. But Aunt Betty held him. He is still tired. He is happy to be back with me. And I can't even see where his boo-boo was!" I have one happy little lady!

Tonight

Tonight we took the kids to dinner at Johnny Rockets. We all ordered milkshakes and ate dinner. Towards the end of our meal, the waitress came over and asked if we wanted dessert. Daddy and I both said no. When she left, John said "Well I would like dessert." We just stared at him. He said "Maybe some ice cream. Just some ice cream." Daddy and I were flabbergasted. Daddy said "You have ice cream." John looked around and said "Where?" Daddy said "In your milkshake. What did you think was in your milkshake?" John didn't hesitate and said "Milk and shake!"

In the car on our way home, a fly flew in my face. I hit it out of my eyes and laughed at myself. (I must have looked like a crazy person!) Gillian couldn't see what was going on from her seat, and she asked "What's the matter Mommy?" I said "A fly tried to fly in my eye!" She said "Maybe he thought you were juicy!"

Cranky

Gilly was super cranky tonight. When I got home with John, they started fighting over who got to sit in the chair by the Lego table. Then she gave the chair to him. And then she was too close to him. Or she touched his stuff. Before dinner Daddy sent her to her room, because she said something fresh and refused to apologize. She came down for dinner and then refused to eat. She was fiesty in the bathtub too. Tonight was challenging, but it's hard to stay mad at that sweet face.  

Back to School Night

Tonight was Back to School night at John's school. We got to meet his new teacher and some of the parents of his new classmates. His new teacher is very interesting and I think she will challenge John this year. 

Hanging outside his classroom were these two pictures. 

It says Jogging, Ocean, Has a sister and Nice. I love all the words he picked. 

I really like this one. It is math about John. Plus I like how one shoe is red and one is blue. 

Pictionary

When I went to get Gillian from school today, I found her in her classroom with some of her friends. They were sitting in a semicircle looking at a dry erase board. One little boy was drawing something on the board and they were all guessing what he drew. They were so cute raising their hands when they had a guess. Gillian saw me and came over looking very sad. "But I didn't get a chance to play!" Miss Denise heard her and said "If Mommy has time, you can go next!" How can you say no to that?!

Gillian was given a marker and she confidently drew a loopy line. I immediately thought it was a tornado. The kids guessed all kinds of things. Finally Clarissa said "A tornado!" Gillian would smile and shake her head. Miss Denise said "Gillian can you give us a hint?"  Gillian said "If you want. I can draw more." And she did. She drew all around her loopy line, until there was a big scribble all over the board. I wasn't sure what she drew. And her friends were just guessing random things. "A butterfly." "A dog." "A mountain." Finally I said "Gillian, we can't figure it out. Can you tell us." She giggled and said "It's just a silly fly." I love her imagination. She drew how the fly flew around (his whole silly path).  It was also really nice to see how she interacted with the other kids and how confident she was around her peers. It was a Great Mommy Moment. 

Backwards

The kids went to bed a little after 8 tonight. I could hear them still moving around by 8:45. So I went to check on them. Gillian was laying with her feet on her pillow. I giggled and gave her a kiss. She said "You know, I'm backwards!" I laughed. "Yes Gillian I can see that." She said "Whatcha doing in here?" I said "I just wanted one more hug. She did a reverse somersault and stood up. She jumped into my arms and gave me a big hug. I laid her back in her bed and tucked her in. I also checked on John. He was still awake, but now had two extra blankets on top of him. He said "I just wanted to get really warm!" I gave him a kiss and went back to my room. 

I checked on them a little while ago. Gillian was asleep laying on top of her covers, but with her head on the pillow. John was also asleep, but was already sweating. Maybe he has just one too many blankets. 

Babysitting

Today we got to babysit the kid's new cousin (our new niece), Mackenzie! We have been talking about this all week, so first thing this morning Gillian asked "Is it baby Kenzie day?" I told her yes! And she jumped up and down and said "YES!!!" 

Mackenzie arrived and John had to hold her right away. 

 

He only needs like ten seconds and then he is done. Gillian didn't want to hold her, but did want to lecture us. "Mommy, her doesn't eat food. Just milk. No food." When Daddy was holding Mackenzie, Gillian reminded him, "Don't shake the baby!" When I got to snuggle the baby, Gillian insisted on sitting right next to me. Practically on my lap. But she was being very sweet and loving to Kenzie. While we were snuggling, Gillian asked "Is she sleepovering?" (That's not a typo, that's how she said it). I said not today, but maybe one day. 

Kenzie is a good baby and we had no problems. All of us really enjoyed all our time with our baby cousin/baby niece. 

First day of 2nd grade

Today was John's first day of second grade. He was not happy about getting up this morning. He whined "I just don't like school. I don't like all the work!" Daddy and I explained that going to school was his job. He seemed to get it. Daddy asked "Do you want to take the bus home today?" John quickly said "No. I wanna go to Time +." 

We walked to the bus stop as a family. Gillian insisted on holding John's hand. 

We were surprised to find out that John will have company at the bus stop, a little girl who is in Kindergarten. We didn't introduce ourselves today (but I will tomorrow). It was the first day and her parents seemed super nervous. 

At dinner tonight, I asked John a LOT of questions about his day. Here are some of them and his answers. 

What was your favorite part? "Time +"

What was your least favorite part? "That summer had to end and I had to go back."

What color was your table? "No table. We have desks. But they look like tables. Cause they are pushed together. Six tables in each pack. And there are four packs. That's like 18 desks!"

Who sits across from you in your pack? "A girl. I don't want to talk about it."

Did the bus driver remember you? "Weren't you there?" 

Who did you sit with at lunch? "Boys. We sit far from where I sat last year!" 

We got a lot of information out of him this year. As we were talking, he said "I thought second grade was going to be harder!" Had to giggle a little. It's only day one, I'm sure it will be harder than first grade!

2nd Grade

Can't believe this little man will be starting second grade tomorrow. It feels like this summer went by so quickly. I really hope that he adjusts easily to his new teacher and new classmates. Can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow!

Color Run

Saturday morning, we got up very early to get ready for the Color Run. Like last year, Gillian spent Friday night at Aunt Missy and Uncle T's house. So it was just John, Daddy and I getting ready. Daddy had cut the sleeves off of his Color Run shirt and John had to match! We also had to cut his shirt so it wasn't down to his knees. 

We arrived at Raceway Park bright and early and met Aunt Betty and Justin. The Color Run isn't timed and has a rolling start. We got in line and were part of the second group. John took off like a rocket. He is fast. And he ran in a zig zag. We followed behind and he slowed down after a little while. 

Our first color was pink! We all ran thru and everyone got some pink on them. John got a second wind and ran again. It didn't last long. But before we realized it was time for our next color: Yellow! Yellow was not as good as pink. It was basically like walking thru a big cloud of yellow smoke. None of us really got much color. But luckily we were headed to blue. One of Justin's friends was spraying blue and Justin got covered! We had a long walk from blue to purple. And yes, we were walking. But at this point last year we were all taking turns carrying John on our back. But not this year. He walked or ran the entire 5k. We got to purple and I watched a lady just stick aa-handful of purple in Aunt Betty's hair. Purple is my favorite color and I made sure I got a lot! On our way to the finish line we had to pass yellow again. So Uncle Kyle and Justin hopped the divider and headed back to get some more yellow. They attempted to do pink too, but they were stopped. 

We made it to the finish line and were given individual color packets. Daddy and I got green, John and Justin got red and Aunt Betty got orange. We opened our packets and attacked each other. Poor John couldn't open his packet, after someone helped him, he got everyone!