Who would have thought a small travel size white board, 5 flourescent dry erase markers and a pocket size eraser could be so much fun? When purchasing the gift, my intention was to leave it in the car but it has yet to make it there.
We have recently been using it as a replacement for our chalkboard wall when we play school. When Dylan is the teacher, he actually reiterates things from school. He wants us to raise our hands, only talk one at a time and has encouraging words when we are correct. Camryn just likes to boss us around and I'm pretty sure we don't learn squat. I try to quiz them on what they know without them realizing I'm not really "pretending" to teach.
Today when I drew the letter Z, Camryn was unsure of the correct answer. So I gave her a little hint:
"It's at the end of the alphabet."
And with such gusto and confidence she answered:
"Sing with me!!"
How could I possibly tell her she was wrong!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Dylan learns to skate
Last year when we took Dylan to a Yale hockey game he expressed interest in playing the sport himself. Luckily it was the end of the season and I was able differ his interest to the upcoming tee-ball season.
But his interest was sparked again when a flyer came home for after school floor hockey. I signed him up for the session and he was immediately hooked.
He got a gift certificate for some skating lessons for his birthday and with the holidays behind us I thought it was time to redeem it. So last night I packed a in-the-car kind of dinner, a movie to replace books at bedtime and jammies for the ride home. I only got lost once on the way to the rink (yes, I have GPS but I never know how many warnings I get to turn before I actually have to turn!)
We checked in only to find he was signed up for the later session. Fortunately, the lady recognized Camryn's I just woke up from a too short nap demeanor and knew it would only get worse as time ticked by and was able to squeeze us into the earlier time slot. I had indeed neglected to read the instructions online that informed me all skaters needed helmets. Hockey lady to rescue again with one we could borrow, accompanied by a slight what kind of mom would let their first time skater on the ice without a helmet look.
Bundled up and equipment checked, Dylan embarked out onto the rink. Between my crappy i-phone and the filthy window, this is the best I got:
I'm happy to report he spent the majority of the time on his feet and the entire time with a smile from ear to ear. Does it make me a horrible mom that I'm secretly hoping he doesn't like it? Nothing against the sport, I actually think it's enjoyable to watch. But all the hockey families I talk to tell me how expensive and time consuming of a sport it is. I never thought I would say this but I hope soccer sticks!
But his interest was sparked again when a flyer came home for after school floor hockey. I signed him up for the session and he was immediately hooked.
He got a gift certificate for some skating lessons for his birthday and with the holidays behind us I thought it was time to redeem it. So last night I packed a in-the-car kind of dinner, a movie to replace books at bedtime and jammies for the ride home. I only got lost once on the way to the rink (yes, I have GPS but I never know how many warnings I get to turn before I actually have to turn!)
We checked in only to find he was signed up for the later session. Fortunately, the lady recognized Camryn's I just woke up from a too short nap demeanor and knew it would only get worse as time ticked by and was able to squeeze us into the earlier time slot. I had indeed neglected to read the instructions online that informed me all skaters needed helmets. Hockey lady to rescue again with one we could borrow, accompanied by a slight what kind of mom would let their first time skater on the ice without a helmet look.
Bundled up and equipment checked, Dylan embarked out onto the rink. Between my crappy i-phone and the filthy window, this is the best I got:
I'm happy to report he spent the majority of the time on his feet and the entire time with a smile from ear to ear. Does it make me a horrible mom that I'm secretly hoping he doesn't like it? Nothing against the sport, I actually think it's enjoyable to watch. But all the hockey families I talk to tell me how expensive and time consuming of a sport it is. I never thought I would say this but I hope soccer sticks!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The calm after the storm
There is an eerie quietness in my house today. The kids are happily occupying themselves with their new toys. It's a miracle. The last few days have been non-stop action.
The kids got an obscene amount of gifts. Each of them only wished for one item from Santa. A Lego Ninjago DS game and a ladybug pillow pet. Both items were amongst the sea of gifts under the tree this year. Dylan has 7 new lego sets to assemble, Camryn's new doll has a bigger wardrobe then I do and we gave them a zipline for the backyard which dad needs a day off to build.
We've played all the new games (John and I are addicted to Qwirkle) , read the new books and installed batteries into everything! I should own stock in Duracell! I've been pulled into every direction: making bracelets on the new loom, finding the challenging piece in a puzzle and dodging discs being shot at me from a Nerf gun. (Thanks Dad!)
Yesterday, we picked some old toys to donate in order to make room for the new ones. This is probably my favorite part, purging out the toys that are just not played with and organizing the new ones. For one short hour, the playroom actually looks in tact.
Today, while the kids are content, I'll take down the tree and pack up the decorations. Our house will return to some level of normalcy....and tomorrow the kids will be bored!
The kids got an obscene amount of gifts. Each of them only wished for one item from Santa. A Lego Ninjago DS game and a ladybug pillow pet. Both items were amongst the sea of gifts under the tree this year. Dylan has 7 new lego sets to assemble, Camryn's new doll has a bigger wardrobe then I do and we gave them a zipline for the backyard which dad needs a day off to build.
We've played all the new games (John and I are addicted to Qwirkle) , read the new books and installed batteries into everything! I should own stock in Duracell! I've been pulled into every direction: making bracelets on the new loom, finding the challenging piece in a puzzle and dodging discs being shot at me from a Nerf gun. (Thanks Dad!)
Yesterday, we picked some old toys to donate in order to make room for the new ones. This is probably my favorite part, purging out the toys that are just not played with and organizing the new ones. For one short hour, the playroom actually looks in tact.
Today, while the kids are content, I'll take down the tree and pack up the decorations. Our house will return to some level of normalcy....and tomorrow the kids will be bored!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Santa meets the Tooth Fairy
Nothing rivals the excitement of a child awaiting the arrival of Santa. That is except if you lose your first tooth on Christmas Eve!
Dylan has been wanting to lose a tooth ever since his classmates names got put up on the tooth wall in kindergarten. And it finally happened for him amongst the chaos of Christmas Eve. I'm still not convinced it was loose but he was elated!
So with sugar plums dancing in his head and his first tooth securely under his pillow, Dylan fell asleep. And shortly after, Santa met the tooth fairy!
Dylan has been wanting to lose a tooth ever since his classmates names got put up on the tooth wall in kindergarten. And it finally happened for him amongst the chaos of Christmas Eve. I'm still not convinced it was loose but he was elated!
So with sugar plums dancing in his head and his first tooth securely under his pillow, Dylan fell asleep. And shortly after, Santa met the tooth fairy!
Friday, December 23, 2011
End of the Year Catch up
I find it pathetic that it has been over almost two months since my last post. And it's not like I haven't had things to post about. So I'll cram it all into one just to catch up:
In anticipation for the new Tinkerbelle Pixie Hollow Games movie, Camryn and I made a fairy house!
I'm happy to report not only does she still play with it but its still in one piece!
We had a fabulous vacation and much needed family time. It was great to be together and the resort was amazing. Lots of laughs were had and lasting memories were made!
Bromley is getting bigger and into everything. Having a puppy with kids is much harder than when Callie was a pup.
In anticipation for the new Tinkerbelle Pixie Hollow Games movie, Camryn and I made a fairy house!
I'm happy to report not only does she still play with it but its still in one piece!
Fall clean up of the yard was actually enjoyable this year. Dylan was a big help and the leaf piles were fun for the kids and the dogs!
I got a job!!! I'm working as a paraprofessional at the middle school in town and I love it! Never have to worry about missing out on anything with the kids because I only work they are in school. It's the perfect balance for me.
Thanksgiving came and went because we jetted off to the Bahamas the following morning!
We had a fabulous vacation and much needed family time. It was great to be together and the resort was amazing. Lots of laughs were had and lasting memories were made!
Came home and immediately had to get into the holiday spirit. We got our tree and decorated our house the day we got back. I scrambled to fill their stocking advent calendar (Dylan already pointed out we had missed a few days while away.) I threw together a Christmas card and began the hunt for the perfect gifts at the lowest prices!
We entered the local gingerbread contest with kits we decorated in less than 30 minutes and Camryn came in second for her age group. The entries were pretty impressive and next year I plan to bring my A game.
John and I hosted our friends' annual ornament swap. Good times had by all!
My nephew was in his first live production of "It's a wonderful life." We are enjoyed seeing him in the spotlight.
We baked breads for all our teachers, made cookies for Santa and pretzelies to bring to school.
The countdown has come to an end and we are all anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival. Tonight will be spent in a wrapping marathon and tomorrow we will be tracking Santa's flight around the world.
Regardless of the chaos and exorbitant amount of money spent, I'm looking forward to some QT with the family during the holidays.
Well that about sums it up....
P.S. My New Year's resolution is to blog regularly, so stayed tuned for a detailed account of my week off with the kids!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Not really buddies
Best buddies
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Halloween Happenings
My stealth Ninja and gracious Peacock
The trick-or-treating crew
Monster Mash at Dylan's school
Dylan takes a shot at the real angry birds
While Camryn gets all twisted up
Dylan admires his Dr. Seuss pumpkin in the Hall of Pumpkins
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