Rhys at Five

We celebrated five years of Rhys James on December 27. (More to come about his "awesome" birthday party.)

At five, Rhys loves his neighborhood friends - and has a few crushes on the "older" girls on the Lane. He likes to play horses, build forts, race scooters and bikes throughout the cul-de-sac. Sometimes his feelings get hurt when the big kids don't include him - but he is getting better at managing his disappointment (slightly).

Recently, Dom has been taking Rhys to Ramp Riders where he is practicing his bike riding skills - up and down the ramps. His Uncle Mark bought him a special BMX helmet for his birthday/Christmas to help him look the part. A skateboard and snowboard are next on his list along with "Ninja" lessons.

Ever since "Swim Well with Michelle", Rhys has been enjoying swim lessons and has moved to Level 2 Rovers -- a big deal for him as he got to skip Level 1 from Advanced Preschool. This from a boy who was afraid of getting wet two years ago!

First St Louis snow of 2012

Rhys loves his school friends, too, and spends more time in the message center this year drawing and creating books - but still loves his blocks and playing in the Big Room. You can count on Rhys to push his body to its limits.

He is one of the most cooperative big brothers in town right now. Claudia is - well, being 2 - and Rhys often lets her have the best spot on the couch or will play Baby with her to make sure the peace is kept. There is still some talk about -- "Remember when it was just you, me and Daddy?" -- but overall he and Claudia enjoy playing together (usually games involving a battle of some sort).

At night, he loves his books and snuggles; and, of course, his milk - but now out of straw instead of a sippy cup.

This year will bring Kindergarten in August and with it the bus, tying shoes and whatever else it entails. We love you to the moon and back again, and again, and again, and again...

A walk through time:
One Year Old
Two Years Old
Three Years Old
Four Years Old

Joy to the World

(Please forgive the lack of originality in my titles...)

Christmas Day arrived at a respectable 7 am (after a rather long night since Rhys was convinced he was hearing Santa's sleighbells at 1 am ... and maybe he was).

Santa brought Claudia her sword and shield -- and she received her "favorite" Katniss doll from Nanny and Papa and her doll bed from Zhou Zhou and Joanie. My tough girl also has a soft side for horses and received quite a few - large and small. Her favorite gift might have been the electric toothbrush from Santa.

Rhys received many of the items on his list, too: Fighter Jets (not a real one sadly but three very cool ones from Nanny); Lots of Games and items to get ready for Kindergarten and a Samuri Castle and Dragon (Santa); and the EZY-Roller from Zhou Zhou.  However, what he was really wanting was a robot - a large robot he could climb inside of. Now Santa heard his request for a robot but filled it with a hand-sized robot for his stocking. Rhys was understanding.

Our fun day was filled with family -- Aunt Kate and Cousin Luke arrived bringing MORE presents, snacks and much-needed additional hands. 

Preparing for a huckster life on the boardwalk

Christmas Dinner was simple: turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and a broccoli casserole - followed by a Santa Cake for Rhys' upcoming birthday.Yes, we embrace the closeness of Christmas and Rhys birthday and so far it is working -- he thinks he has the best Birthday Date in the whole world.

Uncles Mathew and Mark and Granny joined us to round out the Oldham Family Christmas 2012. Joy to the World and Peace on Earth. Happy Christmas!

Granny and her girl.

Christmas Eve 2012

The sweetest part of Christmas...

From Rhys to Santa -- can you bottle this?

The Best Part of Iceskating...

...may just be the hot chocolate and cookies afterwards. A happy Christmas Eve day was had by all as we ice skated with some neighbor friends -- Heather, Rhys (his second time) and Claudia (!) Dom's bum knee kept him on the sidelines this time. 

Hello Xavier

It isn't Christmas without our friendly Scout Elf visiting us for the month of December. Xavier arrived over Thanksgiving and was waiting for us when we got home from Minneapolis. He has been a constant friend and observer ever since.

We will miss you X when you fly home with Santa tomorrow night!

See you in 2013!

Look Who is Almost Five!

Today was Rhys' class birthday celebration. I was able to spend all morning with him and his friends (just like last year). We played tickle monster outside, I read Monkey with a Tool Belt to his class, they did drawing and counting games. And, most importantly for today, we had cupcakes and slushies in honor of our Rhysie turning five (almost).

His birthday symbol gift made by his friends.

Rhys' trees, sun and sky - and something in between.

Another year, another wrinkle of love.

Best of Friends

Cheers to Rhys and Claudia...!

Tiger Nails

As a reward for potty-training, Claudia wanted to get her finger- and toenails painted. While I would love to head to the spa with her -- I thought a little trial home painting would be OK for this not quite three-year-old (and would save us some holiday cash).

It wasn't the black tiger nails she wanted, but we had fun painting each others nails (no pictures of mine, sadly).  I had that little glimpse of all the "mom and daughter" things we can do together. And I embrace her desire for black tiger nails -- much cooler than silly pink.

Dickens in the House

As I watch Rhys get closer and closer to FIVE (when did that happen) and Claudia leave babyhood behind - I think, WOW -- we did it!

"It was the best of times, It was the worst of times." But mainly the best.

Rhys and Claudia playing chase with friends at school.

I the Mama

Claudia has taken to pretending to be mama - all the time. Rhys plays along - until the Baby gets a bit too wild and runs off. I will play and Dom will play -- and sometimes you do forget she is still just a two-year-old.

Going along with this new vision of herself as not only "big" but a "mama", Claudia decided to become potty-trained this past weekend. After nine months of being "interested" to some degree - that was it. She has been in underpants since Saturday with just a few small accidents. I think the fact she isn't a milk drinker like her brother is in her favor...

Here she is ..... Mama Claudie.

Street Hockey

Both children have taken to hockey like water...Claudia, using a rake, and Rhys the actual stick. I just enjoy watching them play together - and thinking instead of tutus and ballet slippers we may be embracing knee pads and plaid skirts (that is the field hockey costume, right?).

That said, Claudia did say she wanted to take Ballet - even after I explained that she needed to wear a leotard and tights. But I just don't think she really knows what a leotard is - and she won't wear tights to save her life now....so, if you were a betting man or woman, what would you place the odds of Claudia taking ballet at age 3?

Stay Away From the Wolf Den

Rhys playing wolf and fox den with a school friend.