Up in the Trees

Rhys loves climbing our trees - especially the one in the backyard that is the perfect size for children.

Imagine my surprise at the Center today when I saw a picture of Rhys actually up in the trees. On display this month is art work from children Pre-K through 12. He had taken the photos and manipulated them using the smart board at school (I think). I vaguely remember his teachers talking about this project.

And here's a close-up - so you can see the words...pretty cool!

Easter Snow

This year it's a White Palm Sunday...sure to be melted by Easter. This last snow of the year was a good one - almost a foot of great, packing snow. Kids and parents were wet and cold by the end of the day -- but it was a good day. Sure to be followed with lots more sledding tomorrow.

Birthday in the Mix

Having both children at the same preschool has been great the last two years. They see each other on the playground occasionally - where they are always very excited to see each other - and teachers know both of them well.

Rhys loves to interact with the younger kids - and often tries to help comfort them when they are sad. It is quite sweet.

For Claudia's birthday, of course Rhys wanted to help make the cupcakes in the kitchen with Claudia and me and one of her friends! Who wouldn't want to ...

I successfully managed the baking crew in the mixing portion, but after about 10 minutes, Rhys' lack of outdoors time became apparent. It was time for  him to join his class. I did save him a cupcake, however.

My birthday girl!

Claudia with her Green Room besties.

Proud Mom and Dad

We made it to 5 and 3! At times, those numbers seemed like a target, a goal to get to...everyone out of diapers (doesn't mean we don't have accidents) and sleeping through the night (every once in awhile) ...but how I miss those little tiny babies while loving the big kids they are becoming. 

Sigh.

The pain of every parent out there...!

Note the Peppa Decorations in the background...

Three: Free To Be Me

Claudia at Three...

She is a fun-loving, sweetly determined "big" girl who adores her big brother, Mom and Dad (in that order). Her favorite color is blue (and woe to anyone who tries to give her a yellow or red cup) and she  dislikes dresses and skirts in all fashions (except for one blue skort). Dom and I are often amazed at how self-aware she is (tired, hungry).

Like Rhys, Claudia likes to go fast on her tricycle at school - racing around the corners, cutting off her friends, and laughing when she crashes. She has taken to her scooter like a fish to water - but is less interested in riding the balance bike. For her birthday, her favorite present might be the soccer ball and pump she received from Grandad. The princess doll from a friend remains unopened. 

Claudia creates very imaginative games involving bears and crocodiles. Left to her own devices, she will color and paint - but a quick call from Rhys to build a hide-out, and she is off like a flash.  At school, her favorite friends are Morgan and Laney and she also loves to play with Owen (Lucas' twin brother - Rhys bff).

Right now, Claudia has an interesting palate -- she loves a good carb but will also spoon an avocado out and eat veggies and protein with relish.

And that about wraps up Three!  Claudie Bear - we are so happy you are part of our family!

Scooter Chick

Claudia's birthday present from Zhou Zhou arrived and now our girl is scootering with the best of them! As I predicted on this very blog - she will soon be joining Rhys in his Ramp Riding visits. A new helmet from mom and dad capped the gift (in blue, her favorite color).

More on Claudia at Three Years Old in a future blog post. (Her birthday is in two days, her party in one -- and snow is predicted, sadly, as we were planning for a garden silly string, bubble -blowing party).

Love the photo bomb by Rhys in the background!

Celebrate and Dance for Free!

Claudia is cracking us up with her dance moves and her feel of the music...with a little Chipotle in the mix.

This is 40

2013

Yes, I am shamelessly ripped off the title of the recent movie aimed at my generation as I am just back from a Fabulous 40 surprise party for my friend Katy. Best of all -- her husband set it all up. Another college friend (Feldie) and I flew in under the radar and manged to surprise KT. A great night downtown followed by a fun party with local friends (another surprise) - made this feel like it was for my 40th, too!

Yes, this is 40. Fun, confident, smart women managing children, work, friends and family.

1995 - mere babes in the woods...with so much to look forward to!

And this is the real 40!

 

Claudia and Daddy

Dom: "I love you all the time..."
Claudia: "I love mommy, not you. But I like you sometimes."

Poor Dom has put up for almost three years Claudia's preference. She isn't shy about hiding her feelings but at least she is polite, and she is warming up to dear, old Dad. One foot at a time.

I love my sister

Today Rhys jumped on our bed and announced he wanted two more siblings - a brother and a sister -- and then it turned into four more siblings!

When asked why, part of his answer was related to a recent question at school: How many people are in your immediate family? Not surprisingly, four was the most common answer with five coming in second; only one child had six in his family and two had three. I think his request for four more was a desire to come in "first" with the most people. I would be a very tired and grumpy old ma if I had four more children. Dom and I cringe at the thought!

His next answer was sweeter-- to have even more friends to play with at home.

Claudia and Rhys play very well together now - most times - and come up with great imaginative games involving sharks, ninjas, monsters and hide-outs.  Our hope is they continue to be best of friends.

Rhys' board at school -- he took that picture of Claudia and chose it as his "special" photo. When asked why, he told his teachers: "I love my sister." Wow - I love this boy!