Making friends part 2

During our five day visit to Chicago, we saw lots of friends and had tons of fun. Buses and Taxi-Cabs were tops for the kids - but we also had a great time at the Shedd, Navy Pier, and visiting our old neighborhood.

From Jo, Matt and Millie and Sam to the ever fun and hostess with mostess Nolidan crew to Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim to college friends and post-college friends, and even Newberry Library work friends - it was a busy five days.

Here's a quick peek at the lovely friendships that are developing...And when I am not so tired I will upload more pics and more stories!

Kisses at breakfast

Fun on the swings

Smiles for a few minutes before going back to their sports (football is now big). 

20 years of friendship!

The Oldham/Nolan Crew

It Wiggles!

Royal Baby Watch you say? No, in this household we are on Tooth Fairy Watch.  (Ok, well, both actually.)

Thanks to a little help from a friend - who helped things along with a little accidental bop to the mouth - Rhys has a wiggly tooth!

We hadn't noticed before the aforesaid incident, but it must have been loose as there is a bit of a big tooth visible.

A look on back on Claudia's academic year

Claudia spent three mornings in the Green Room this year with her two favorite teachers from last year (Kathy and Julie) with Molly added in.

Hello 2012-13 School Year!

It was another of great change for Claudia. From my sweet 2 year old to a very determined 3 year old. One big change of course, was potty training. She started the year wearing diapers and decided to potty train at 2 years 9 months. (Thank goodness!)

Her favorite friends from last year (Morgan, Laney and Javi) were with her for a second year - but Morgan remained her preferred playmate.

Claudia loved playing in the kitchen, pretending to be mommy or baby, painting, dressing-up, reading books, and playing in the big room. And, like Rhys, she liked riding bikes and playing outside. Really, there isn't much she doesn't enjoy at school.

Worms!

Puppets with Ms Julie

 Most days Claudia jumped right in. The only times she was hesitant to go were if she was feeling a little under the weather.

Music Class

Painting

This year Claudia showed a love for painting and drawing. We even have watercolors at home that she likes to get out and use - on herself and on paper.

Mommy Train

After the 2-3 year old room, caregivers and parents no longer have to volunteer in the classroom regularly! YES -- with a bit of sadness.

And now on to 2013-14. Claudia will be going to school five mornings with two lunch days. Sadly, she isn't going to be with her friends from the last two years - but it won't be completely new. She is moving into the classroom Rhys was in for the last two years - so she too has spent two years in and out of the room.

I hope we have an easy transition in August all around.

And MAMA is going back to a corporate job. More to come! 

Ride 'em Cowboy

Rhys' time at SummerQuest is coming to end. Today, since the theme the last two weeks has been the Wild, Wild West, there were horses! He bravely rode the big horse (not the pony) while Claudia and I sweated it out on a very hot STL afternoon.

Rhys was off to have snow cones following the ride. Lucky Cowboy!
Claudia and I made it home with one flat tire on the stroller to fully embrace the AC!

Courageous or foolhardy?

These days, Rhys has taken to the high dive and has even gone off (one time) Platform One (see him in the air).

I'm a big fan of the pool this year. It's a great way to spend hot afternoons -- as a former lifeguard and fan of the waves myself, I enjoy it, too.  Now, won't it be great when I can actually read a book while the children swim? Or will I miss their eager bodies wanting me to play with them...a bit of both I think as Rhys has largely moved on to playing with friends at the pool. And my girl isn't far behind.

I think it always looks better on the other side, doesn't it?

Wimbledon 2030

We are in summer training here at Camp Oldham...tennis and swimming with a little bike riding thrown in.

Claudia is determined to learn how to swim and ride a bike without training wheels --she is so focused I wouldn't be surprised if she did!

Rhys went for his first non-Dad tennis event on Saturday and had fun and wants to go back -- that's the most important part.

What a year

In Rhys' words: In the Redbud Room, he learned to be a good friend.

Still loves the block area.

Lots of cars and building

Year two in the classroom brought some changes - Rhys was one of the big kids this year. He started the year off sad -- sad that he didn't have his friends from last year in his classroom. After a few weeks, he made some friends - and then it all changed in the second half when he befriended another group of friends (the reason, not entirely clear to him or me).

With best buddy R from the first half of the year

Watch out below!

Duck, Duck Goose!

Rhys' counting skills and rudimentary math skills grew and he learned to write a few words -- but isn't an early reader. However, he is very enthusiastic about his friends who have learned how to read.

His "gross motor" skills continued to grow and he reveled in pushing his body as far as it can go -- by riding bikes, climbing trees, or swinging in the tire swing.

But the most important thing he learned was being a good friend -- I think that's really what preschool is all about - and if Redbud accomplished that, their job is done.

Kindergarten -- here he comes!

Fourth of July 2013

Bubble Bus at the parade - this year it was actually under 90 degrees!

The Neighborhood puts on a decorated bike race/party for all the children. The racers are ready....

And look who came in fourth - and first one under the age of 8.

We love this neighborhood!

Just another afternoon in the 'hood.

Aunts (and Uncles) are the best!

While we relaxed, practiced our Spanish and swam in the ocean, the children had a great week with Aunt Kate, who bravely came in for a week. From pizza to ice cream and new t-shirts and lots of swimming time, R and C barely had time to miss us!  And they had some great bonding time.

Now I hear:  "When can we go to New York and play with Cousin Luke?" and "I miss her. I love her." 

And from Dom and me -- Thank God for Kate, a rock star of a sister, sister-in-law and aunt.