The Hills Are Alive

There’s a right of passage every parent must go through…the glorious children's concerts. At our daycare, they like to fancy it up by calling it the Winter Gala – which I have to say I appreciate because it does make the whole thing feel pretty special.

First up was Dean. I have no pics or video because it was pretty chaotic, plus he kept trying to hit the other kids with his sparkly red top hat. I know this sounds pretty awesome but I felt too ashamed to record it.

So next up came Cha. I only included his grand entrance, which cracked me up because he just lit up when he saw me (it’s not often that I feel this appreciated).

Then the grand finale. Cole channeled his inner Von Trappe child and belted it out for his fans. I’ll spare you the whole song – it feels like it goes on longer than the actual Sound of Music movie - but here’s a little snippet to whet your whistle.

The good news – they all performed much better than years past when we were pretty much boo’d out of the room for our unruly children. And since I didn’t fess up to the crowd that Dean was mine, no one pointed a finger at the mom with the hat-hitting-kid.

Score one for motherhood.

Seriously. When. Did. He. Grow. Up?

I know it sounds so cliche - but wasn't I just holding him in my arms as a little baby? Sigh...our family motto proves itself true time and time again: "The days are long and the years are short."

Here's my little peanut before his first day of 1st Grade.


Cole was not amused when we were waiting for the kids to get off the bus...I think he was in serious big brother withdrawl.


This theory was proved accurate when Charlie tried to kiss him and Cole recoiled like Cha's lips were coated in poison. This 1st grade thing is going to take getting used to (for everybody).


We started this awesome tradition last year (at least I hope it continues as a tradition) of holding an ice cream party in the alley when the kids get off the bus on their first day. It's a great treat to look forward to, and not a bad perk to throw leftovers into our freezer.


So just when I was getting used to all of this growing up...after the second day of school Ry hopped on his 2-wheeler and started cruising. Just like that. He might as well have his driver's license....double sigh...

Looking Forward To Four

Most people with children would probably agree that the term “terrible twos” was created by someone with no kids and a love for alliteration. Because although the twos stink, the threes suck.

Our own three year old Cole has been a pistol since birth. He crawled at 6 months, walked at 8 months, and has been on the run ever since. Add to that a case of middle child syndrome and a mother who has been either pregnant or post-partum for most of his life, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

So to say that ages two and three have been a challenge for our Cole is quite the understatement. But the beauty of it – as he approaches age four, a new kid is emerging. A kid that’s sweet, respectful, hilarious, and even listens. So finally, my point.

I picked him up from school and his teacher, Mr. Mike, asked to speak with me. He said, “I have to tell you that Cole was absolutely the BEST listener in class today. For some reason everyone else was in a nasty mood and had tantrums left and right, but Cole was FANTASTIC all day long. I’m so proud of him.”

My heart swelled with pride. Then I realized that we have two more kids to go through this phase. Only 3 more years to go!

Click

I realize that Back To School was so five minutes ago...I just got the last of the school pictures back so I'm sharing with the blogworld.

Per the usual, we have issues in the hair department. But I'm learning to let go.

Books Are Fun

Ry won an award today in school for his bookmark design. They announced this over the loudspeaker and he got to claim his prize in the office, thus making him a mini celebrity with his bus stop buddies.

We asked him about his artwork and he said, "I just thought really hard and then decided to draw a wall of books." To which Phil replied, "Ohhhhhhhhh - those colored squares are supposed to be books?"

He would not fare well on Are You Smarter Than A Kindergartener.

Banzai

Ry's school had an after school Tae Kwon Do program and they held a little graduation ceremony this weekend. Our young master was not the most graceful of the bunch, but I'd still say he held his own (he's in the front with the bright blue shirt).

Ironically, Phil and I just watched The Karate Kid the other night. Different martial art, I know, but it still put me in the mood.

Here he breaks a board with the fiery passion of Danielson (okay so maybe it's not that fiery but at least it broke!!)

I wonder if I can pull a Mr. Miyagi and get him to paint the house and clean the car? Wax on, wax off young Ryanson.