Congratulations Ellie!

Congratulations to Ellie for being in the top 0.3 % of applications and being accepted to the MFA program at Alabama! Way to go Ellie! 99.97 percentile? Jeez, between that and Anna being Valedictorian at Senior, my sisters sure do set the bar high!

Not much to report here tonight, at least not anything that could follow that news. Kristin is excited for Girl Scouts on Wednesday night. They get to have a movie/pizza party as their reward for selling cookies.

Happy Birthday Nana!

Many birthday wishes to Nana today! Happy Birthday Mom/Nana!!!

This morning I took Kellen in to see the ENT for his ears again. He has been pulling on them and has had a lot of wax. The tube in the right ear has come out but is stuck in his ear canal with wax. So, we have ear drops for the next week to help losen the wax and the tube... it should then fall out on its own. The tube in the left ear is still in. The good news is that Kellen's right ear drum is working great without the tube and it is looking like no new tube for that ear. We hope the same for the left side.

Kristin was back to school today and was happy to see her friends. It was a very rainy day here today, but she was able to have one recess that was not under cover. :) We even made it outside for a little while after dinner tonight. Kellen rode his trike and picked up worms on the way... such a boy! Kristin walked along with us while Kellen was on his trike and she rode her bike up and down the block once. Then the rain came back and it was time to head in for baths.

Soccer and Skating

The weather held out for Kristin's last day of soccer camp yesterday. Kind of amazing that she didn't get wet all week outside of a few sprinkles here and there. Kristin had a lot of fun and is already asking to go to the same soccer camp this summer.

Today was the last day of skating lessons for this session. Both of the kids did really well. Kellen was talking about going skating on Friday, so we know he looks forward to it. It's neat to see him get into it. We really didn't know what to expect and were prepared to put the skates away for awhile if he didn't like it. After lessons we ran to Quiznos for a quick lunch and then back to the ice arena for the public skate. We all skated, even Danelle. She's been out twice now in the last month or so and has picked it back up nicely.

All the skating wore Kellen out, because he took a good nap this afternoon. I tried waking him a little before 4pm and he just wouldn't budge. :-)

We got the grill out today. Danelle made the burger mix and I manned the grill. It was a nice day for it. After dinner we got out to enjoy the last of the sunshine - it's supposed to be rainy for the better part of the next week.

Soccer Camp

Soccer camp for Kristin is going well. She is loving it so much and is bummed that she only has one day left. We are glad she is enjoying it. Today they got lucky and stayed dry except for a few sprinkles. It was quite windy and cold though. The kids don't seem so bothered by it, but they are running around for 3 hours so they are warm. Kellen enjoys soccer camp too... he really wants to be in there with the other kids. Yesterday, Kellen and I kicked around his soccer ball for about 45 minutes while we watched Kristin.

Yesterday afternoon and evening we spent outside since it was another nice day that reached 70 degrees. Today however never got out of the 40s and was windy and rainy. Spring is here. :) At least the flowers and garden got watered today. :) I even saw a rainbow this morning.

Spring Break?

Kristin is home for spring break this week. I took a vacation day today to hang out with the kids while Danelle went to work. Kristin had soccer camp again in the morning. She seems to be having a good time with that. They're having the camp at a local highschool that has artificial turf. It's soft for the kids and it drains really well so they don't have to worry about it being wet with the morning dew. That was a good thing thing this morning, since it had just cracked 40 degrees when Kellen and I dropped her off at 9am. By the time we picked her up at noon, it was a comfortable 60 degrees.

Kellen and I spent a little time outside while Kristin was at camp. Kellen collected small flowers that had fallen from our two cherry trees. He says that he will feed them to the bugs. He's been looking for bugs in the yard lately.

After Kellen's nap this afternoon the kids and I spent some time in the front yard playing. I warmed up into the mid 70s so we even filled a 5 gallon bucket with water a few times and the kids had fun emptying the big bucket with various little buckets. And a few wholesale dump-outs by Kellen.

Here's the kids out playing on Sunday.

Spring Break

Today Kristin started her soccer camp that she has every morning this week. She had fun and was excited to see her friend Ava and one of her past teamates, Issac. When I went to pick her up they were scrimmaging. After that the coach had them in a small circle around him and would toss the ball up in the air a little and they each got to try to do a header (pop the ball up with your head). Kristin did it twice. :)

After soccer practice I took Kristin to SkateWorld (roller rink) to meet up with her daycare class for a field trip. She had fun and started to get the hang of it. When I left she was holding onto the wall, but evidently she let go... but fell some. Roller skating is a bit different than ice skating. When I put the skates on Kristin she couldn't believe how heavy the skates were.... much heavier than her ice skates. Makes it harder for a little kid to pick her feet up to skate, but she had fun.

Kellen was a daycare today and had fun playing outside and with some balls. He is now into playing in his bedroom at home and will ask you to come play with him. Very cute! Tonight he wanted me to play with various toys and his dump truck and excavator. We also borrowed one of Kristin's games, which is a Thomas counting game. He had fun with that and we worked on colors and recognizing numbers. He is not to the adding part of the game yet. ;)

"But Mom, I used a washable permanent marker!"

A week or two ago Kristin asked me if she could bring in some of her and Kellen's matchbox cars to use as props in the geometric city they built. She said that her teacher said it was OK to bring in the cars as long as the kids put their initials on them. Kristin had a good idea that she would just use 'KI' on all the cars, that way they would work for Kellen's cars too. She asked me if it was OK to write on them and I said sure, thinking she would write on the underside of the car. I didn't pay any attention to what marker she used and let her do her thing. This week she brought the cars home and showed them to me... she had written 'KI' on the hood, trunk, and doors of each car. With a Sharpie. Then she told Danelle it was OK because she used a washable permanent marker. :-) Not a big deal really, but I got a kick out of her logic.

Today we had on and off rain storms, but we did manage to get the kids outside for a little bit. Kristin climbed the cherry tree and Kellen practiced on his trike and his bike. He's go the hang of using the breaks to stop, but he hasn't quite got the hang of pedaling forward yet.

Kristin and I went to a Winterhawks game tonight. The game started at 5pm, so we went a little early and had consession hot dogs for dinner. Kristin thought that was pretty cool. They also had a contest where you could buy a soft puck for a dollar and try to throw it into a basket at center ice during one of the intermissions. Kristin threw two pucks. She doesn't quite have the arm to get them to center ice yet, but she did have a lot of fun with it. Kind of cool to see hundreds of soft pucks flying over your head. :) The Winterhawks lost 4-2 and are now down 2-0 in their playoff series. So we're thinking that was probaly the last game in Portland this year. Oh well, glad we were able to go tonight.

"I'm not Goo"

Papa gave Kellen a new nickname while here last week... Kellen Magoo. If you call Kellen that he promptly replies with "I'm not Goo, I'm Kellen Jack!" He thinks it is kind of funny though.

Today was a gorgeous day outside... it even got up to 70 degrees. We had skating in the morning and both kids continue to improve. This afternoon Aaron mowed the lawn and I got some of the moss raked out of the grass. Since it was nice Aaron got out the bucket of water toys... mostly squirt guns. I also found Kellen's little firefighter backpack that holds and squirts water. They all had fun running around and getting each other wet. They even got me a few times while I was raking.

Last night I got to go to a Portland Trailblazers game with Uncle John. That was fun, even though we thought it should have been a blowout.... Blazers should have beat the Wizards much easier. It was fun to watch a close game though.

A Fun Visit

Nana and Papa's visit came to a close this morning as Danelle and Kellen drove them to the airport. It was a very nice visit and we all wished they could stay longer. We heard from them in the afternoon after they made it back to KC where they flew out of. While Danelle was seeing them off at the airport, I took Kristin into school. She thought that was cool because the teacher in the dropoff zone wouldn't recognize the truck. Almost like wearing a disguise.

Late this afternoon we met at the car rental place to return the minivan we rented over the last week. It worked out really well since we were able to seat everyone comfortably. Kellen kept calling it the 'money van'. He has a toy armored truck that he calls a money truck. The first time we called it a mini van he must have heard 'money van'. Both of the kids liked the minivan because their car seats were in different rows (Kristin still uses a booster).

After dinner, Danelle and Kristin were back out the door to Girl Scouts. They learned origami tonight.

Here is a couple pictures from Kristin's classroom. One is a picture of the city of shapes that they made, the other is Kristin showing off her work for Nana and Papa.

Couple Days

Yesterday was gorgeous outside! It got up to 65 or so. Kellen had his sport class in the morning and Nana, Papa and Kristin came to watch. Kellen was extra shy and not wanting to participate much. Oh well. In the afternoon we got outside and Uncle John came over. Kristin and Kellen rode bikes, played with the hula-hoop and jump ropes. Kellen also did some digging in the flower patch. Kristin's friend Ella and her grandpa came down and the girls rode their bikes together for awhile. It was a great afternoon to be outside and run out some energy.

Today we ran some errands. Nana and Papa got some outfits for the kids. Kellen made out with a Cars shirt and at first didn't want to put it on, but tonight he wanted it on. The trick was then getting it off him for bath. Kellen will be wearing that shirt again tomorrow... then I need to find a way to get it washed ASAP! Kristin picked a purple and blue dress that is very springy and will be great for Easter. Uncle John came over again this afternoon and the kids kept busy inside. Kristin had swim lessons and did well. She swam across the pool twice with the kick board. One way kicking on her belly and the other way on her back. She was super proud of herself for that. She also did good floating on her back by herself at the end of class. I wish class went for at least another week so she could master these skills a little better. She has one more class, but they pretty much get to go down the water slide. I will have to get her to the pool with me and see if she will work on her skills with mom.

Enjoying Time with Nana and Papa

We've been enjoying Nana and Papa's visit. Yesterday they joined us for the kids skating lessons. Kellen learned how to get up by himself and did a lot of skating by himself without holding my hand. Kristin showed off her crossovers.

The weather hasn't been cooperating with us to get out of the house very much, but the kids have enjoyed working on a craft project with Nana building and decorating little houses out of cardboard.

Today was a dry day so we made it to the zoo. Kellen wanted to show off the elephants and the rhinocerous. Kristin suggested a ride on the train. We were able to make time for all of that and even visit the new lion exhibit too.

Rain Rain Go Away, Nana, Papa and the Kids Want to Play

More rain today, and not the light drizzle stuff for the most part. Rain showers mean more inside time. Kellen got to play with Nana and Papa while I headed to a doctor appointment, Kristin was at school and Aaron was at work. They had fun and he was tired enough he took a nap!

After nap we headed over to pick up Kristin from school. She was excited to show Nana and Papa her classroom and some of the work she has done. :) Kristin's class and their big-buddy class made a town (named Portland) out of geometric shapes (cubes, cylinders, and pyramids). Kristin showed me her cube she made and named "Kristin's Starbucks"! Hilarious! We don't even go to Starbucks. But, have a Starbucks in a town named Portland is a must.

Nana and Papa Arrive

Nana and Papa arrive safely today for their visit. They had smooth travels and even got in a few minutes early. They arrived mid afternoon. Danelle's uncle John (Jim's brother) came over as well. I took off work about an hour early and we all went over to pick Kristin up from school. She was impressed that we call came with to pick her up.

The kids warmed up quickly and we had a nice evening together at the house.

Hail, Snow, Rain, Wind... What Season is it?

Back to winter weather yesterday. We had some hail last night, but nothing damaging. Some areas even got a dusting of snow. The winds picked up and it got down to the mid 30s last night. Today was chilly and the rain started back up tonight. I guess it is not technically spring yet.

Kellen got to play basketball again yesterday at his sport class. He likes making baskets but is not too fond of the dribbling exercises. Kristin is still working on geometry and symmetry at school. She made a cylinder yesterday. Sounds like her big buddy class is coming tomorrow and they are going to make a town out of 3-D shapes. Kristin had swim lessons tonight and did pretty well. She needs to work on her crawl stroke... mainly slow it down.

We are all looking forward to my parents visit starting tomorrow!

A day of rest

Not much to report today. After mass and Kristin's sunday school, we just hung around the house today. Kellen was tired from a long day yesterday with no nap, so he decided to nap today. Danelle laid down too. I was watching the hockey game on the couch and before I knew it I was out too. Kristin was really good and kept herself busy watching SpongeBob and coloring the cardboard 'house' that comes with stuffed animals at Build a Bear. She got a new stuffy at one of the birthday parties she attended yesterday.

Kristin made up a new word today that we thought was cute, but of course we can't remember what it was. She has previously coined 'readstructions' instead of instructions. Kellen says 'rainbrella' instead of umbrella. He also says 'water mountain' instead of waterfall.

Party Day

Another busy Saturday here. Aaron took Kellen to skating lessons. Kellen skated more on his own and was "chasing" Aaron across the ice. Sounds like they had fun. Kristin missed skating to go to her friend Ella's birthday party. The party started at Build-A-Bear, where Kristin picked a puppy to make and named it Sugar. The party then moved to Ella's house for cake and presents. While she was Ella's house I ran home to put down fertilizer/moss killer on the lawn.

Later this afternoon we all headed over to a friends house. It was Kira's 3rd birthday party and Aaron used to work with her mom at ODOT. The kids all had a lot of fun playing in their backyard. It was a great day to be outside... we even made it up to the school playground this afternoon before the second birthday party.

The Writer

Kristin's writing assignment this week was to use rhyming words in a story to express her imagination. She started from scratch this evening and came up with the following all by herself in about a half an hour:

Sponge Bob wen on a walk and talkt with Patric. they went to the Srcis and say a Brcis. Patric smild. Sponge Bob and Patric waclkt a mile. It was fun. The went to Quisnows aet a bun. They went to the zoo. The hrd somone say Boo! They said Boo too. Cool siad Sponge Bob. Did you say Pool siad Patric No said Spone Bob. Then what did you say said Patric. Cool siad SpongeBob. Cool siad Patric. Then they went to Sponge Bob's Howse. They playd mouse. This is how to play. 1. get on your ness. 2. start moveing. 3. start caasing. 4. How avr get tigd frst losis. It was fun. We were don. Sow Sponge Bob and Patric went out siyd and dived in a pool. It was 100 dgriys outsiyd.

Whew. She continues to amaze us. All that from a 6 year old. (6 and a half she tells me).

Kellen was his busy self today. Danelle said he had a great time on Tumble Bus and focused mainly on the rings and monkey bars. He's taken to wrestling with me lately and like to be tickled at the same time. 'Tickle me!' he says.

Busy day tomorrow. Skating in the morning and 2 birthday parties in the afternoon to attend.

Catch Up

Kristin is healing well from her fall with the jump rope. She even did jump rope in PE class today and smashed her old record of 13 jumps in a row (done Monday before the fall) with a new record of 33 jumps! She has such determination to master things. Kristin had Girl Scouts last night and swimming lessons tonight. Busy girl!

Kellen has been Kellen.... running, full of energy, climbing things, etc. He is also talking at yet another level. He asked "why?" tonight. Joy! Here we go on the why train. :) I weighed Kellen today and he comes in at 32 pounds. He is our growing boy. Kellen had a blast today running back and forth in the house watching garbage trucks. He also is a good helper and likes to bring up the cans from the curb (with mom help of course).

On the Mend

Kristin had a good day today and didn't seem too bothered by her fall from yesterday. She's got a pretty good road rash on her left cheek. She was excited today to show me her name in the school newsletter acknowledging her accomplishment of 40 laps in the running club. They're a bit behind with the publications, as Kristin said she got to lap number 60 today at recess. She ran 4 laps today - that's a mile!

Kristin got to go to various teachers' rooms today and hear different Dr Suess stories in celebration of his birthday. Kellen had a Dr. Suess themed day too. They had green eggs and ham for lunch. Kellen said he ate the ham, but did not eat the eggs. I think he's in another growth spurt. He's been demolishing his meals and when I picked him up for bath time tonight he just felt heavier.

I tried sneaking a photo of Kellen playing with his remote control car tonight. He caught me and then came over and 'pinned' me so I couldn't take more pictures. I thought Danelle was coming over to rescue me but she grabbed the camera from me instead. :-)

Garden

Let gardening season begin! Kellen helped me go to Home Depot today to get some more seeds and some fertilizer for the lawn. When we got home from getting Kristin at school the kids helped me plant peas in the garden and they even watered for me. I did very little. :) They are going to have green thumbs! Kellen watched me as I took out a shrub in the front yard that was not doing well. I replaced it with some heather.

Kristin was showing me how good she got a jumping rope today. She only has been practicing in PE class which is only once or twice a week at school. She jumped 13 times in a row this afternoon! She could barely jump once last week. What improvement. Unfortunately, later this afternoon she tripped on the jump rope and fell hard onto the driveway. She is lucky she walked away with only scrapes on her face and one thumb, and a bump on her forehead. She is a tough kid.