Imagine It

Sold on this year's school schedule. I'm in love. Long weekends and fun Fridays are a big perk of the Monday-Thursday schedule. I finally feel like I've regained some sense of normalcy as a mom with a longer school day for Miller and we have Fridays to play together. I've coined the term "Fun Fridays" with Miller. I've got a lot to live up to this year with that name, but  so far we have been playing on our days off. If we're not taking a mini field trip, my plan is to make learning fun for Miller at home. This is our last year with a flexible schedule afterall.  When Eliza Kate drops her morning nap, she can finally join in on all the fun. For now, she snoozes away at Grandmama's and Miller soaks up one on one time with me. Thankful for the extra help!

Love Miller man's intent face in the above picture. Who knew that playing could be so much work? When I gave Miller a picture preview on the Children's Museum website, he was captivated by the digger and ball exhibit. And, this is right where he gravitated the majority of the morning.

Jack, Maggie, Bradley and Wesley Kate were there to join in the fun. This was an exciting inaguaral trip for us. Jack and Miller enjoyed loading up the "Publix Truck" and using the assembly line to get the boxes in the truck. Miller was fixated on the forklift. Boys and their machines!

The cutest little grocery stocker you ever did see was keeping the shelves in tip top shape. Miss Maggie is an organizer in training. Miller loved shopping with his play basket.

Magnetic fishing did not disappoint. Miller chose the fireman raincoat to splash around in. I did have to retrieve his foot from the fountain on several occasions. He wanted to hop right in the water table. Luckily, we sported crocs on this occasion. An unsupervised visit would have resulted in a pool splashing mess.

Jack had his own little orderly system of lining up his "catch of the day" for all to see!

Who could concentrate on fishing when they have this lovely view across the pond? Beautiful Wesley Kate got to fish in her own delicate fashion. She didn't need a rain coat and stayed perfectly dry in all her girly glory. 

The featured exhibit was Play Ball. Miller got all suited up and ready for a game of....? I think he mixed up the sporting equipment. Miller could barely walk with all his gear on. It sure did make for a great photo op!

These two sure do know how to be silly & play! It's nice to be on the same schedule and have friends to share in all the fun. Hooray for fun Fridays.

Crabby Carpool

 I love this silly glimpse into a day in the life of the carpool mom. Definitely a rreality check for this thirty something mom of two to look in the rear view mirror and witness the miracle of children. Sometimes, I wonder just how we got here with Miller!
"G" is our ccarpool buddy this year. These two have grown up together as G lives right across the street from us. What a blessing to have both of them in the same PreK4 class this year. You can tell they're such good buddies when they randomly start dressing alike on the same day. Can't handle the cuteness of their matching crab shirts and the fact that G's mommy texted me this picture while in line at carpool one morning. One of the perks of attending the same school is sharing carpool together. I take the morning route in the morning and Miller gets conveniently dropped off at our doorstep around 1:45 while Eliza Kate is still napping. Amazing.

I won't lie. This Monday through Thursday school schedule has rocked Miller's little world. He comes home and crashes for an hour or so. The early mornings have been a big adjustment. I had to start a little system with Miller man to address his early morning "crabby-ness". He was less than eager to pop out of the car once our van door opened. Some mornings he'd just escape to the very back of the van thinking he was going to be a stowaway traveling back home with me. It never puts me in a good mood to kick the van in park to climb on back to push out our carpool protester.  I finally laid down the law with little man explaining that I expected him to pop out and say "Good Morning" (with a smile) to the awaiting teacher. After practicing at home, and a Friday Popsicle incentive...I think we've mastered a cheerful disposition during carpool exiting;) Just chalking it all up to Kindergarten training one year ahead.

HHI-Part 3

It's beach week...can you tell? Last post on this vacation and then we're moving full steam ahead into fall. Big Kahuna learned how to hang 10 at the beach on our last day. The boys  men enjoyed schooling Jackson and Miller in the art of boogie boarding. Jackson had the groove already.

 Miller needed a few pointers. At first, he wanted to steer the board to the left or right which made him flip the wave. All we saw were two tanned feet peaking just above the foam. Surfer dude was all about perfecting his craft. After a few dress rehearsals, Miller caught a great wave and hung on until shore big goofy grin and all.

This sport kept the boys entertained for a long time. Their only concern in the water were schools of jellyfish. It's never a good sign when you witness several people making a mass exit from the water around you screaming in pain all the way to the lifeguard stand. The Atlantic water is more murky than what we're used to in the gulf. Who knew the dangers that lurked just below. Jackson got stung and yours truly:( It's because we're both so sweet, I'm sure. With a vinegar wash, I quickly forgot the stinging trauma!

On our last night, we ordered dinner in from the Black Marlin, sent the guys to pick it up and dined at the house. Captain Chad took us out on the boat for an after dinner spin on the lagoon behind the beach house . The kids were so excited after dinner to go spy on our alligator friend in the water. We made it a quick cruise as distant thunder made us nervous. The kids got their wish, two alligators greeted us as we were exiting the boat. That was our evening entertainment!

Miller had a million questions about the boat, water & wildlife on our sunset cruise. Poor Mr. Chad was just trying to concentrate on driving. He waited to tell us that it was his first venture as captain while we were already on our way. We were laughing hysterically at his zig zag steering as he was getting the hang of it all.  And, we were praying we wouldn't sink the ship! He did great and we made it back to dry land.

Farewell Hilton Head. We had a blast!

 

HHI-Part 2

Harbour Town was a fun little outing while we were on vacation. We loaded up the kiddos for dinner at Salty Dog. Good Golly Miss Molly is was a HOT one. I don't know if it was the heat , the humidity or a combination of both that was overwhelming. It was a scorcher. Of course, the little missy wanted nothing to do with her stroller during the 45 minute wait for a table. We walked and shopped to pass the time,  I was "glistening" from head to toe keeping track of this go go.

She was dancing, marching, and climbing stairs with a sweaty head of curls. If I wasn't catching her before a tumble, I was tying her shoulder bows or combing the wooden slats for her estranged lime green bow. Oh, the stresses of keeping a little girl's accessories in order and accounted for. The humidity did wonders for Eliza Kate's hair. She suddenly had extra bounce and more organized curls. She surely was enjoying her Saturday night while I was wishing for a cool breeze for sweet relief. It was so miserably muggy.

Finally, I got her to stay still for a few moments with her snack trap of cheerios. After I snapped this picture of Jackson and EK, he said,"Her loves me". Too cute for words!

We were already on borrowed time to feed these cuties. Once we got seated, EK was having nothing to do with her high chair as she was starving. I finally grabbed some crackers and aborted the mission to cool off in the car with the AC blasting. We made our way  back to the restaurant when the food was ready and waiting for the princess. She finally was a happy camper with food in front of her.
Landon and I are looking forward to the days of relaxing dinners out again, but for this season we're coping with the "working dinners" out. It's organized chaos at times.

After dinner, we journeyed to the light house on the water. Rocky Top was playing outside to welcome Landon to the scene;) We walked around looking at  all the boats and witnessed a beautiful sunset.

Mandy and I did get one single picture that night. Luckily, it turned out! She's such a blessing in my life. It's fun to share in the season of motherhood together.

Our little men don't mind hugging. Of course, we were coaching them to not step back too far. Open water without a fence is a boy mom's worst nightmare.

Ice Cream is a sweet reward for picture cooperation!

And, that's just how we capped off the night! Miller chose his favorite, Mint Chocolate Chip. I should remember to pack a big boy bib for this one! We've got a long way to go before he wants to take a date out for ice cream. I finally resigned to naked ice cream for Eliza Kate. No amount of bib covering could protect her from the drip factor of those cones!

HHI-Part 1

On our final farewell of summer we took a little getaway to Hilton Head Island. Our friends, the Thrashers graciously invited us to join them at their family's beach house. I know, I'm "that mom" that yanks their child who has only been in school just shy of 4 days out to enjoy one last family vacation. I do remind myself that it is preschool though. Mommy guilt?  Maybe! Don't judge. August equals summer in my book;) All of these excuses helped me to forget the "hooky woes" and hip hop off to enjoy one last trip to South Carolina. Our beach trips have been like bookends this summer, a great kick off at the gulf and a grand finale gallivanting in the waters of the Atlantic.

Miller was beyond excited to have his buds to play with on vacation... Jackson-3, Miller-4, Anna-5.Stairstep children. In his eyes, it was a never ending spend the night party. Thinking ahead, we knew Miller would have chatted it up all night long with his long lost companions. So, we reeled him in to sleep with us. We laugh that Miller should belong to a large family. Think, Duggars. He's our boy that seeks the action, adventure, craziness and energy being around others.There was always someone to be silly with. Miller man was amazed that the party continued over breakfast day after day. Here's a picture of all the kiddos minus Eliza Kate and newborn baby Reese.

This girly graduated from water wading at the beginning of summer to water walking at the end. Our beach babe really enjoyed this new found independence on the shore. The great thing about the Atlantic is the smooth, compact sand and tide pool that extends out a ways. Eliza Kate took full advantage of exploring the joys of shallow water playing.

Every morning we loaded up the golf cart and started off at the beach playing in the surf. As you can imagine, this mode of transportation was a big hit with Miller. He thought we made the trip just to joyride around the block like golfers. Driving the cart on daddy's lap just about did him in. Riding on the back and tossing and turning with his steering jolts just about did his momma in;)

 Anna, Jackson and Miller got busy digging like little pirates searching for their hidden treasure once we made it to the ocean. Beach play is hard work! They played so hard each day that they came home and crashed for a couple hours before dinner. The whole house succumbed to the beauty of sleeping, silent children between the hours of 2-4. I finally got to have girl talk with Mandy. It was a beautiful thing!

One our favorite times at the beach is late afternoon. I just love the beach this time of day, but we usually miss out as we're getting ready for dinner. We did get to enjoy a 4:30 excursion one afternoon on this trip.

Anna was so sweet with Eliza Kate. Aren't they tutu cute? She's definitely a little mommy and Eliza Kate enjoyed her. She practicing all her mommying skills on her new baby sister too.

 I was waiting for Eliza Kate to protest coming back down to the ocean two times in one day, but she was still excited to play. I loved the sound of her chubby feet splashing with each step in the tide pool.  She'd waddle out with full confidence and then make a full circle spin to avoid the waves, intently walking to the safety of dry sand.

This one enjoyed late afternoon kite flying taking advantage of the wind. At one point, the older kids had all three kites in the air.

Gotta love matching trunks. These boys sported a lot of the same swimming apparel as Mandy, J's momma  is also a Target shopper. Jackson is ALL boy & These boys don't mind the grit of sand in their hair, mouth, noses or trunks. They had a building project each day.

Sassy Pants  Miss Independence knows where she wants to go these days. There's no stopping her. Finger pointing, whining, and grunting, she tries to go where she wants.  And, if one tries to redirect her steps, she protests throwing her head back to make an attention grabbing, dramatic fall. Isn't she darling? I must add to her credit that all in all she was a trooper baby down by the water day in and day out. She did spend a lot of her time wading in the tide pool kicking her feet up and relaxing with her mommy. She's learning proper beach etiquette young from her momma...rocking her hat and 30 plus sunscreen while enjoy the sights and sounds of the shore.

More to come in Part 2

15 months

Sweet Elizabeth Katherine has hit the 15 month mark. In honor of such a milestone, I snapped a few garden pictures in Omi & Papa's backyard.  I'm always looking for a special reason to get this missy dolled up for some smiles. Has it really been three whole months since our last update? These months are surely clicking away. Eliza Kate, you are well on your way past babyhood and into the wonderful stage of a toddler. In these short three months, you have really blossomed in all areas.

 All of us have loved getting to know your little personality develop into the girl you were born to be;) You have a hint of shyness in unfamiliar situations combined with a dash of spunk & a sprinkle of friendliness once you warm up.You've memorized familiar faces and if a stranger presents themselves with open arms, you usually cry and grab unto my shirt. You experience mild separation anxiety so far, but adjust quickly once I'm out of sight. I saw your shy side this past week in music class when we were doing a make up class. You recognized Miss Anna, but none of your friends were in class. It took you half way through the class to leave my lap. Momma tried to nudge you out of your comfort zone, but you weren't having any of that.

I love your gentle side. There's something about a girl that's just a hint softer. Mommy loves every minute of your gentle pats on my shoulder. At 15 months, you now give kisses...eyes wide open but looking to the side with the "mu-wah" sound. Your sweet side is tempered with some sour when you don't get your way. You've really learned how to throw an all out "arch your back" tantrum on the floor. Once you see that it's not working for ya, you resign to mommy's rules. As we're getting to know you, we've observed some of your little ways. You prefer order in your world. An open cabinet door drives you bananas. You close it immediately. At mealtime, you get overwhelmed if there is too much food on your tray. You prefer a few pieces at a time. Messy fingers make you fussy.  You LOVE baby faces. You hunt for baby pictures around the house and in strollers on errands. Little mommy in training..so sweet!

In the sleep department, you still are clinging to that morning nap. 9:30- 11:00 suits you just fine! In the afternoon you go down around 1:30 and snooze the day away until 3:30. You are a very reliable sleeper in the day and night as long as you have your pink lovey and your thumb for comfort. Our nighttime schedule is 8:00 to 8:00, or 7:00 to 7:00 depending on brother's school schedule.

New words that you've added to your word bank over the last few months are:

Poon- for spoon

Apple

Lovey

Dooz-for shoes

PooPoo ( while I'm changing you)

Nana-banana

"Was sat" with pointer finger -What's that?

Mamama-grandmama

Poppy

Tisssup-Tissup- for sippy cup

"E-Lila"- Eliza....working on the Kate;)

 While you're verbalizing more, you comprehend a lot more of what we say or ask. When asked if you want to eat, you go right to your high chair & nod your head up and down. Mommy says, "Let's play", and you march right to the play room. If I ask to put your shoes on, you like to sit in my lap. This is amazing to me that you actually likes to put her shoes on. I had to tackle big brother and practically sit on him to get shoes on his feet. A battle everytime! We're trying to convert your grunts combined with insistent pointing to words.

Activities that you love are strolling in your push buggy, music class, playing ball outside, nesting cups, and the shape sorter. You are really getting good at stacking the donut rings. Really, any toy that big brother is playing with , you want immediately. Taking turns is a hard lesson. You don't like getting dressed or when mommy tells you no. You get your feelings hurt.

Hide and seek games around the house are an all time fave and make you laugh. Chasing big brother around the house is also a favorite. You love it when Miller zerberts your belly. Petting the kitty cat softly is your new passion. Sweet girl, you are really watching my daily behavior. You are identifying as a girl. As I'm getting ready, you sit in my closet trying on my necklaces. You like to find my make up brushes to put on your face. Combing your hair is a cute new chore that you like you like to do. And, I can't leave out your passion of shoe hunting. You love to find "dooz" and present them as a gift to mommy. If you can get your hands on my cell phone, you love to hold it up to your ear...scary!! While you identify with me, you absolutely adore your daddy. You wait to hear the door open each evening and excitedly project "Dadeeeeeeeeeeee" from your high chair. It's so exciting when he finally comes home and you and daddy get into a chanting match back in forth -"dadeeeeee, babeeeee, dadeeeee, babeeee"! You reach out and touch his face and we all know he's won over your heart. His playfulness makes you giggle. That infectious giggle is music to our ears. 

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18-24 month sized clothes fit you perfectly. I feel like you've slimmed down now that you're walking. Your Buddha belly is disappearing and it makes us sad to see your legs losing their baby fat. Although your sweet cheeks still are showing some baby pudge.
Waiting on your 15 month stats..but when we find out we'll post here. Happy 15 months Eliza Kate!

PreK4

Check out our "baby eagle" on his first day at L.R.E.! It's hard to believe school is in session on August 1st. We'll be thankful when fall break rolls around for this schedule. Wide eyed with excitement, he couldn't wait to get going to school this morning. Miller's only disappointment was not joining the big kids on the block riding the bus. I keep telling him, "just wait until you're five." Some rights of passage must wait until Kindergarten. Landon joined us as we dropped "big man on campus" off at his classroom. Dad wanted a chance to meet and greet the teachers.

A few morning snapshots capturing the wonderment of a first day. Was it the new backpack? lunch box? Eating in the cafeteria? A sweet new teacher? We'll never know...but Miller walked the hallways without looking back keeping his eyes on his classroom.

Our annual mommy & me shot..A must!

See, he followed my rules of wearing the pack on his back! No wheels for this guy in the halls. As soon as we arrived Ms. C & Ms. K greeted Miller with a few morning procedures. His big morning responsibility is turning in his folder. I'm going to try my best to let him take the initiative in packing this up each night. A little responsibility will be good for the little fella. We didn't stick around for long. I remember the feeling of hovering parents in my room. Miller didn't cry one single tear! So bittersweet, but we're thankful he does so well with changes and transitions. I didn't get too emotional either as I am too excited for him.

A big plus this year is G man from across the street is in his same classroom. They are the sweetest of buddies. His mom pulled a few strings to get them to be together. Miller arrived before Grant, but he sure was keeping one eye on the doorway waiting for his pal to join in the fun. His classroom is decorated like a jungle. The exact theme I had in my first class. Isn't that a fitting classroom for PreK? Sometimes it feels like a jungle in there with all the craziness.There was a hint of sadness coming home to a quiet house. This year will be so good for Eliza Kate. She'll get all the one on one attention she needs. Having the play room to herself is also an added luxury.

Around 1:00, I was having serious Miller withdrawls wondering just how he was making it on his first day. I'm still in our old carpool routine of a 12:00 pick up in my brain. Little chatterbox was talking a mile a minute the second his fanny hit the car seat about the day's highlights. He made sure to tell me that he didn't obey Ms. C when she asked the kids to line up. I refreshed his memory that obedience is doing something that you don't always want to do. Nodding his head up and down, it seemed to click. I just love how he still taddles on himself. It won't be long before he'll be covering all that up and hiding his report card too! We'll take the innocence while we can.   It wasn't too long before the elementary bus rolled unto our block and all the kids had a Popsicle party. One thing is for sure,  the school routine does wonders for bedtime. Little man was exhausted tonight. Looking forward to many wonderful memories and sharing all of this in his last year of preschool.