Caught Red-Panted

On Friday, August 31, late in the afternoon we finally got to go to the Strasburg Railroad with our friends Lisa & Isabella while the daddies stayed home with the babies. The kids had their free tickets from the summer reading program, so we just had to pay for the adults. We had planned going at least three times before that and postponed due to rain twice that I remember and due to the railroad's odd schedule the other.

Lisa took time off work and Shawn left early so that we could get to the railroad in time for the last train, which was at 4 pm. It was a HOT day! While the morning had been beautiful, the afternoon was humid and sweltering. We arrived a little early, looking forward to doing the "cranky cars" (where you pay extra money for the kids to take the little cars around the track that they maneuver by turning the 'cranks'). But, the cranky cars weren't there. Neither was the other little train you normally could ride or really ANYTHING else. The place was completely torn apart and under construction. While we still would have gone because we had the free tickets, I thought it was a little rude of the railroad not to put this fact on its website since we got there in plenty of time to walk around and then had to entertain three kiddos who were excited to do some of the "extras." We found this little Thomas that cost money to ride. The three kids played on it for a little while without us filling it up with coins.

But then, Joshua shouted "LOOK! It's SANTA!" At first, I wasn't sure if this was just an older gentleman with bad taste in clothes, so I gave Joshua the look to be a little more quiet. BUT, it really was Santa! He came over with his sack and posed for a picture with the kids and gave them each a candy cane. Then he told the kids to come back and see him at the Railroad in November or December. I was surprised he would be there - after all, this wasn't Christmas in July! This was the last day of August!

Isabella actually looked worried at this point. She asked her mommy why Santa was there. Lisa joked with her that if she didn't behave, Lisa was going to tell him about it. Isabella said, "Don't call him over here! I don't want him to know that I've been bad!" I seriously cracked up!!! She was genuinely concerned that Santa might find out that she's been 'naughty.' Lisa told me that Isabella recently told her grandparents (Lisa's Mom and Dad) that they might have to buy her extra for Christmas this year because she's been bad and wasn't sure that Santa would still buy her things. Haaaa!!!! How cute is that?!?! And knowing her parents, I'm sure she has absolutely nothing to worry about. I got a good chuckle out of the entire situation. She was so cute! I think having Santa there made her sweat worse than the humid weather!

FINALLY it was time to board the train. We took a couple pictures of the kids on the stairs with their candy canes. It was No. 90 that pulled our train this time.

We took some pictures on the train, too.

Isabella took turns sitting with Caleb and Joshua. I loved their silly faces and serious faces.

The train goes to Paradise and back. The conductor drones on about the local attractions and since we'd been on the train previously, we'd heard it all before. The kids enjoy the train, though, so it was worth going and spending quality time together.

This was the last silly picture I snapped on the train. :)

After the ride was finished, we bid Santa farewell until winter and we headed home!

Playing at the Park

In keeping with the theme of enjoying every moment that I can with my boys before they head back to school, I decided to walk them to Stoner Park on Friday, August 31. It was a BEAUTIFUL day out, and while I wasn't sure if they would be able to make the long walk, I adjusted the stroller that three of them could sit together if they needed to. Joshua and Caleb took turns walking and did sit together in the back seat (which is cramped and squished) when they needed a rest while Ryan sat buckled in firmly in the front seat. I packed water bottles and snacks and away we went!

The first thing I did when we arrived was stick Ryan in a swing for the first time that I can remember. He loved it, as you can see from the picture above. It was my favorite of the morning (along with the first one of all three boys)!

Unfortunately there was only one big kid swing and two little guy swings. There used to be two of the older swings there, but I do remember seeing a broken one before. I guess rather than fix it or replace it, they just got rid of it. I think that's a shame.

So, Caleb offered to push his brothers. They enjoyed his help (most of the time). Joshua wanted me to push him at first, but I felt more comfortable staying where I could catch Ryan if he went to wiggle out. He was enjoying it enough, though, that his hands were firmly gripping the sides and Caleb was doing a great job at gently giving him a small push.

He was a happy boy in the sunshine! The breeze was beautiful and the air was just right - thank You, God, for summer weather! And for time with my boys!

Joshua actually didn't need help - he was doing a great job at pumping his legs to get himself going. He likes when we push him, but he does fine on his own swinging. And he loves it!

At times he would get annoyed at Caleb trying to help him! So, I would suggest that Caleb go back to Ryan who appreciated it more.

Joshua went up to check on Ryan, too. I loved this picture of him looking at his baby brother. It reminds me of a photo of Shawn helping and looking at his younger sister. They have such sweet and gentle caring hearts!

Caleb never asked to swing or whined about having a turn. He was having fun being the helper and posing for pictures!

Eventually we were done swinging!

 

After helping Ryan get down, we headed over to the other playground equipment.

I took pictures of the two older boys climbing through the green tunnel.

And I got one of each child sliding at least once.

Caleb asked if he could have the camera to take a picture. His didn't turn out great, but Joshua took this one of Caleb, Ryan and me that turned out okay.

Caleb would say "Let me take a picture! Now take one of me!" We had a ton in the same pose, but I thought this one was the cutest. :) :) :)

I took a few more of them playing. But, Ryan was struggling to stay upright on the uneven ground with all the wood chips. Each time he would lose his balance and fall on his rear, he would get annoyed at all the wood chips that covered his hands and clothes. He wasn't terribly fussy, but he I could tell he was getting tired and about done with the park.

So, after letting the boys play a little while more, I suggested it was time to drink some water and then walk back home. It was a fun day outside! Oddly enough this park is becoming a little young for my older boys and still is a little too old for our youngest. But, it's still a nice place to go on occasion.

Caleb Heads to Preschool

Caleb's preschool Open House was on Thursday, August 30. Mamaw came to stay with Ryan & Joshua (THANKS so much!). I put all the required paperwork in Caleb's backpack and snapped a couple photos before we headed out the door.

Since we were there in plenty of time, I took a few pictures of my little handsome man in front of the preschool. He was excited!

 I loved this one of him in front of the doors with the sign.

And just like Joshua did at this exact age, Caleb will be starting Soccer Shots on Wednesday, September 12.

We got through the paperwork line quickly and I heard another family asking where Mrs. Hurlbert's classroom was. I volunteered to take them since Caleb & their daughter were going to be in the same class. This little girl was outgoing and said hello, and at that moment, Caleb hid behind my legs and didn't say a word to anyone the rest of the day that I could see.

The first thing we did upon entering the room was grab Caleb's name tag. Then the teacher asked to take our picture together for a parent board outside the room. I asked her to get one with our camera, too, and I thought it turned out nice. I asked if I could get one of the teacher with him as well. Below you'll see Mrs. Hurlbert and Caleb on the first day.

Then we looked at where to hang up Caleb's backpack, where his pocket was for paperwork, where he will put an "ice cream scoop" in the container for attendance each morning, where to wash hands, etc. We completed the entire checklist. I asked the teacher aide Mrs. Piehl if I could get a picture of the two of them together.

The coolest area of the room was the "writing tree house." The tree had apples with each letter of the alphabet. On the table was a ziploc bag with paint in it where children could trace letters (and Caleb traced his name into the bag). It was neat-o!

Caleb wanted to play with the food in the kitchen. But, another rough little boy (the sibling of Caleb's classmate) came over and shoved him out of the way. I was surprise that Caleb didn't push back but simply walked away. I felt bad that he wasn't having fun playing with other children. He was so shy that he didn't say hi or smile at anyone, even his teacher.

Eventually he agreed to color a picture, but I felt bad looking at his sad little face. He's not one to go color off on his own. Then the teacher asked us to sit in circle time (and the same rough kids were SO bad that it was hard to even hear the teacher). She explained a few things about the year and how she's there to nurture and not just teach and asked that we pray that she be sensitive to the children's needs. Then she read a book about a little hedgehog missing his mommy on the first day of school and the mommy giving her little one a kiss on his hand that he could feel any time of the day - it wouldn't wash off when he washed his hands or get sticky when he ate his lunch. Then the little hedgehog kissed the mommy's hand in case she would miss him. I seriously had tears in my eyes. All the sudden I looked at Caleb Luke and thought of him as the precious baby I brought home from the hospital not all that many years ago. How was he old enough for school? Would he be okay with how shy he is?

We left for our parent meeting and I was choked up. But he seemed happy enough when I came back to get him.

The teacher sent home a piece of brown felt that we were to trace and cut our hand and our child's hand. We get to keep his hand at home for when we miss him (with the heart "kiss" in the middle) and Caleb gets to take my hand to school. If he ever needs to feel love, he can pull out my hand and hold it in his. Here's what I tucked in his backpack. I also made him and Joshua each a note before school that I put in their backpacks as well with a picture of our family. It said that "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will REJOICE and be glad in it." I also said how much we love them and miss them and hope they are having a good day and learning lots. I promised to pick them up right after school. Even though Caleb can't read his yet, he'll see his name and our family and if he was really feeling badly some day, this teacher strikes me as the type to read it to him if he needed it.

So, on Tuesday, September 4, as Joshua was getting ready for his open house, Caleb was getting ready for his first full day of preschool. He dressed himself in the outfit he helped me choose the night before and ate his french toast sticks breakfast. I snapped a quick picture of him and we were off to school!

Before he walked into his classroom, he told me he had to go potty (DOH!) so we made a quick pit stop and he washed his hands. Then we hung up his backpack, I gave him a kiss, he got his name tag, and I snapped a quick photo before he headed in to his first day. I got in my car and headed home to take Joshua to his Open House. It was a busy, exciting day!

Happy 71-month birthday, Joshua!

I can't believe this is the last month Joshua will ever be five. After all, I have distinct memories from his age! And, he has an amazing memory.

In fact, the other day he asked me when he could go to the babysitter's house again. I said probably never, and he asked when our small group was coming over for a "toenail cutting party" so that he could go back there. It's true - before Ryan was even born we had our small group over and told the boys that anyone who came to interrupt would get their toenails cut (something they hate!). Miranda offered to walk them to her house for a little to give them a change of scenery, and Joshua remembers! Craziness!

Joshua is a sweet kiddo. The other day, Caleb accidentally dropped the snow globe he made at Vacation Bible School.Caleb loved his little craft and was devastated his broke. Joshua - without any prompting from me whatsoever - immediately looked at Caleb's crushed face and said "Here, Caleb, you can have mine since yours broke." I thought it was the absolute nicest gesture I'd ever seen. His little brother lit up at the kindness of his older brother taking care of him. It was one of those moments where I stopped to soak in the time with the kids and how well they get along. What a neat kid, I thought to myself.

Joshua also is very nice to the baby. He loves to make him laugh, and he's a good helper with him too. If he sees Ryan heading toward the steps, he jumps in his way and tries to distract him. I love to hear Ryan giggle at his silly big brother!

Joshua is reading better and better. He's also spelling better, too. I asked Shawn about possibly S-W-I-M-M-I-N-G at the G-Y-M and Joshua said "Are you saying we might go swimming at Universal?" I told him it's not fair that he can spell now and I can't discuss anything within his earshot. He just giggled. ;-)

My boy is getting bigger, too. We went back-to-school shopping for him, and Mamaw picked up a pair of size 6 jeans for him. I told her I thought they may be too big, but we'd see. She said "They don't look too big to me." He is obviously growing! He definitely needs the length that a 6 offers even though they are a little big in the waste even with them adjusted the whole way in.

Joshua is relatively outgoing and great at making new friends. He's always saying bye to someone new at the gym, and he's learning names, too. I love that he feel comfortable striking up a conversation with almost anyone. And I love that he'll answer an adult pretty clearly when they ask him something. We tried a new church recently, and everyone we said good morning to asked him his name. He said "I'm Joshua" loud and clear, and he would also tell them his age, etc. when asked. He is becoming a young man!

I also love to hear Joshua re-tell a Bible story and hear his heart for God. What it speaks to me as a mom, he will never know until he has his own babies. But, the other day we were talking and he said "well, we'll have to ask God because He's the One in control." It was such a small and yet profound statement. He. Gets. It. There's much more to learn, but his childlike faith speaks volumes to me!

My little man is very excited for kindergarten to start. I'm glad, even though I'm sad he'll be gone five days a week. But, as he always reminds me, "at least I'll come home afterward." Yes, that's all I can ask for!

I love my sweet little Bean so very much! Happy 71-month birthday, Joshua!