Friday, August 30, 2013

Hot in Legoland

Well, Dane is back in school, so now the challenge is always...what do I do with Ryan? Poor Ryan usually has to entertain himself while mommy does various chores and errands. Well, my goal this year is to be really mindful about doing fun things together and enjoying our time as much as possible. Thanks to my friend Julie, we were able to go to Legoland today! She stopped by to give us passes and it turned out to be such a fun morning. Even Alana had a good time!

We started out in the Sealife Aquarium (Ryan's favorite), then headed out to explore the "land." By about 11:15, I could see Ryan's face start to get red and he had that tired look about him. He kept on keeping on, but 11:45 was the cut off. We had so much fun, but the weather is HOT right now, especially for Carlsbad! It's about 90 degrees and really humid...kinda like Florida weather!

We got home and Ryan actually put himself down for a nap. For mothers and fathers of young ones, this is like the holy grail of naps. It's precious and rare and not to be taken for granted. Alana went down pretty easily, too. This is why I'm able to crank out a blog today! Woo hoo!

There are a few other miscellaneous pics from the past couple days. Enjoy and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, y'all!

Picking Dane up after his first day as a 1st grader. He loves it!

Now THAT is a biker dude:)

Can you see our loud bird friend up in that tree? Looks like a crane, but we think it's an Osprey.

There's Bowser chewing on Blizzard's old bone. So funny!

Talk to the Spidey hand...

Legoland. Woo hoo!





Hi crab!


Hey.

I wanna EAT ya!

Alana was mesmerized by the huge tanks.



Ryan was NOT so sure about the shark tank...


Duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh...


Hmmmm....


At this point Ryan was SURE he didn't have to pee.


A boy's delight!




Chewy!



At this point it was about 90 degree with no breeze. Whew!

"I sweaty mommy." Uh, yeah.

That is one tired camper. And that was just the FIRST half of the day...

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Daney's in the 1st Grade...Oh What a Glorious Daaaayaaaay!

There's something magical about the beginning of the school year. Yes, moms can be heard 'round the world rejoicing and exchanging happy texts and facebook messages praising their 6 hours of daily freedom. But, I don't know...there's something else...

Seeing my "little big boy" stand in front of his school, just as he did last year when he started Kindergarten...well that is something that stirs up quite a mixture of emotions in a parent. Forget about the fact that the cliche statements you hear about time flying and how "they grow so fast" are, in fact, so true - there is a feeling I get where I can't grasp how awesome the moment is. It's like I know how much I am going to cherish this moment and remember it forever, but I also know I'll never truly understand how precious it is until time has indeed, flown.

Watching Dane walk up to his classroom - a little bit shy, a little hesitant, but ready - it was such a beautiful moment. My curly-headed gentle giant sat down at the head of his little table of six and began to shyly smile at the kids, one of whom was crying because he missed mommy (my heart was of course, breaking). Little Tristan and Dane shared a "hello," and Tristan stopped crying. Maybe a new friend for Dane? Who knows? It's all so exciting to think about...

What it boils down to is this...Dane is a 1st grader. He is now in the hands of Mrs. Sanchez in Room 7 at Magnolia Elementary from 8:05-2:35pm every week day for the next 9 months, give or take a few furlough days (thanks Cali) and holidays. There's something about that that makes my heart stop a little. He's out of my hands! The good news is, though, he's always in God's hands. Once again, I'm learning the art of letting go a little more with each kiss and hug goodbye. It will never be easy, but it does get easier. "Little big Dane," we love you so much and we are so proud of you. Have a wonderful year in 1st grade and let your light shine bright!

Pancake breakfast as requested by the 1st grader!

A new backpack that mommy and daddy found in our closet. Shhh, don't tell Dane. :)

Ready to walk!

Dane wanted to push the stroller because he's "a big, strong boy." Indeed you are, buddy.

Tradish school pic in front of the sign!


There's his classroom!

He had his own pencil/crayon box with his name on it when he got there. He was so pleased.

There's little Tristan on the right...cute.

Come on mom, get outta there!


Some brotherly love...

Ryan: "Um...can I skip 1st - 12th grade?"

There's Mrs. Sanchez busily chatting with the kids and crazy parents!

Daney's backpack on the hook with all the others. I remember doing this in school!

Peering into the classroom from outside the window with all the other parents. Hee hee.

Alana, Ryan and I headed to the park to blow off some steam (well Ryan's steam). Alana was tired.

Alana's first swing! She loved it!


Ryan wanted to push! Be my guest!


Having a yummy cheese sandwich before we head home:)