Max started first grade this year. A completely different experience than Kindergarten, as it should. But in the few weeks we've been back to school, its been tough. Different. Fun.
No matter what, I am still so proud of this boy. Look at how happy he is, ready to go back.
No matter what, I am still so proud of this boy. Look at how happy he is, ready to go back.
If starting school wasnt stressful enough for Max, he tested for the next belt level in karate. This is his third belt in karate. I believe my boy likes this sport.
Little Dragons, Orange Stripe.
Its summer, and summer usually means somewhere in there a road trip. And that is exactly what we did. We hit the road on a Thursday afternoon, stopped about 3 hours into our trip and visited the University of Notre Dame campus, then I let the boys jump from bed to bed at the hotel. Friday morning we got up and headed to our weekend stay, Coldwater Lake Michigan.
Boys did well in the car without videos to watch and construction traffic to suffer through. I was going to be spontaneous and continue on the road but they wanted to swim in the hotel pool, and for my sanity, it was best to honor that request.
I knew a long time ago I preferred woods over beach. However, come summertime, and having spend a good part of my childhood on a beach, it calls me back. And I happily go back. I am glad to see my boys have that same pull and happiness when they are in the sand and water. Because that is all they did from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. In,out, up, down, jump, jump, splash, jump. I heard zero complaints.
Uncle Andrew brought his boat and we headed out Saturday afternoon. It couldnt have been a more perfect day for boating, redeeming a previous experience for Andrew + family, and giving my boys a positive experience. Both of them tried tubing without any hesitation. You could tell Max was a bit scared, but he was so brave and did it and smiled. Theo, the minute the boat started pulling the tube the biggest smile came across his face. I am just so proud of my boys for being open and brave and trying new things, even if its terribly scary.
Right before we left we corralled the cats for five seconds to snap this. Not the best but perfect. An awesome road trip, indeed.
We obviously love the outdoors, and adventuring, or hiking, or walking man-made trails in the area. Its a good distraction from electronics, gets us out of the house and we usually get to pack the cooler and bring our favorites as a treat.
This particular Friday couldnt decide if it was going to rain or be sunny or both or heck, I wouldnt have been surprised if it snowed. Just a weird weather day. And I was trying to go off the forecast to determine what we were going to do. I finally said the heck with it, lets just go. Worst thing ... we get there and we get poured on and our trip is cut short.
And that is exactly what happened. We got there, we walked, we found the water, we played and boom, rain. But. The big trees provided a nice cover for us. We didnt feel the rain that much. Then it started to rain harder. Still not feeling it too bad. Thunder. But it was off in the distance. I figured we had about 5-10 minutes left. Boom! That was quick. 'Out of the water! Let's Go!' I yelled to the boys. We ran to the car, soaked and were laughing and smiling and happy. I love these boys.
This particular Friday couldnt decide if it was going to rain or be sunny or both or heck, I wouldnt have been surprised if it snowed. Just a weird weather day. And I was trying to go off the forecast to determine what we were going to do. I finally said the heck with it, lets just go. Worst thing ... we get there and we get poured on and our trip is cut short.
And that is exactly what happened. We got there, we walked, we found the water, we played and boom, rain. But. The big trees provided a nice cover for us. We didnt feel the rain that much. Then it started to rain harder. Still not feeling it too bad. Thunder. But it was off in the distance. I figured we had about 5-10 minutes left. Boom! That was quick. 'Out of the water! Let's Go!' I yelled to the boys. We ran to the car, soaked and were laughing and smiling and happy. I love these boys.
Our summer adventures continued ...
... with a visit to the Adler Planetarium. Max is so fascinated by the solar system and the planets. We have painted a solar system and hung in their bedroom from the ceiling. He now has a poster of the solar system above his bed, where he sleeps facing it. So a trip the planetarium was definitely in the plans.
When I visit public places like the planetarium, or museums, I prefer to be there when it opens to avoid the major crowds. By the time we are done with the place, most people are just getting there. Not only does this help with my *thing* with crowds, it also allows us to enjoy whatever we are visiting in peace, and not feel rushed or pushed or all of the above.
And that is exactly what happened with our visit. We were able to get in and visit and see what we wanted before any of the local camps, school groups, etc. arrived. Max was able to revisit his favorite exhibit without a wait. It was an awesome visit.
... with a visit to the Adler Planetarium. Max is so fascinated by the solar system and the planets. We have painted a solar system and hung in their bedroom from the ceiling. He now has a poster of the solar system above his bed, where he sleeps facing it. So a trip the planetarium was definitely in the plans.
When I visit public places like the planetarium, or museums, I prefer to be there when it opens to avoid the major crowds. By the time we are done with the place, most people are just getting there. Not only does this help with my *thing* with crowds, it also allows us to enjoy whatever we are visiting in peace, and not feel rushed or pushed or all of the above.
And that is exactly what happened with our visit. We were able to get in and visit and see what we wanted before any of the local camps, school groups, etc. arrived. Max was able to revisit his favorite exhibit without a wait. It was an awesome visit.
Ive been tagging pictures I've taken on Sundays this summer, Summer Sundays. Just as a documentation of what we've done this summer. Here's a look so far.
May 15th.
May 22nd.
June 26th.
July 10th.
May 15th.
May 22nd.
May 29th.
June 5th.
June 12th.
June 19th.
June 26th.
July 3rd.
July 10th.
July 17th.
July 24th.
When I was pregnant with Max, and about to find out what I was having - boy or girl - I can honestly say I didnt care either way, because it was my first, and I had waited so long and worked so hard for them. So when the ultrasound tech said it was a boy, clear as day, I didnt know what to do with that information. I smiled of course. And was more than happy, because so far everything was perfect.
Little did I know what God was giving me. A challenge this is not. Life altering, maybe. Especially when the ultrasound tech told me my second pregnancy was also a boy.
And so as our story unfolds as a family of boys, I learn each and every day the stark contrasts these two creatures are from girls, and from each other (so one parenting technique does not apply to all, bummer). I also learn how similar they are and how much they are truly my children.
For example, my love for butter. Theo.
My love for reading, Max.
My love for arts and creativity, Theo.
My love for nature and science, Max.
For those who arent familiar with life with boys, take a look.
The monsters, climb.
They ride bikes without helmets and shoes.
They set up dinner in the garage.
They talk Minecraft with cousins.
They wander off at IKEA, only to be found here, like this.
They squirt water at each other.
They are found suspiciously hanging out by the mailbox.
And they know exactly when to not pose for Mom.
When not monsters, they are sweet sweet boys. For now, the monsters are around for a while. And honestly, I wouldnt have it any other way.
I was meant to be a mom to boys.
Little did I know what God was giving me. A challenge this is not. Life altering, maybe. Especially when the ultrasound tech told me my second pregnancy was also a boy.
And so as our story unfolds as a family of boys, I learn each and every day the stark contrasts these two creatures are from girls, and from each other (so one parenting technique does not apply to all, bummer). I also learn how similar they are and how much they are truly my children.
For example, my love for butter. Theo.
My love for reading, Max.
My love for arts and creativity, Theo.
My love for nature and science, Max.
For those who arent familiar with life with boys, take a look.
The monsters, climb.
They ride bikes without helmets and shoes.
They set up dinner in the garage.
They talk Minecraft with cousins.
They wander off at IKEA, only to be found here, like this.
They squirt water at each other.
They are found suspiciously hanging out by the mailbox.
And they know exactly when to not pose for Mom.
When not monsters, they are sweet sweet boys. For now, the monsters are around for a while. And honestly, I wouldnt have it any other way.
I was meant to be a mom to boys.