sunny day

changing preschools

counting their eggs after a practice Easter egg hunt

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Thomas has been attending a great preschool but soon he'll be starting a new one. We learned last weekend that his current preschool's tuition will increase substantially (more than double what we currently pay!) and they are not offering a 4 year old program that fits our family's needs. It was very disappointing to learn this, esp. in late March when so many preschools are already full for Fall.

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Fortunately, one of the area's favorite preschools is the one up the street from us and they had a spot available in their afternoon session for 4 year olds. Lucky us! Afternoon isn't ideal, but we can make it work. And there are several things I really like about this preschool - location, program, tuition, enrichment classes, new facility, student:teacher ratio - that I think (overall) this will be a very positive move for Thomas and our family.

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Earlier this week we toured the preschool together and met with the Director. Thomas loved her and loved the preschool. He surprised me by asking her questions (most were even preschool-related!), showing great interest in the classrooms we toured, and having such a high level of comfort with the whole thing. He's so excited to be attending this preschool in the Fall that I kind of wish we could just move him now.

concept vehicle

Thomas, unlike his mama, clearly doesn't fear birds

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During our drive home this afternoon from the Wild Animal Park, Thomas shared with me his concept for a new vehicle. Maybe we should look into having his ideas patented?

"I'm thinking of a car. A car with two wheels, one in front and one behind it. The driver could stand or sit to steer the car. But I don't know where the dogs would sit. The car would be called "Off-Road Driving Car". It could drive over bushes, dirt, plants, barkdust, flowers, trees, anything like that. It could go on water. It would have a hard top, like a glass top. Glass is hard. A really, really hard glass top so nothing can break the glass. The car can only sit two people at a time. Only two. It could climb up walls and over roofs. It could go upside down because wheels would be on the top, on the glass. That's my kind of car [I'm talking about]."

Little Miss Meredith

This morning I realized my days of dressing Miss Meredith any which way I choose is coming to an abrupt end. Given the choice, she'd wear her "hoo-hoo-haw-haw shirt" every single day. It's from the Oregon Zoo, is yellow, and has a monkey on the front. It's cute, but every day?? This morning she wanted to wear only her diaper and these Chuck Taylor's that once belonged to Thomas. He only wore them a few times (kept tripping in them for some odd reason) and they almost fit, so I let her wear them. But no socks. She won't wear socks. And the dress? I had to do a quick switch-a-roo while she was distracted since her preferred outfit was covered in yogurt. And the hairclip that so neatly holds her hair away from her face? She rips it out every time I stick it back in her hair. But this look suits her -- active, girly and a wee bit crazy... er, I mean FUN.

23 months

Thomas was just over 23 months old the morning Meredith was born. Totally different personalities, but seriously? I cannot even begin to imagine doing that again. Not with this little girl at 23 months old. Last week our friend Wendy said, "She's a pistol." Yes, she is...

the GoGo Family visits

Thomas was almost 6 months old when Logan and his family moved onto our street. The two quickly became friends and since Thomas wasn't able to say "Logan" his new friend became "GoGo". It stuck and today we still call him GoGo.

GoGo and his family were our special guests this last week. The two boys had so much fun together (as we all did!). They bunked every night in Thomas' room, rode nearly every ride at Legoland, built Legos together, ran themselves silly on the beach... Naps at home were suspended during their visit and all four kids still did great (GoGo Baby is about 7 months younger than Meredith). Minutes after they left for the airport today both Thomas and Meredith wanted GoGo and his family to come back.

[Glad you guys could come! We had such a good time!! I'm guessing Meredith will wake tomorrow morning and the first word out of her mouth (as it has been for days) will be "GoGo". The Voodoo Doughnuts were awesome -- thanks for bringing us some Portland goodness! Our two napped today. Hope Liam is back on track soon.]

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Our playgroup rented Pump It Up this afternoon for a very fun St. Patrick's Day party. It was our first time at one and both kids had a blast! I was thrilled Meredith was tall enough to participate (min. height of 34" is required) today. I knew she would LOVE it because of her fondness for bounce houses, but I had no idea she'd enjoy the big slide as much as she did. She's such a little thing but would ask to go down the big slide over and over and over all by herself! I think there's something about the W family women because several times this week, today included, I've caught myself thinking how much Meredith reminds me of her cousin Franny. Watch out because these two girls will make quite a pair in 15 years!

And as for Thomas , well... he also surprised me with how much he enjoyed the big slide. He pretty much did it continuously. Both kids worked up a good appetite for the pizza, cupcakes and lemonade that followed an hour and a half of fun... [Yes, this mama had a great time, too! These bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses are so much fun!!]

Greta is 7

l: about 6 months ~ r: today at 7 years

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Greta doesn't really seem to age. Maybe slightly less energetic than she was when we adopted her at 6 months from the Humane Society, but none of the other signs like Bela has developed over the years (white hairs on her face, lumps on her body). Greta likes to lay on the plants in the backyard and wrestle her toys in them. She's still very much a young, playful dog. And a very good one, too!

Happy Birthday, sweet Greta!

3 year old chatter

1- Thomas often says things that cause me to pause. And, sometimes, even close my eyes and take a deep breath. This morning we were rushing to get out the door and meet up with his preschool classmates at the beach when he looked at me and calmly said, "Don't worry. We'll get there." Well said for such a little guy.
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2- A few weeks ago I asked if he wanted to go to a local nursery with me to look for plants and pots. His response was, "Well, okay... if you think you can find it." He was referring to the weekend before when the whole family was in the car and I thought I knew where we were going since I had looked it up online, but I didn't.
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3- This weekend Thomas decided he'd like to try wearing boxers instead of briefs. I had just purchased some new briefs so this morning we stopped at the store to exchange them for boxers. Upon leaving the store and after telling me how much he loved his new boxers he said, "Maybe when Meredith is three and a half we can give her my underwear. Or we can buy her Princess underwear. I don't know which one she will want." He's always thinking about his little sister, even when it comes to underwear he can no longer wear.
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4- He's really good at pointing out my shortcomings as a parent, too. Several months ago the kids and I were running errands and Meredith really wanted something in the car that I couldn't give to her because I was driving. I became irritated after repeating myself numerous times and finally just yelled at her. Thomas was quick to jump in and very matter-of-factly state, "You don't have to yell at her, mom. Just tell her what you want and she'll listen." Nothing like a 3 year old telling you how to be a better mother.

preschool field trip

Thomas' preschool class had a field trip outing to the beach today. Together the class built this maze using rocks found on the beach. A few kids and I also made a circle using seashells we gathered and another boy and his dad made a turtle (sand for the body and flat rocks for the shell). About half of the students were actively participating while the other half were climbing on the rocks and cliffs, drawing in the sand with sticks and, in one case, making a bee-line for the ocean. Thomas did a little of everything and enjoyed drawing a line for his gal pal Sierra to follow. Meredith was a fantastic helper when it came to constructing the maze. Then once it was finished, she started removing rocks and piling them up on the side. I had to quickly replace these missing rocks before photos were taken.
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We were some of the last ones to leave since the kids were having a good time. Thomas drew things like a dump truck in the sand and Meredith tried her hand at writing letters in the sand. After a couple of scratch marks she'd stand up with a huge grin on her face and shriek to get my attention... then do it all over again.

a day at preschool

Thomas attends a Reggio Emilia preschool and, as such, the curriculum is open-ended -- they can remain on a single topic for extended periods of time if the students are engaged or they can change direction at the drop of a hat. You never know where these children will take things. Because of this, it's fun to spend time in their classroom and in the indoor and outdoor studios. Something is always changing and the environments are stimulating and interesting for both the children and adults.

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Every evening we receive an e-mail from his teachers with photos and videos from their day. Today's collection shows the children exploring one of Thomas' favorite things -- mazes! He loves to do them and can often solve them visually first and then quickly with a pen. It's amazing to watch his little mind work. And today at preschool he was exploring mazes in so many fun ways! I'm guessing today was probably one of his favorite days at preschool.

the big girl

Notice anything missing in the photo above? After naps today the kids and I converted Meredith's crib to a toddler bed. I knew the day was coming and was actually planning to do it next month, but today I saw her lift her leg up to grab the side with her toes and then she began to pull herself up. Eek! If she's going to fall out of her bed, I'd prefer it be from 12" off the floor and not 36". Tonight she climbed into her (new) toddler bed and laid down... all by herself... like the big girl she's quickly becoming... Thomas also notices these changes in his little sister because earlier this week he said to her, "You're a big girl now, Meredith. I'm so proud of you."

Meredith & mommy

million dollar smile

Thomas has the best smile; they're quick, easy and big.

And silly, too!

chalk art

When it comes to shadow tracings, even the dogs will oblige when our littlest artist decides she wants to draw one of them. Sweet, sweet Bela...

my guys

My two favorite guys at sunset on a Southern California beach's pier. I love this photo.

"...twins?"

An older female at the Botanical Gardens asked us today, "Are they twins?" Seriously! I mean, they are both super cute girls... and pretty much the same size despite their 7 month age difference (Meredith is older than her cousin)... and they were sitting in a double stroller together, but really...? Twins??

Thomas takes the plunge at SeaWorld

the plunge (not us) ~ T and I in the back row

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This weekend M's brother and his family are visiting us. The kids are having a great time with their cousins as we share some of our favorite places with them and find some new favorites (for us!) along the way.

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At SeaWorld today Thomas rode his first "big kid" theme park ride -- you know, those rides that require riders to be a minimum of 42" tall. I always think he's a big kid, but he looked so tiny climbing into the Journey to Atlantis boat ride. I was nervous for him since it was a big ride and a wet one at that, but he was just fine and did great. After the ride his aunt (Jeff and Auntie Eve are sitting in the row ahead of us) asked Thomas if he liked the ride. His response was, "I liked it, but not really." He was excited to have experienced it, but he wasn't lining up to go again either.

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As we were leaving the park Thomas wanted to greet O.P. Otter with the shark toy his Uncle Dave got for him. Otter was staying true to his character by covering his face and hiding. Poor Thomas! He didn't understand why the otter was running away from him. Later the two reconciled with a sweet hug and smiles. M explained to Thomas as we left the park why otters don't like sharks so now he knows...

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Meredith's favorite today was Shamu. She was locked in on that Killer Whale throughout the entire show. She repeated his name over and over... "Hi Shamu, Hi... Shamu... Shamu... Bye Shamu..." Do we have a future Marine Animal Trainer? Marine Biologist??

lemons & oranges

Our house came with four large pots on the back patio. When the last resident moved out, she wasn't able to move them by herself so she left them behind. Lucky us! They were empty so we just used them for storage (toys, yard stuff, etc.) but today we picked up two new trees for the kids. Thomas has a lemon tree and Meredith has an orange tree. Soon we'll pick up a lime tree for M. It may be a few years, but we're all excited to watch these trees grow and (hopefully!) produce some fruit. Not sure yet what we'll do with the fourth pot... maybe some of my favorite native plants and flowers... maybe an avocado tree...