Friday Fun

Koen was off to school this morning and with it being Doug's day off, Tav was itching for some one-on-one time with Daddy.  They took off for a scooter walk right after breakfast.  It was a productive walk in Tav's eyes.  The spotted all sorts of construction vehicles and even scored a seat on a backhoe!

Once Doug & T got back from their little walk it was time for Tav and I to head to his speech therapy session.  That meant Doug getting some one-on-one time with Penn before Penn's morning nap.  They had a blast.  Doug texted me this picture.

I texted Doug back that the reason he was so happy was because he had gotten his hands on Koen's calculator which is Penn's big envy these days (and Koen's big goal is to keep it out of his sticky fingers).  Doug texted back..."no wonder he's giggling."  

Without Koen around the rest of the day was pretty low key and easy-going.  I don't know if it's a personality thing with him or if it's just his age and eventually Tav will get that way too, but managing Tav and Penn is simple in comparison to juggling all of Koen's needs throughout the day.  Doug picked Koen up and then we decided to make the most of the hot day and one of the last days that the outdoor pool at the gym is open so we had a family date at the pool after naps/before dinner.  We had a blast!!  I especially love this time with the boys.  It's such a time of discovery, enjoyment and simplicity.  I love the water and I LOVE that the boys enjoy it so much as well!  This summer Koen has gone from relying much on his "swimmies" and only practicing his independent swimming skills part of the pool visit to only swimming on his own and needing goggles as he spends much of his time underwater with his eyes open.  Tav has gone from just treading water in a life jacket to spluttering around the pool like a mini-motorboat practically swimming just in the safety of his swim vest.  It's been fun to see them gain so much more confidence!  Penn loves the water and is just a happy guy in the big bath that the pool is to him.

The boys were dead tired and hungry after their long summer day and their pool exercise, so they had big dinners and then went to bed without a peep.  Oh, I'm going to miss summer!!!

Littlest in the Limelight

Last night we had fun plans to hang out with some friends up in Wexford, we left the big boys at home with a babysitter and took Penn with us (he's so easy and goes to bed so early we figured it would be a break for the babysitter to only have 2 and not 3).  Loading Penn into the car felt odd since he was the only little one being whisked away.  But it was oh, so fun to just enjoy this little guy and show him off for a night!  We got there at about 6:30pm and usually I would've laid him down before 7pm, but he was just too cute and having too much fun that I let him stay up until about 7:30.  We were at Mark & Meaghan's.  They have a 4 year old and then a baby only 3 weeks older than Penn, his name is Charlie.  Here they are acclimating after we arrived.  Here's what I think Penn is thinking..."Mom, do you see this kid's hair?"

"No, I'm serious...can I grow some like that?"

Penn played happily with Charlie and Austin, their 4 year old.  I was having such a nice time loving on him without the distraction of the older brothers and chatting it up with Meaghan that I didn't take enough pictures.  I did get these last two though.  Again I think Penn is thinking, "Mom, am I allowed to touch this?"

"Charlie, is this how you type your name?"

I can pretty much guarantee that the "take Penn with us" date night might become a regular event.  It was a blast enjoying our littlest man while also catching up with our dear friends.  Thanks to Mark & Meaghan for their hospitality and a much needed relaxed evening with good buds.  We'll be back!

On the First Day in the First Grade

Yesterday was Koen's first day of First Grade!  I can't believe I have a child old enough to be in first grade, yet at the same time, it is so exciting to be alongside a child of this age watching them discover their world, make friends, learn new things every day and develop into more of what they will one day fully be.  Unlike last year where I was pretty much ready for Kindergarten to start the day after preschool ended, this year, I've had a hard time bidding goodbye to our summer routine and starting this new chapter for Koen.  First off, this summer went really well and I enjoyed my buddy (although I had my fair share of moments where I was overwhelmed by his intensity).  Honestly, I've been tossing around the idea of homeschooling for so many reasons and as I prepared for his first day of school I wanted to just pull him out and go for it.  But I'm trying to trust the Lord that this is OK for him and we will get into the routine and I will be able to release the control and trust that it's OK to take it a day at a time and see how this goes.  Last year it was easier to let him go as it was just half day, but it just seems like so much time away to have him out of the house all day 5 days a week.  Well, that's all about how I felt leading up to Day 1 of 1st Grade, but we should cover how Koen felt.  Easy...He was so excited!  He showed a few nervous questions in the final days leading up to the first day, but for the most part he was confident, excited and at ease.  I had the pleasure of dropping him off at school the first morning.  Look at my big boy (in his oh so urban setting).

He had a great first day.  He came home happy and very talkative.  He was super pleased about the surprise note I left in his lunchbag that he read "all by himself."  

I had a welcome note for him at home too (which he also read all on his own and he was happy about that too).

I missed my afternoon buddy so much I baked chocolate chip cookies as a surprise for his homecoming and we had a great chat about his first day while enjoying them.  I'm still not convinced that sending him off is the absolute best thing, but until we figure that out I'm so thankful he's in a safe place where they care about him and they love the Lord and he is loving it in the meantime.  Welcome to First Grade, Koen.  I am excited (and praying over) all you will learn this year!

Tiny Wagon Ride

Penn found a tiny wagon we have and just loved crashing it around (and it is sooooo loud).  I thought we'd try using the wagon for something a little more productive.  Rides anyone??  Koen got such a kick out of this and Penn of course loved it.

I had to take a video to capture the whole experience.  Enjoy our rainy day entertainment for yourself...

Summer Science Experiment Finisher - Sound Travel

Today was the end of my monthly calendars chock full of ideas to keep Koen engaged and learning this summer.  It was great to have a plan to direct our many afternoons hanging out together before his rest time while the little guys napped.  I think one of our favorites was the weekly science experiments.  There's nothing like seeing a young face light up as they discover something new and science can be so simple, but so amazing (and such a great way to just stand in awe of our Creator!).

Today we learned about sound.  First we used a balloon to show how compressed air molecules can amplify sound (who knew?).  It really works!  Hold it up to your ear and try speaking into the balloon.  The listener will definitely hear you. =)

Next we did the classic telephone experiment.  It still was impressive to me how much louder a voice sounds when spoken into a cup between a tight string.  Seriously, the simplicity of these experiments narrowing in on a complex phenomenon is pretty fun.  Here are the telephonists.

Now, the book I've been using for these experiments unfortunately did not have any ideas on how to make people sound quieter.  If they did I think I would create that apparatus and attempt to get Koen to wear it/use it during all his waking hours.  Seriously, Koen, I love discovering new things with you.  Thanks for experimenting (or as we call it, "observigating") this summer.  Special memories.  I'll miss our weekly science moments during the school year, don't worry, we'll work in some here and there (he's already requested this for weekends/days off).

Parting Playdates

One of my favorite parts of summer (and I have to give my Type A planning-self a pat on the back for this one) has been our standing playdates on Tuesdays with Deborah and her kids and then on Wednesdays with Adrianne and her kids.  It's been nice to get the kids together that frequently and then I've loved the time with these moms that I respect and enjoy so much.  Here are a few shots from our final regularly scheduled playdates of Summer 2013.

On Tuesday at Highland Park...  We started our time over on the rocks.  Koen brought Claire and Miles over.

Soon after though we all ended up at the swings (note that the camera is still unknowingly on the annoying setting Koen put it on and things are blurry).

Finally noticed and fixed the setting, just in time for this picture of sweet Hazel.  Look at those curls and those cheeks!

During our lunchtime break (thankfully under the pavilion) there was a huge downpour with some gusty winds.  We got misted while we ate, but the kids decided to go ahead and get all wet right before we left (and before the rain ended).  It was fun seeing them just enjoy the simple pleasure of a summer rainstorm.

Thanks for the great fellowship this summer, Deborah.  I'm going to miss our weekly chances to catch up (and for me to dump my latest mommy blunder on you!).  

On Wednesday at our place (after a summer of gorgeous Wednesdays at Osceola, today was rainy!)...It happened to be Owen's birthday, so after about an hour and a half of the kids playing quite well together we had a break for a snack/early lunch and sang Owen "Happy Birthday."  He was sweet and quiet about it, but I think he liked it.  Here are all the big kids.  Charlotte is behind them all and Penn was upstairs napping.

Here's sweet Charlotte.  So precious!

It was so fun to see all the kids play together.  Tavin and Claire played well and Koen and Owen played really well together (mostly spying on the rest of us).  It turns out that being indoors due to the rain was a fun change of pace for this crew and a nice way to finish out our regularly scheduled playdate for the summer.  Adrianne, I'll miss seeing you weekly as we both jump back into the routine of a school-age kid's mom.  Thanks for all the chats, advice and laughs.

Penn's 1 Year Appointment (2 Months Late)

I just don't understand why doctor's offices can never schedule more than 3 months out.  Does anyone else get frustrated by this?  You then can't book appointments far in advance and then you have to actually remember (amidst the craziness that is a household with children) to call the office and schedule something.  Then when you do call they are booked pretty much until they can't schedule again.  Seriously?!?  Anyways, this was my plight in getting Penn's 1 year appointment on the books.  Well, it also included a frazzled mommy moment in which I put a phantom appointment for Penn on my calendar that did not exist (for July 9th), so I totally thought I had his 1 year appt. all set up.  That day we got in the van and everything and it finally struck me that it was odd the doctor's call service hadn't left me a voicemail about the upcoming appointment.  I called the office before we pulled away and low and behold there was no appointment.  Hmmm, perhaps with the 40 or so appointments Tavin's had in the last few months I got jumbled up and made up this one in my head for Penn.  Anyways, when I called to make a "for real" appointment, they didn't have anything with our doctor until today.  So, 14 months rather than 12 months it is.  Oh well.  Sorry, Penn.  I was actually a little glad because around 12 months Penn was not eating a lot (I have no concrete reason why) and I felt like he was losing some weight.  In the past month he has pretty much tripled the amount of solid food he eats (although I've also weaned him) and so I felt a little better putting him on the scales at this point.  We still didn't exactly impress the doctor as Penn is long and lean, but thankfully he is a healthy boy.  He weighed in at 19 lbs., 15 oz. (5th percentile) and 31 inches (60th percentile).  I, of course, checked K and T's baby books to compare.  It's a little tough since they had appointments at 12 months and 15 months, so here's the breakdown.  Anyway you look at it Penn is tall and thin.

Koen at 12 months: 21 lbs., 10 oz. (45th percentile), 29 and 1/2 in. (40th percentile)
Koen at 15 months: 23 lbs., 10 oz. (30th percentile), 32 and 1/3 in. (70th percentile)

Tavin at 12 months: 19 lbs., 9 oz. (15th percentile), 30 in. (60th percentile)
Tavin at 15 months: 21 lbs., 15 oz. (15th percentile), 31 and 1/4 in. (50th percentile)

And of course, pictures of Penn.  He was super sad about the whole thing today.  I think the big boys being there and not really making it seem like a calm atmosphere could have been part of the problem.  Picture 2 road runners stuck in a 6x6 foot cage for 30 minutes.  Yep, that's not really a "calming effect."  Oh yeah and Koen messed with my camera and so the setting is off and I didn't realize it.  Sorry about the fuzz.  It's his fault.  Here's my precious, innocent and nervous Penn.

Warming up a little now.  

Love you, Penn Rye.  Sorry about all the stats.  Please know you are JUST RIGHT in my book, I just love the numbers and the notes.  We are so thankful you are a thriving, healthy baby boy.  

Soaking Up the Last of Summer

It's starting to hit us that summer is quickly coming to an end with school starting on Thursday this week and the cool nights reminding us that Fall is just around the corner.  We are trying to take advantage of the more flexible summer schedule and squeeze the most out of these last few days.

On Saturday morning Doug took the big guys over to Mellon Park while I stayed home during Penn's nap and enjoyed an opportunity to get stuff done around the house.  Koen and Doug biked there (Tav enjoyed a ride on the back of Doug's bike).  They had a little photo shoot for fun amidst climbing trees and finding the perfect stick (Tavin's favorite play pastime).

Some Daddy loves.

Then Tav and Koen had a photo opportunity and Tav totally tried to kiss Koen and big brother was just too cool.

Saturday night Doug took a little one-on-one BabyBjorn walk with Penn.  Penn was super happy to be "hanging" with his dad.  

On Sunday, Douglas had a huge workday leaving the house around 7am to preach at 4 services in Oakland (and not returning home until about 9:30pm).  This meant a big mommy and the boys day.  We went to the 9am service and kindly left the car for Doug to have to drive home later, so we walked back from Oakland to our neighborhoood.  We stopped for a few groceries at Aldi and I had packed toys and a picnic for the boys and I to enjoy at Baum Grove behind the store.  It was a big hit.  Tav was excited to be out of the stroller and play with his diggers, Penn was thrilled to eat, eat, eat and Koen was happy to be done scootering after the long walk.  We had a blast just enjoying the beautiful midday in the urban greenspace.  Definitely a new favorite simple spot.  Penn was just too cute to pass up on snapping his photo.  Here's a pensive look while he enjoys his corn (veggie course).

Penn takes forever to eat.  But I love this face time with my little man.  On this day we just shared the picnic blanket and watched the brothers play while Penn stuffed his face.

Penn, still eating 30 minutes later, and Koen and Tav happily (amazingly enough together!) playing in the background.

Oh how I love my happy, go lucky guy!

Looks like it's time to head home.  Penn's snuggling up on the picnic blanket.  Must almost be naptime (or perhaps Penn has just caught on how adorably cute this snuggle-festing is).

But wait, before we left...the boys found the stage area in Baum Grove.  Koen has seen people perform here and he figured he and Tav should put on some shows.  First, here's a wild rendition (and very repetitious) of "Oh, Happy Day!"

Next they sang their favorite Miss Kassi song (no prompting necessary, oh how they love to sing at the top of their lungs!).  Wait for the surprise.

Sunday sort of went downhill for me after the boys' nap/rest-times, so not worth posting on (oh the long pity party that would be).  But Monday was a great day for the most part.  The boys enjoyed the pool in the backyard for what will probably one of the last times.  I even got Penn in it.  He was alarmed at the water temp at first, so Koen jumped in to cheer him up.  It was so nice to see (as Koen has been quite a handful lately).  He made up a cute little puppet show with pool toys (voices and all).

Penn is thinking perhaps he can deal with the cool pool.

Oh my goodness, I love watching these two interact.

This was amidst kisses they were exchanging.  Penn is puckering.

Tav and Koen enjoyed a lunch outside (I didn't really want the dueling brothers inside anyways, better outside with the wild animals).

Penn ate inside.  He was just in a diaper and I just couldn't resist snapping a picture of his sweet face atop that bare baby chest.

After Tav's nap I got to take the big boys to the outdoor pool at the gym.  Unfortunately with all the wetness (and the fact we had a blast swimming around for over an hour) I didn't get any pictures of what is sure to be one of our last gym pool visits this summer.  But Doug did send me a few pictures of he and Penn as Doug was at home studying until the end of Penn's naptime.  Penn was super excited to see Daddy wake him up in the afternoon.  I hope he's this happy when I come in (although I'm usually accompanied by two loud and intense big bros).

They sent me another picture and it's just too cute not to share.  

Well, I guess we are up to date as of now.  I do hope the weather holds this week so we can soak up some more summer fun before Koen is off to school on Thursday.  I'm getting sad to bid goodbye to our super fun summer routine.