Raining Cats and Dogs

Last night, Adlyn and I ventured into the rain to pick up a graduation card.  As I was card shopping at the grocery store, she was looking at all the stuffed animals - primarily these dogs with unusually large eyes that I find not-so-cute.  She loved them.  She put them away when we were done, and I told her that I'm sure she could see them the next time.

Tonight we were back at the store, in the rain, and she wanted to visit the dogs.  Once we got to the gift area, she said, "I told you so!"  She was right, there were only two dogs left, and neither of them were the colors of the ones she was playing with the night before.  I wouldn't have guessed the store could sell one of those, let alone the whole shelf!  Maybe a bunch of graduates received stuffed dogs as presents?  It hadn't even been 24 hours!

Aisles and Alleys

Tonight at the grocery store, Adlyn was calling aisles, alleys.  It made me laugh.  I also enjoyed watching her dance to the good music that was playing in the store when we were in the produce department.  She was a fun shopping partner!

Tooth Update

Brooks' tooth is now gone, and tonight he told me he has started eating some soft food with his front teeth.  He survived the dentist very well, and didn't cry.  He didn't even need any laughing gas!  The dentist said he was very brave for a four year old.  We were very proud of him!

He seems to be proud of his missing tooth, and he does look cuter than I thought.  On the way to school today, he told me that the next time he needs a tooth pulled at the dentist, I can come with him instead do Dad.  I hope that doesn't happen again!  But, if he does, I'll know that he can handle it (better than I would!).

Computers

Last week, Adlyn asked me if I did any painting projects with my students at school that day.  I told her no.  She commented that all we do is work on computers!  In her mind, my school is quite boring!

Spanish II

To continue with my Spanish blog entry, I have more to add.

Tonight, Brooks said pear is the Spanish word for kiwi.  Adlyn said that trace is the Spanish word for popcorn and chicken.  I think they are making up their own language!

Kind Kid

After church today, I opened the truck door so the kids could hop in.

Brooks:  Adlyn, you can get in first because you're the best.
Adlyn:  Why?
Brooks:  Because, I love you.

Well that was cute, and kind!

Brooks as a Teacher

This morning, Adlyn was trying to snap on a suspender dress on her stuffed kitty.  She was having a hard time getting it to work.  It was fun to observe the following situation!

Brooks:  I know how to do it, I can help you!
Adlyn:  Ok.
Brooks:  See, you just put one finger on top of the snap, and the other finger on the bottom of the snap, and press them together.  If you hear the snap, then you know you got it.
Adlyn:  Ok.
(Adlyn tries to snap the other strap, and is still having a hard time.)
Adlyn:  Ugh, I can't do this.
Brooks:  Its ok, just keep trying.
(Adlyn keeps trying.)
Adlyn:  I got it!
Brooks:  Great work!

He was such a great helper, and it was neat to see them interact in this way.  Adlyn really appreciated his help.

Spanish

The kids make up their own Spanish words.  Brooks will say, "Kinder is how you say Kindergarten in Spanish."  Or, they make up some non-sense word and come up with a Spanish translation.

Dentist Day

Tomorrow, Mr. B. will get his tooth pulled.  It makes me sad.

Tonight, I was reading the kids "Pete the Cat, Rocking in my School Shoes".  I made up a part at the end about Pete going to the dentist to get his tooth taken out.  I said, "Does Pete worry?"  Brooks said, "Goodness, yes!"  We all laughed!  The books always responds with a, "Goodness, no!"

A Request from Brooks

Last night, when Brooks should have been sleeping, he found some books that he hasn't read in a long time.  He asked me if I would read him the stories.  I told him that I would in the morning.  He said, "Read the book as soon as you wake up.  Don't wash any dishes or talk to anyone on the phone, just read the book."  Ok, sir!  It wasn't fun for me to hear him summarize what I do!  I really don't talk on the phone very much, so I'm not for sure why he said that.  And, there is nothing I dread more than washing dishes.  I'd pick reading him a book over doing the dishes any day of the week.

Talking to a Grown Up

Zach and the kids were outside one evening this week.  Zach went to help Brooks with his tricycle that he had placed on top of skis in the last remaining snow patch in the yard.  In the meantime, Adlyn walked up to Neighbor Jerry by the fence and said, "How have your two dogs been doing?"  Jerry thought it was very funny of her to be having such a grown up conversation, and told Zach all about it.

Last night when we were out riding bikes, Adlyn saw the pizza delivery man taking a pizza up to a house.  As she was riding, she said, "Hi Pizza Guy."  Luckily, he didn't hear her!

Snow

We've had snow every week this month.  April always seems to be a snowy month for us!

The kids have enjoyed the snow, and we even got a snow day this month!  The kids have been great at helping shovel.  We have also been lucky that our neighbor has come over to help us dig out.  On the snow day, we shoveled for about 2 1/2 hours, and didn't get a start to the back driveway. 

Every day, the kids are very eager to ride their bikes.  It doesn't matter if it is snowing or raining, they want to ride their bikes.  Zach has been doing great at taking them for a long ride, nearly every day. 

Race

The kids joined me during a 5K run this past weekend in town.  The run was a fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and also served as a Boston remembrance run.  There was an excellent turnout for the event.  I pushed A&B in the stroller, and several times they hopped out to run along with me.  We finished in 32 minutes.  I'm pretty confident that Brooks ran the last half mile.  Adlyn conserved her energy by riding in the stroller, but, hopped out at the very end to sprint and beat Brooks and I.  As soon as we finished, she said, "Did we win?"  Well, we didn't, but we had a lot of fun and it was a perfect morning and a great course.  I look forward to running with them again in the future.

Party

The kids went to their first birthday party this month at the children's museum.  They had a great time and had a lot of fun making birthday cards for the birthday girl before the party.  I think the party made Mr. B tired.  By 6 PM, he went to bed and didn't wake up until the next morning.  Adlyn was excited to wear her tutu to the party.  I was glad the girl's mom allowed me to stay and help out.  I don't think A&B would have stayed without me there. 

Fishing off the Loft

A few weeks ago, Brooks requested their fishing poles from their boat to be used on the loft.  Zach made them a paperclip hook so they could catch their toys with their poles.  It was fun to watch Brooks and Adlyn work together to climb down and hook up a toy, and reel it in.  If it was a heavy item, they would both place their hooks on the item and reel it up with teamwork.

It is fun to watch them interact and play together.

Chip Off the Ol' Tooth

Brooks took a chip off his front tooth today while riding his trike to the park.  Ugh.

It still makes me sick to my stomach.  Zach handled the ordeal and took Brooks to the dentist.  Poor kid, I feel so bad for him.  The dentist is recommending we get it pulled, but wants to wait a week for the swelling to go down to make a decision.  His lips are quite swollen, and he has a lot of scrapes on his face.  I haven't been able to get a close look at his tooth, but it doesn't look great.  Zach said it is loose and wiggly.  I really hope we don't have to get it pulled.  I don't want to put him through it.

The little guy looks so sad.  I know he doesn't want anything to happen to his tooth, and Zach said he started to cry when the dentist recommended that they pull it.  Adlyn also feels bad for Brooks. 

We'll see how the next few days go.