Scooter Kids

Pat and I are going away for the weekend (more on that amazingness later) for our 10 year anniversary, and Auntie Elizabeth is watching Lizzy and Peter. Whenever we visit our cousins all the kids love to scooter around and around, and have the best time playing outside. Since our last visit, Lizzy has outgrown her little three wheel scooter and Peter has definitely outgrown pushing his car around. Like the loving mother (sucker) I am, I went to Target and got some new scooters for everyone so they could all have fun with their cousins. Lizzy is already amazing on her new scooter, and loves to zoom all around. Her scooter even has a tiny scooter up front that a doll can stand in and scooter with you. We were so excited to show Peter his new scooter, but when he saw it, he pushed it down and said, "NO!" Turns out he really loved Lizzy's new scooter, but when he figured out he couldn't ride it, his second choice was her hand-me-down beat-up princess scooter. It's really darling to see the two of them scootering around, and Peter is getting the hang of it too. Maybe we'll talk him into his blue Toy Story scooter, but for now everyone loves princesses.

Monster Girl

This is Lizzy's go-to costume when she wants to "fight monsters." I must confess, I'm not totally clear on the ins and outs of this game, but as it has become a recent favorite, I'm getting a little clued in. This, in fact, is Lizzy as a "monster" herself. If this is what monsters look like, then turn me into one, because I don't think she could be any cuter. The key is for "locking the monsters up" and she runs around ringing a bell at imaginary monsters that she is putting a bubble around so they will fly away. Whew, that's a lot of imagination! Keep it up, Lizzy, because I love to watch you use your wonderful mind to create and imagine.

Storyteller

"Hey, Peter! Want me to read you a story?"

Summer Feet

Tiny feet in flip-flops are pretty much one of the cutest things of summer!

Flower Power

Often when we go for walks, we spend a lot of time discovering cool flowers, all sorts of bugs and insects, and rocks and sticks. Many times Lizzy will pick a flower and ask me to put it in her hair. Lately, Peter will go out into our yard and find a flower and ask me to put it in his hair. The only way it will stay in is with.....well.....a bow. Peter will keep that dang flower in his hair all day, and he always has the funniest, most proud expression on his face when he does this. Pat stoically looks the other way. I think he's hoping this phase will pass quickly.....

Peter Pan

When Papa was a little boy, he got to see the original Peter Pan show on Broadway. He loved it, and it is one of his fondest childhood memories. Peter Pan 360 has come to San Francisco, so we all went to see the show. It was a day of "firsts" for Lizzy- first BART ride, first "big" show, first taxi ride, and first "fancy" dinner. What I learned is....she's a big girl now! Lizzy was a total champion, and had a great day. She loved the train ride into the city, and was amazed whenever we went through tunnels. She seemed fascinated by the show- not necessarily excited, but seriously taking it all in. The best part of the day seemed to be after the show, when she could play with her cousins. I loved watching Caroline and Lizzy running all around the grassy field outside the theater, and then running, skipping, and jumping all the way to dinner. It's always special when we all get to be together, so I loved getting to share a beautiful city day with my family:)

Tantrums....

.....they happen to the best of us! The good thing about Peter, is that his tantrums are usually pretty short lived, and then he's over it and ready to move on. I can't really blame him when he has one- I've wanted to lay on the ground and flail my body around in anger and frustration plenty of times! Why do we have to become "civilized" anyways?

Beach Day With Daddy

I have been craving some time outdoors lately where we could enjoy the day without getting into rides or entertainment, but just appreciate a beautiful place. Pat had the day off today, so we decided to go to one of our favorite beaches in Half Moon Bay. We had a wonderful time! As usual, it was an overcast day, but there was very little wind, so it was perfect. Right away Lizzy wanted to run into the water and chase the waves- her favorite! Peter loves to run down by the water too, and he giggled each time his toes got wet. We had a fabulous picnic with our favorite sandwiches, then spent an hour combing the beach for shells and beach glass. We found so many great shells, and even some elusive beach glass, which we love not only because it is pretty, but it reminds us of Auntie Elizabeth- she loves beach glass! I love the beach so much! I could spend all day staring at the water and looking through the sand. It's so refreshing to hear the waves crashing and enjoy the beauty of the world around you. I love watching the kids having such a great time playing. It's truly such a special spot.

Riding Buddies

We had a free day, so we decided to hit up one of our favorite spots: Happy Hollow! We all enjoyed the puppet show, then took turns going between Lizzy and Peter's favorite spots. Lizzy loves the big climbing structure with the extra-long slides, and Peter loves going on all the rides. His favorite is the cars, but he really liked getting to sit next to Lizzy on the ladybugs. The weather was just gorgeous, and it always feels so wonderful to be outside enjoying a beautiful day.

Soccer Star

Lizzy really enjoys her soccer class, but it turns out she's not the only family member that's caught the soccer bug. Peter really likes soccer, and he desperately wishes he could play too! Every class he stealthily sneaks a ball from the coach. He copies the big kids by doing the "soccer stance" (putting his foot on top of the ball) and dribbles all around the field. He's actually a really good dribbler, and I love to watch him running around with a big smile on his face, laughing as I chase him. Today we played kick-back almost the whole time. Peter really has his passing down, and will call to me to "Pass!" when I get the ball, and complain "Aww!" if I don't kick it right to him (everyone's a critic!). I promise Peter, that come the fall, when Lizzy is back in school, it will be your turn to take soccer. You will be such a star!

Park Time

We log lots of park time, and these kids are getting seriously big. They are both pretty accomplished park-goers. Lizzy is an amazing swinger, and has even started to do fancy tricks like "the stand-up swing." She can climb almost any ladder up to the play structure, and is fearless on all slides. Her big nemesis, however, is the monkey bars. Try as she might, she just can't get those guys down. She'll hang on the first bar, but doesn't at all get swaying her body to build momentum to swing to the next. God bless her, she tries and tries, and even mutters to herself, "I can do it!" but then she just falls down to the ground. I've figured out that this must be totally developmental because no amount of instruction or guidance from me has helped at all. And here we come to a huge lesson that we've been talking a lot about lately- acknowledging and valuing the gifts you are really good at, and persevering to achieve the things that are hard. When you really have no concept of time, it's hard to imaging that "one day" you'll be able to do it! When something's easy for you, it's difficult to understand that it's not easy for everyone. Lizzy is determined and persistent, though, and really works hard to achieve things. I love to watch her hard work, and I feel badly for her when she is so frustrated. I hope she'll master those darn monkey bars soon- she will deserve it!

Soup's On

Sometimes I feel like a frayed rope. Lord knows I love my children, and I love to spend time with them, but at times their demands and arguments can really wear me out. That is why I find it so magical when they stumble upon an activity that entertains and engrosses them. Lately, we've been having lots of arguments about turning the T.V. off. It always seems like everyone needs "just one more show." The other day, after the T.V. was off, I was getting dressed when I noticed it was suspiciously quiet. I looked out the front window, and much to my delight, there were Lizzy and Peter, in the sand box working away. They had a bowl full of sand, jewels, pennies, and water that they were stirring with paint brushes making the most "delicious" soup. I loved hearing the "conversations" between them, and watching their give and take. Thank goodness for those moments of captivation and imagination!

Two Big Kids

Tonight we went to the mall for dinner, and Peter sat down by the planters and wanted his picture taken. I guess they're pretty used to posing;) The result was this great picture! I love Lizzy's big, happy smile here, and this is just how I always picture her in my mind- bursting with joy and life. I love Peter's sweet, darling face, and his summer-blonde hair. I can't believe how big they look and how quickly they are turning into real kids! It all goes too quickly!

Introducing Pay-pay

For a long time, when we would ask Peter what his name was, he would answer, "Lizzy!" We would always laugh, so it became a little bit of a game. But then, when we would look at pictures and point to Peter and ask who that was, he would still answer, "Lizzy!" Hmmm....that's a little troubling, because we're glad he loves his sister so much, but we also want Peter to love himself (or at least know who he is)! Since his birthday, I've been working on two questions with Peter: "How old are you?" and "What's your name?" Peter has his age down pat, and finally, after some practice, he know's his name! Now when we ask Peter his name, he'll still say "Lizzy" sometimes, but a few "Pay-pay's" are creeping in there too. Yay, the guy's got an identity! So I'd like you to meet "Pay-pay." Take my word for it, he's a pretty great guy:)

I-Wa-Wa

Every time I put Peter to bed, we follow our little routine. We read a couple of books in the rocking chair, then I pick him up and sing to him for a minute and hold him really close. He always rests his head on my shoulder, a rare treat of snuggle time, and I cherish those last moments of holding him, the remnants of my baby clinging to this little boy. I lay him down in his crib and he grabs for all his binkies. Right before I leave, I pull out his binkie and whisper, "I love you, Peter." He looks me right in the eye and whispers back, "I-wa-wa," his way of saying, "I love you." Every time, that "I love you" shoots right to my heart, and I'm filled with love and gratitude for this little boy that I get to share my life with.

Sometimes people will ask me, "What do you do all day?" or "When do you think you'll go back to work?" I always smile to myself and give some vague answer, because people don't really want to hear my answer. They don't want to hear that my day is filled with hundreds of tiny, priceless, precious moments that I wouldn't trade for any salary. My day is full of love, disguised in so many forms you can hardly believe love is so mysterious and all encompassing. Playing games, drawing pictures, reading books, eating together, just discovering.......those are the most precious of moments to me, and that's what fills our days.

I've heard cynics wonder, "Does it really matter? Do they even know?" I know I do. I know it matters to me. I remember all the time I spent with my mom when I was a little girl. I remember her snacks of cinnamon toast and pretzels, watching her work around the house, and smiling and talking with me. Most of all I remember the constant blanket of love and security wrapped around me because my mom and dad were always there, with a smile, no questions asked. That's what I hope for my children, and that's why I'll always be there for them.

Wonder All Around

Yesterday we went to the park with Charlie. Peter and Charlie are hit or miss at "playing" together. Sometimes their worlds seem to intersect, and other times they seem totally clueless that the other is even there. What they both have in common is a mutual love and admiration of Lizzy. Regardless of what is going on, she seems to unite everyone involved. The kids played for a while at the park, then had their snack outside the play area where they discovered a small patch of bushes right next to the parking lot. Even though the play structure, swings, and sandbox were right there, those bushes entertained the kids for an hour. First, everyone searched for rocks and sticks. Peter discovered a lost ball and tossed it around, sometimes to himself, and sometimes to Charlie. We played hide-and-seek and had the best time taking turns hiding behind the bushes and "finding" one another. Hiding behind the bushes soon led to hiding in the bushes, which turned the bushes into thrones and nests. And here we come to what I love about children. I love their wonder at the very simplest of things around them. I love that they, at their essence, don't need bells and whistles because they find joy all around them. They are entertained and intrigued by the very things we would walk over. I love their imagination and creativity, and how they can turn a patch of dirt and bushes into a wonderland of hiding places and discovery. I marvel at the awe within their hearts, the reckless abandon with which they approach their worlds, and how they make the most base things special and lovely. Truly, they're a miracle to behold.

Painting Bonanza

We have been enjoying a bit of a painting renaissance at our house the last couple of days. Yesterday the kids were looking for something to do and I suggested painting a picture. Everyone was eager to paint, so we set up the easel out front and they got to work. They loved it! Both kids were at it for a long time, and I was really impressed with their beautiful pictures. Lizzy loves to carefully paint patches of color, and to mix colors to create new ones. She was so excited to make purple and green. It's always an amazing discovery to see what beautiful colors she will create. I'm not sure if it's genetic or pure copycatting, but Peter paints so similarly to how Lizzy does. He holds his brush very carefully and dips it into each color one at a time and paints little swatches just like she does. He's a very neat, careful worker, and will spend quite a long time finishing his pictures. Both kids seem to have a knack for art projects, and I'm loving all the colorful pictures they're creating these days.

Children's Liturgy

For the past several months I've been one of the volunteer teachers at the children's liturgy at church. I'd been looking for a way to become more involved in church, and to get to know more people, and this has helped me to feel more "a part" of church. Turns out it's done the same for Lizzy and Peter. I guess everyone loves to find their niche, feel involved, and have a way to help. Before Mass, Pat, Lizzy and Peter help me to set up the room by getting the tables ready, putting out the crayons and paper, and picking out the candle. Lizzy loves to pick which color candle we will use, and to carry it over and set it up. Both kids love to sit up front with me, and believe it or not, they are pretty amazing listeners the whole time. Lizzy sits quietly listening to the story, and even Peter sits through the lesson. Sometimes Lizzy has a few tidbits to throw in too, which is always helpful;) Every week Lizzy asks, "Mommy, are you the teacher this time?" so I think she must like it a lot. I'm looking forward to many more lessons with my little helpers.

Mud Pies

Who doesn't love a little mud pie? After watering the plants the other day, Lizzy took advantage of all the mud and had a ball making, well... a ball. I stifled my urge to clean, and the result was lots of gooey, "clean" wholesome fun.

Blast-off!

As we were getting ready to leave the park today, we ran into Trevor and Connor. We decided we had a few extra minutes to throw in some "blast-offs!" The kids love to climb this wall along the sandbox and then count down and jump in. Seriously, this game never seems to get old, and even (or should I say of course) Connor and Peter joined in and did their own versions of blast-off.

Fireworks!

I have vivid memories from when I was a little girl, and we would all head over to DVC to watch the big fireworks show. When it was dusk, we would start gathering all our supplies- blankets, pillows, sweatshirts, treats- and begin the walk over. It was so crowded with people, and you could feel the excitement as the sky got darker and the show began. I loved laying back on the big blanket, next to my family, watching the colors boom across the sky. Then afterwards, a little dazed from the noise and lights, we would walk back and relive our favorite parts of the show and laugh together, enjoying the special night.

Pat enjoyed an entirely different kind of fireworks. Every 4th of July his family and friends would buy their own fireworks to enjoy at home. The fireworks had all kinds of names like "snakes," and "sparklers," and "Piccolo Pete's." The kids would get to hold the sparklers and watch their glow. As the kids got older, they had all sorts of fun, and survived the dangers, of playing with fireworks.

Daddy got to relive some of his youth because Brian bought lots of (illegal) fireworks for us to enjoy. We went over to the Nelson's house for a BBQ in the afternoon, and as the sun went down, Brian lined up little chairs in the driveway and got ready to put on his "show." The kids all got to do their own sparklers and watch the "snakes." Then when the "big" fireworks came out, the kids (and me) sat in the back of Brian's SUV (with the windows closed) and enjoyed the "booms" and bright lights. I can tell you, the conversation in the back of that car was priceless! From, "Look at my dad! He's the best with fireworks" to "This is the best night of my life" the awe and wonder of those sparkly lights and loud booms amazed us all. What a great night!

4th of July

We started our 4th of July celebration early and in style. In the morning, we all gathered at a neighbor's house for donuts and decorations. All the kids decorated their bikes and scooters with wonderfully shiny patriotic paraphernalia. Everyone was so excited for the parade, and Lizzy and her friends rode in circles around the street waiting for it to start. A local police officer came by and led the parade in one big loop around the neighborhood, with the kids and moms and dads following. It's truly an "all-American" moment to watch kids decked out in their red, white, and blue, riding care-free around their neighborhood in a parade. Last year Lizzy was pushed on a tricycle, and this year she was riding her own big bike, so it was all the more fun to see her peddling away with all the kids. What a great parade!

Tag-Along

Sometimes, it can be hard to be the little brother. You work really hard all the time to copy what everyone else is doing, and to keep up with them too. It's also hard to share your very favorite person with her friends, and it's confusing why she suddenly doesn't want to sit by you or hold your hand because you've been thrown over for someone new. Yup, it's a hard pill to swallow to be the tag-along. When we were at the zoo today, Peter didn't want to sit in the back seat of the car ride, he wanted to sit next to Lizzy. He opted for his own car rather than be second fiddle. Then the train ride and.......no space for Peter again! Poor guy had to sit by mommy. Good thing mommy still likes to snuggle so much, and though mommy can't hold a candle to Lizzy's company, she's still pretty great in Peter's eyes:)

Bathtime Couture

This is the get-up that Peter insists upon each night after he gets out of his bath. I think it stems from "the good ol' wrap-up" we do after swimming in the pool. When he gets out of the bath, he doesn't want me to dry him off. He puts his arms up and wants me to wrap him up in Lizzy's towel, then he parades around the house with a very self-satisfied grin on his face. I can't really blame him- he does look quite fetching!

Dance Partners

We went to the Discovery Museum yesterday and got to listen to some great live music after lunch. A Marimba band (think lots of big xylophones from Zimbabwe) from Santa Cruz was playing lots of upbeat, dancing music. Lot of kids quickly got up to dance, and Lizzy, bless her heart, was ready to dance right away. She grabbed hands with a younger boy and danced around and around with him. I love her "joiner" spirit, and how she is always ready to dive right in and have fun. Peter, a little more cautious but also an eager joiner, initially wanted me to hold him so we could dance together "with" Lizzy. After a few minutes he ditched me and was holding hands with Lizzy dancing around. There is something really wonderful about watching your kids dance together on a sunny summer day.