A Day Out With Thomas

In the five years of Braeden's life, he has probably spent two solid years worth of time playing with his Thomas trains. He played with them every single day for a while when he was 2 and 3. Even though he has many other interests now and doesn't play with trains nearly as often, he still loves them. We've never taken him to A Day Out With Thomas before, so we took him this year before he's too old to want to go anymore. Fortunately my mom took Maggie for the day so that she wouldn't have to spend the entire day between the car, a stroller and being held. That child is a very free spirit and would not enjoy that much containment in one day. We set out after breakfast for Southeast Massachusetts to make sure we arrived on time. 

Not so patiently waiting. I think he asked if we were there yet about 15 times.

Finally, we arrived!

It was at least 95 degrees out and I had sweat dripping down my face. The boys are so red in the pictures because it was sooo hot. But they didn't seem to mind at all. I don't think Roman and I would agree. We were counting the minutes until we could get back into our air-conditioned car. 

I'm not sure why they look so pained.. I'll just blame it on the heat. 

Oh my goodness... there he is!! (I'm not really a Thomas fan, but I'm trying to convey the excitement of the boys.)

Watching Thomas pull into the station.

On board!

Edaville is a small amusement park that does various themed train rides throughout the year. They have lots of kid friendly rides that are included in the price of your train ticket. The boys weren't really into the rides, but they did enjoy the old tractors and truck inside the gift shop building.

Really cool horse swings.

Braeden's favorite was the ball pit. 

They even let you fish for free. I helped Braeden catch his fish, but he gave daddy all the credit for helping because he actually touched it to release it. I guess that's okay. You won't ever catch me touching a fish; that is definitely not my thing. You go daddy. 

Braeden, Daddy and the fish who was quickly released. 

We had a fun day with the boys. I don't remember the last time that we went somewhere like that that I wasn't pregnant or carrying a child around in my arms. It was kind of strange feeling, but I'm not complaining! The drive was long, but Braeden was so happy that we are really happy that we were able to give him the opportunity. As a bonus, the picture that we bought from the photographers there of Braeden standing in front of Thomas is fantastic and I'm excited to be able to frame it. We rarely get that lucky with those pictures. I'm quite sure this was our one and only experience seeing Thomas in person and don't tell Braeden, but I'm okay with that. 

He Jumped All By Himself!

If you don't know Braeden very well, then you might not know how big of a deal it is that he jumped off the diving board at swimming lessons today. Braeden is my child who hesitates to take risks and likes to be completely ready and sure before he tries something new. In other words, he is my child. But yesterday after swimming he told me that today he would jump off the board by himself, and he did! I'm so proud of how willing he is becoming to try new things. We will continue to encourage him to try anything once (within reason obviously) without worrying so much. I am hopeful that we can install a confidence in him now that he will carry with him through his life.

And now.... the jump!

Way to go B!

Things That Surprise Me Even Though They Shouldn't

I often find that there are things that surprise me even though they shouldn't. There's nothing out of the ordinary about them. They are a totally regular parts of society, but because they aren't a part of my immediate life or routine, I forget that other people still use, don't use, or do them.

1. People smoking. I know that there are plenty of people that still smoke, but because no one in my world does and there are so many places that are smoke free, I forget that not everyone in the world quit. 
2. People without their own shopping bags at the grocery store. I have been taking my bags with me for years now and I am honestly shocked when I see someone else in the check-out having their groceries  bagged in paper or plastic. I"m not judging you if you still use either of those. To each their own with shopping bags..
3. Telephone booths. Who knew these still existed anywhere? 
4. Someone who doesn't have a cell phone. I don't know how this is even possible but it's true! Come on people, even my grandparents have them. 
5. People not wearing seat belts. Tell me again why you wouldn't want to be safe?? I have family members who buckle the belt BEHIND them just so that they can say the seat belt is "clicked" if they were to get stopped by the police. Honestly, what is the harm in helping to prevent your own injury or death? I feel like I'm going to fall out of my seat without a seat belt on. I totally don't understand why anybody wouldn't wear one.

Is there anything that surprises you even though it shouldn't?

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The last few weeks in our house have been full of ups and downs. It definitely doesn't help that I have been struggling with all of this PPD stuff again. Every time I start or stop the medication I spend the few weeks going up or down with a headache. And the exhaustion.. oh the exhaustion. I am fully aware that an anti-depressant is supposed to help you feel good and like yourself again. However, for me, it takes away the panic and anxiety, but also makes me so sleepy, which in turn makes me borderline miserable. It really doesn't help that I had those wonderful few weeks of feeling healthy, motivated and energetic in between ending the medication and having to go back on. I do have days where I can get lots done, but my kids have been very needy lately which makes it even harder to accomplish anything. Between all three of them being sick, Maggie getting three teeth and counting, and Roman having a procedure on Friday that left him in bed over the weekend, I am spent and ready for a mom-cation.

We ended the school year with the announcement that the class we had enrolled Evan in for next year was eliminated due to low enrollment. Yikes. Not exactly the time to learn that information. Fortunately we have figured that situation out and he is now registered in a different preschool in town. I actually think it's going to be a great fit for him and he will be getting more hours in three days than Braeden did in four. If you know me at all, you know that I am not particularly good with change so this whole situation took a toll. But I calmed down, figured out what to do and took care of it. Now we await all the changes that getting used to a new school will bring. I am determined to show no fear so that Evan goes in with confidence and strength. Here's hoping anyway.

The boys have been fighting like they are in a cage match. All day long I am reminding them to keep their hands to themselves, not touch each other, be kind, don't slap, don't hit, don't punch, etc., etc,. etc. During this time they have both been sick which makes them beyond sensitive and with Evan, he didn't sleep well for three nights so he's very tired along with not feeling well. A very bad combination for sure.

Maggie has gotten three teeth in three weeks and there are three more trying to push their way through. I love that little girl so much, but I'm so used to her easy going personality that I almost don't know what to do when she screams at me to hold her for half the day. My mom just said to me the other day, "in eleven months, I've never seen her fussy like this". It is very true and I am so grateful for that. I just wish there was something I could do to make it all happen faster and let her feel better.

But... on the up side, swimming lessons start tomorrow. Now Braeden will have something to do each day that lets him leave the house. We'll probably all go the first day, but after that I think it will be good for the boys to have some time apart, even if it's only for an hour a day. We also have A Day Out With Thomas scheduled for this week which, even though it's 2 1/2 hours away, should be a very fun day.

I am so thankful that we have friends and family so close around us to spend time with to break up the days. We are beyond lucky to have good friends down the street that we go back and forth with during the week. The kids love playing together so it's convenient and nice for the kids and adults. It's so nice to have such good friends within walking distance. As we add in more activities and adventures, I'm sure things will calm down, but boy oh boy, what a start to the summer around here.

Never Say Never

Evan has announced to us more than once recently that he did not want to put on a bathing suit or go in the pool. He has been adamant that he was just fine playing in the sandbox while everybody else was swimming. I felt so bad for him because he gets so hot and his face gets bright red when it's 85 degrees out, never mind 98 degrees. So yesterday, yet again, he decided to sweat it out instead of playing in the pool. Until...

..he was introduced to the water blaster.

 Then Scott offered him money to go farther down the steps..

Once he got a feel of how good relief from the heat feels, he didn't want to get out!

 We didn't get him into a bathing suit, but at least he finally cooled off. He wore his shoes the whole time too!

A sweet little profit for two days of four adults trying to get him into the water. 

Hopefully it won't be so hard to get in him the water in the future. He was so excited and had so much fun when he finally got in yesterday. We tried so many different ways to coax him in with no success. Then he started getting closer and closer and then finally took some interest in the toys. We were all so relieved when he finally took the plunge so that we wouldn't have a child with heat stroke on our hands. Never say never Evo!!

This Is Why...

...I get over suitcases and random bowls so easily. 

Disclaimer: These are totally unrelated to the bowl. It was a total coincidence that he brought these home today. I don't want anyone to think that I would actually make him feel bad about a bowl. He's just a very sweet man who often surprises me with sweet gestures. 

Exhibit B

Remember this post about the suitcase? Since Roman reads my blog, I knew he'd never move it after seeing that. So as expected, I moved the suitcase two feet into our storage room. I have to tell you, it took me almost 10 seconds so I can totally understand why he didn't do it originally. I actually find these situations more funny than annoying. The differences between men and women absolutely fascinate me.

And now I present Exhibit B. 

This bowl has been in the corner of our living room IN PLAIN SIGHT for over a week. Roman is really good about cleaning up dishes he sees in the living room so I'm not sure if he really hasn't seen it or if going behind the chair to get it is an obstacle larger than he's willing to hurdle. Either way, I picked up the bowl this morning. And now this all too boring story comes to an end. Sorry. I hope I find some actual blog inspiration really soon because I'm pretty sure you don't want to hear about what resides under my bed...

Last Day of School

Braeden finished his last day of preschool yesterday. Oh how quickly two years can go by. It's hard to believe he's going to be in kindergarten in September. 

 First Day - Sept. 2011

Last Day - June 2012

While he still prefers to wear his hats too big, just about everything else has changed. He's taller and the whole shape of his body has changed into that of a "big kid". He has become more coordinated and his interest in sports grew about 100% this year. He's gained confidence and made lots of new friends. It's been a wonderful year of getting ready for the big show (kindergarten).

Unfortunately, the program that he has been in at our school for the last two years won't be offered next year so we will need to make a different plan for Evan. I am very sad that Evan won't have the same school experience as Braeden, but at least the change comes before he's starting school rather than after. We'll make it work, we always do. We'll miss his teacher very much, but hopefully if the school brings the program back in the future, she will be available to return as well. 

Mrs. Freeman and Braeden on the last day

Trying New Things

The last couple of days have been pretty exciting for Maggie. She has had some fun new experiences. She always wants to ride in the gator and big truck with her brothers, so we gave her a chance. She can't ride in the gator because she'll fall out, but the "monster truck" has sides and straps so she could safely stay inside the vehicle. She discovered quickly that from where she was sitting she could change the radio station. 

I also put her on the big swing with the boys and she loved it. She absolutely loves to swing anyway and the look on her face when she got to get on the big one was priceless.

She has discovered the sandbox. 

Her final big thrill of the week was her first time in a real pool. We went swimming at our friends house and she wasn't so sure at first, but then she started to really enjoy it and even used the kid slide.

Water fun with Erin. 

Once she got used to the cold water, she loved it!

Brayden, Braeden, and Riley

Evan refused to swim. He played in the sandbox and acted as a towel boy while the rest of us enjoyed the pool. Hopefully he will want to swim at some point. Otherwise it's going to be a long hot summer for the poor kid. 

11 Months

I am in disbelief that Maggie turned 11 months old yesterday. In one short month we will be celebrating her first birthday! I have really enjoyed using the Picky Sticky numbers for her monthly pictures. The boys look forward to them too and like to wear them when she's done, which as the months have gone by has been sooner than later. Now I have to be ready with the camera before I put it on her shirt because I'm going to get one shot at a picture with her actually wearing the number. I wish I'd been aware of them when the boys were babies.

I realized after I loaded the pictures from today that she was wearing the same shirt for both 10 and 11 months. At least the pants were different. She's really starting to look like a toddler now and yesterday she stood on her own for the first time. I'm hoping that she'll be walking by her birthday. She's getting a little more daring every day. I love watching her grow, but I can't believe she's so close to not being a baby anymore.

T-Ball Game

Yesterday, I had an AMAZING afternoon. Our t-ball team had their one and only game of the season and I am beyond proud of how the kids played. Everything that Michelle and I have worked on all season paid off because these kiddos got it. They hit, they fielded and they even made outs. I know that may not sound like a big deal, but they are 4 and 5 years old! They were throwing the ball well and the kids who were playing the bases were catching and hanging on to the ball in their gloves. It was all we could ever have asked for from these little guys. I'm glad there was another team willing to play a game because the kids were all so thrilled to be able to use the dugouts and feel like the "big" peewee kids. It was truly awesome and an event I will not soon forget. As always, I am incredibly grateful to Stacy for taking pictures for me because it's not exactly possible to coach, be the catcher and take pictures at the same time. Roman took a few too, but he was pretty busy entertaining Evan and Maggie while the game was going on. 

A warm up run around the bases

Ready position

Enjoying the big kids dugout

Batter Up!

Braeden scored twice!

 Cousins

 The Three Amigos

Ice cream to celebrate a great game!

We used the game as a way to end the season for both teams and gave out ice cream to all of the kids at the end. I'm so glad that we pushed for t-ball for the younger kids because they were all ready to play and now they're even more excited for next year. We had a great group of kids and a very supportive and dedicated group of parents who we could never have been as successful without. Thanks everyone for a great season!