Little Casanova

A couple of weeks ago Andrew started bringing home pictures in his backpack that his friend Ieva drew for him. Then last week another mom at preschool (where Andrew and Ieva both went last year) told me that she heard that Ieva is calling herself Andrew's girlfriend. I assumed it was all very innocent, that Ieva is just a girl that is Andrew's friend, and didn't think about it again.

Then today when I picked Andrew up from school two very giggly girls came up to him and said, "Bye, Andrew," and giggled their way down the sidewalk. Things started clicking in my head. Andrew told me they were two girls in his class, but emphatically denied ever playing with them or sitting by them in class. "I don't play with any girls, Mom."

I tried to casually ask Andrew if he has any girlfriends, and he said yes, Ieva is his girlfriend. I asked him what a girlfriend is, and he said, "Well, girlfriends and boyfriends are special friends." He says they like to talk about silly things, like marrying each other's eyeballs.

Am I in big trouble with this kid?

Halloween

Halloween is always a fun time of year, and the kids have been as keyed up as ever getting ready for the big day. Both Andrew and Willa kicked off the holiday with costume parades at school. Willa was once again a princess, this year Snow White.



Andrew was upset that he didn't get to wear his mask to school, though, and was concerned that no one would know what his costume was without it. I convinced him that if he struck a good ninja pose then everyone would know that he was Snake Eyes from GI Joe.



He took that advice seriously.



Very seriously.



But of course in the end it's all about the candy. Being an experienced trick-or-treater, Andrew was all business. Willa was a little more excited, and ran around calling out every thought that entered her head at the top of her lungs.



She exclaimed over the candy at every house (and occasionally asked for more), asked people if their house was haunted, and was relieved when the people who gave out candy were not scary.



We love Halloween.

Tonsils

A couple of weeks ago Andrew got his tonsils and adenoids out, and tubes put in his ears. He was so excited for the surgery, you'd think he was meeting Santa at the north pole instead of heading to the hospital.



He's very articulate when it comes to his medical procedures, and can tell you in great detail what the doctors are going to do and what problem will be solved.



Of course, after it's all said and done he's not quite as happy.



But he survived. His recovery was a bit slow, and was complicated by catching some sort of virus a few days after surgery, but thankfully he's back to normal. He missed 2 weeks of school, which was the hardest part for him. His class was great, and they all made get well cards for him, which his teacher delivered to the house.



The best part? No more procedures left for Andrew! (for now)

1st Day of Preschool

Willa is getting so big. I can't believe she's already in preschool!



It seems like just yesterday that we were sending Andrew to his 1st day at the same preschool.



Willa has gotten so sassy. She's always had a strong will, but she's having a lot of fun exerting it these days.



I've come to really appreciate those few hours when she's at preschool.



First Andrew goes to school all day, then Willa heads off to preschool. I have to say I'm enjoying being the mom of school-age kids.



January might be rude awakening. And I'm already dreading the return of summer.

Kindergarten Update

Andrew LOVES kindergarten, which is a good thing because he's in a full-day program. He loves his teacher (and so do I), loves his friends, loves all the activities they do. He's only been in school for about a month, but already his writing is getting so good, and he's decided that he can read. That's right, he's reading! But sometimes I wonder what really happens at school, such as when assignments like these get sent home.



Shortly after school started the teacher asked them to draw a picture of something new they learned at school. Could be anything, such as the library, gym, classroom, or friends. This is what Andrew came up with.



Notice there is nothing about writing his name with lowercase letters or the computers in his classroom. Nope, nothing remotely academic.

In case you missed it, here's the caption on the picture:



What was his reaction when I asked him about this? "Well, Mom, now I know."

Fire Station

Every year our local fire station hosts an open house in the fall, which Andrew just loves. This is the first year Willa has really gotten involved.

Of course climbing in the fire trucks is the big highlight.




Manning the line is another part Andrew always looks forward to.



Willa is scared of the hose.



Willa had to bring a friend with her to the fire house. See that little white thing in her hand?



The one she's clutching like grim death?



She never let go of it the entire time.



It's a little plastic chicken. The fire dog got to meet it.



She never leaves home without a "friend." She rarely eats a meal without a friend. Brushes her teeth without a friend. Goes to preschool without a friend. Her whole life she's been very attached to her friends, whether they are stuffed animals, princesses, or little plastic chickens. They talk to her, keep her company, occasionally answer questions for her, and often I'll find them in time out. She never loses them. They are scattered everywhere in the house, yet she can always find them. She has such an active imagination I've always wondered why she doesn't have any imaginary friends, but then again, why does she need them? She always has dozens of "real" friends.

Hammond Family Reunion

We were able to spend the entire month of August in California with family this year. We started off in Costa Mesa for our annual family reunion. Stephanie was in charge this year, and did a terrific job. It was so great to be together with everyone, and we can't wait for next year! I only wish I had more pictures.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is always a highlight of our western journey, and this year was no exception. We have tons of pictures, so although it may seem like it here, this really is only a few of them.

Andrew always does his best to wear out Grandpa when we visit, and Lake Powell offers some unique opportunities for him. It helps that Grandpa never tells him no.







Willa is more cautious. This is how she spent much of her time, with Disney movies keeping her entertained.



We made the trip to Rainbow Bridge this year.




It's a long, hot trip, and one of the best parts is the "world famous" ice cream at Dangling Rope Marina on the way.




The trip over to Face Canyon is a tradition.









In honor of me and Casey's 9th anniversary, we made s'mores and set off fireworks. Okay, those things would have happened anyway (Andrew has been planning the fireworks for the past year) but we did do them on our anniversary. And yes, it looks like Andrew is trying to light things on fire with his sparklers, because he was trying to light things on fire with his sparklers.











We had a great time. Thanks Mom and Dad for taking us every year!