Just for Laughs

Apparently Kaika and Gavin are now napping buddies.  If Kaika's already in the room, he won't budge.  And if he's elsewhere and knows that nap time is coming up, he'll race to the room before you could close the door on him.  Gavin even screams and gets mad if you try to take Kaika out.  It's hilarious!  What's even funnier is what I find after going in to get Gavin when he's up: one energized dog who's ready to play.  Must be the peaceful, uninterrupted nap in there.

Pee Wee Paddler II

Session II today which didn't start off very well.  ALL morning Ethan kept saying he doesn't want to go and I could tell he was feeling anxious about inhaling the water again.  (I totally get it though because I'm exactly the same way.  I get anxious just driving him to soccer lesson - and Brian laughs at me).  I tried to talk him through it, but we really got nowhere.  Finally I had to use the "most of your friends already know how to swim" card which I normally don't like to do, but it got him to stop whining.  Then I had to use the "I don't actually know how to swim because I quit too soon" card in order for him to put on his swim trunks and get out the door.  On the way there, we prayed and I told him that Jesus will be with him.  I also repeated the instructions: goggles, breath and bubbles.  He got into the pool unwillingly and once it was his turn, all I can see was his little face looking at me...crying.  I got super teary and found myself repeating out loud "blow bubbles, buddy blow bubbles" while clinching my hands.  Don't ask me why, but I'm sure lady next to me thought I was weird.  Once he figured out, I saw a big smile across his face as he waved to me.  And I exhaled in relieve.  He had fun the rest of the lesson and said he couldn't wait to come back tomorrow.  The whole way home he kept asking me in excitement, "Did you see me?"  And I answered in the same tone of excitement, "Yes, buddy I was watching you the whole time.  I knew you could do it!!!  I'm so proud of you!"  I know this isn't even the real thing yet, but I guess I'll have to get use to this - fast.

Servant's Heart

I overheard this conversation between Ethan and Gavin in the car and it made me teary with joy:

Ethan: Gavin, you have to accept Jesus into your heart okay or else we won't see each other (in heaven).
Gavin (not sure what big brother is talking about): A-ha.
Ethan: So, do you accept Jesus into your heart?  Yes or no, Gavin?  YES or NO?
Gavin (just being agreeable): A-ha.

Along with that, Ethan started going to church early on Sunday morning with Brian to help set up.  At first, I wasn't sure if he just wanted to be rewarded with candy from the welcome table.  But honestly, I think he enjoyed the time spent with Brian and just really has the heart to serve. 

Summer Time & On Being a Mamma

I love summer time especially when there's enough stuff to keep us busy.  So far this summer has been good to us:  we've had sleep-in days, pajamas days, spontaneous days and busy days.  All enjoyable and savour because I know we won't have all of this when Fall comes and kindergarten begins.  The best part is that Gavin can now keep up with Ethan on the playground which relieve me from being the playmate. 

Ethan started soccer and swimming through the Rec Center programs and so far it has been okay.  His soccer lessons took place at an elementary school indoor gym which is really hard to learn considering his ball just keep on rolling.  On top of that, his coach seemed impatient and is super vague with instructions.  All I see is a bunch of 5-year-old standing around looking confused.  Brian and I discussed these "negatives" with each other not thinking anything.  But then Ethan overheard it and so this past Saturday he REALLY didn't want to go back to session 2.  Duh us!  We made him go anyway and thankfully he ended up liking it again.

As for swimming, he only had one lesson and already hated it because the teacher made him put his head underwater.  Each time he would inhale and choke.  Poor kid.  He kept signing "all done" to me and had the most desperate look on his face.  Oh how I wanted to rescue him!  Afterwards I tried to coach him: put on your goggles, take a deep breath and blow bubbles.  I guess we'll see how the next one go even though he said he's done with lessons.

On a similar note as Ethan's getting closer to entering kindergarten, I find myself struggling to see him in hard situations or environments (like mentioned above).  He's not in preschool anymore so teachers and coaches no longer take the time to gently explain things to him.  They give instructions and just expect them to understand and follow...or else there will be consequences.  Really, there's no babying anymore and I think I'm having a harder time than he is.  Many times when I see him confused or struggling, I wish I could come along side him and help put things in a different way so he understands.  But I know he'll resilient and in time he'll learn - fast.  Part of preparing him for the real world I suppose...

Just for Laughs

Every time we head to the church or the gym Ethan says, "Mamma, don't forget to talk Gavin through it!"  I guess I forgot to do it once and Gavin had a hard time going into the nursery.  This kid doesn't forget anything.

"Twittering" on Blog

Grrr.  Brian and I literally just spent an hour flipping the whole house upside down looking for Gavin's cow - only to find it in Gavin top dresser drawer.  I wonder who hid it there *roll eyes*  That thing seriously need a tracking device.

Water Play Date

We had The Byers, whom we haven't seen for quite some time, over for a water play date today.  The kids had fun!

 

 p.s. Thanks Nana & Grandpa for sending the water sprinkler (and the gummy worms)!

Washington Nationals

Brian scored four of the Nationals front row tickets from work (plus free parking) and we did a double with our good friends the DeMoulins tonight.  We had to do some scrambling to get a sitter last minute, but I'm so glad it worked out.  I'm normally not a big baseball fan, but from where we were sitting...it was pretty AWESOME!  We had SO much fun despite the crazy heat & humidity!!! 

Our view 

 

 We made the news!

Kindergarten Play Date

Ethan spent the morning at Centreville Elementary School getting a taste of what it's like to be in kindergarten.  He rotated through four activities: riding the school bus, music class, PE and the library.  And he loved it - so much that he couldn't wait to start school like TOMORROW. 

 Music Class

Ethan's favorite (and Gavin's too) was riding the school bus.  Unfortunately I found out that since we live within a mile of the school, we do not qualify to get on one.  Such a bummer since I was really counting on it.  Our rental house has one that came literally right outside our house so I was hoping for the same scenario.  So that means a 20-minute walk or using the kiss-and-ride line which I hope wouldn't be too long.



Father's Day

Father's Day started out with Ethan presenting Brian with numerous cards (including this one that he had made at preschool):

 

Then I gave him a card and a wooded tray valey gift.  Since he didn't have to set up at church that morning we were able to go to church together which was a plus.  Later that afternoon, our good friends the Uenumas came over for a BBQ and then we hit the pool so the kids could play.  Happy Father's Day Brian!  We couldn't ask for a better daddy and I hope you know how much we love you!

Mission Accomplished!

During the three weeks visit, my parents (and the boys) did a lot. 

They worked hard:

Ethan was such a good 'lil helper!

And also played hard:

 Burger King

 Monkey Joes 

 Building fun

Decoupage project

All in all, they did AMAZAING amount of work in such a short amount of time and we're so thankful for all the help!!!  It seriously would have taken us (with kids) on nights and weekends over a year to accomplish what they did.  And the best part was getting to celebrate my mom's birthday/retirement with her before they left.