Sunday, February 27, 2011

Spring According to Xander

In order to escape our House of Sick today (Jack has the Pukey Plague), Justin and Alexander went for a nice long walk. Before they left, I asked Alexander if he would check for any signs that Spring is on it's way. I am so ready for Spring. He decided that he should probably take along a clip-board, paper, and markers so that he could "make observations."

Here are his observations (spelling is corrected although he is improving on that front):
-I see that a lot of snow is melting.
-Birds and animals are coming out.
-The cars are drying.
-The chair is in someone's backyard.
-More green grass is growing.
-The sun is getting more hot.
-People are playing outside more.
-Houses are not getting snowy.
-People are taking walks.
-The water is flowing.
-People are bringing bikes places.
-People are bringing dogs with them when they go on walks.
-Ducks are coming.
-People are looking at the lake.
-Fish are out.
-People are roller skating.
-The sprinklers in the lake are spraying faster.
-People are fishing.
-The sun is shining on windows.
-Plants are growing in the rocks.
-There are puddles.
-The ice cream store is open.

I was really impressed with his observations, with his eagerness to make them, with his handwriting and spelling, and just the fact that an active little boy chose to write that many sentences purely of his own volition! It just goes to show what a difference it makes when a child is engaged in their learning.

He made one more important observation as they neared the ice cream store. "I get a little more love in my heart every time I see the ice cream store because I love ice cream!" And yes, Justin was easily convinced to split a hot fudge sundae with him!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Picture Post

Today I remembered that I have an old suit jacket that was my brother's when he was a kid. It fits Alexander perfectly, and he loves to be fancy. We paired it with a polo shirt and casual gray pants because that's what we have, but I think he would love to go all out with a button down shirt and dress pants! He is thrilled! And silly! He wants to wear this ensemble to school on Monday.

Kai is cute too! Today at a friend's house he took three steps in a row!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

And he marches to the beat of a different drummer, too!

Scene: A snow day dance party/ pillow fight.

Music: Row, row, row your boat!
Me: (leading the kids around in a dance) C'mon everybody, row your boats!
Alexander: Mine's a motor boat.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Best Birthday Present Ever!

Today I received the best present a mom could ask for: A "Control A Kid" remote. Oh,
Hell yeah! Thanks, T and K!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Like an Ox

Alexander (in reference to Jack's refusal to hold my hand while crossing a street): Mom, was I that stubborn when I was a little kid?

Monday, February 14, 2011

If Only...

Me: Well, we may need to call a plumber.
Jack: Mario Brothers is plumbers!

Friday, February 11, 2011

More from the Mouths of Babes

Alexander: Babies R Us? Do they sell babies?
Me: No, they sell stuff for babies.
Alexander: But Toys R Us sells toys. Hehe. Ya know, I think Toys R Us should be called Toys FOR Us!

Me: (singing the song "Fat Lip" by Sum 41) Don't count on me...
Jack: Why you talkin' bout Donkey Kong?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The power to clear a room?

I love how random my kids are. Well, most of the time I love it.

Alexander: The first time I ever farted, I got my first super power.

And, in a different conversation:

Me: Jack, do you think I was ever a baby?
Jack: No, that funny.
Me: Yes, I was. Everyone starts out as a baby. And some day you will be a grown-up.
Jack: And then me still love pickles.
(No, we were not eating pickles at the time. This was completely random.)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

They love me!

Today we went past a nail salon and Alexander suggested that I should get my finger and toe nails painted. I said I would like that, but that it was expensive. I looked at the posted price and told Alexander that he and Jack would both have to give me all their money in order for me to pay for a manicure and pedicure. He and Jack immediately agreed that they would indeed give me all of their money, as a birthday present, so that I could get it done. Such sweeties! Of course, I declined.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Alexander's Birthday Party

This year Alexander chose to have a "Magic" theme for his birthday party, which I thought was a super choice! Justin offered to be the magician and spent time over the few weeks before the party learning some tricks to perform. He was a hit at the party! After Justin performed with Alexander and Jack as his assistants, I taught all the kids a simple magic trick that they could perform at home. The kids were all really interested in learning the secrets of the magic tricks and investigated the props when we were done. Justin had one trick where he turned a regular slip of paper, draw on to resemble a $5 bill, into a real $5 bill. After the party we found several slips of paper with "$100" written on them. Those smarty-pants kids were trying to make $100 bills appear!
Then, of course, we had some cake and sang "Happy Birthday!" We had gotten trick candles which kept relighting. The kids thought that was pretty funny and Alexander eventually got tired of blowing the candles out repeatedly, so we had to douse the flames.

Also as usual, he was spoiled by friends and family with some wonderful presents including Legos, books, a Magic 8 ball, some more video games, and some baseball stuff which we can't wait to use in the Spring.

Thanks to everyone who came (and whose photos I've stolen); we surely enjoyed celebrating with you!

Happy Birthday, Alexander!

This past Friday, Alexander turned 6. AMAZING! Justin took the day off from work to help me with party prep and so that we could do some special things. I was able to visit Alexander at school for lunch where, as a special birthday treat, he was a "buyer." He was so excited to be buying lunch that day that when I dropped him off I heard him say to the first teacher he saw, "I am going to be a buyer today!" You'd think he'd want to announce that it was his birthday, but apparently buying lunch is even more exciting than turning 6.
After school he came home to open presents. He had been wanting a tie, so he was pleased to receive two to choose from! He chose to wear both at the same time! What a trend setter. He also got a couple of video games.
Next, we were off to Chuck E Cheese for dinner and playtime. It was a blast as usual.

I just can't believe what an interesting little person Alexander continues to develop into.

Today we visited the doctor for his 6 year well visit and he was pronounced perfectly healthy. He now weighs 53 pounds (84th percentile), is 48.75 inches tall (95th percentile) and his BMI remains around the 60th percentile, so he is growing exactly along his growth curve.

Happy Birthday, Alexander! You're doing great!

Kai Walks!

Okay, so he doesn't exactly walk. But he did take his first step yesterday. Way to go, Kai! :) I did not capture a photo of the big accomplishment, so here are some other cute pictures of him instead.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Alexander and the Rubik's Cube

I'm not saying the kid is some sort of Rubik's Cube prodigy or anything, but I'm an adult and it took me a while to figure out how to solve one side of a Rubik's Cube. In less time than it took me to figure it out, Alexander can reliably solve any one color on the Cube. I am impressed!

(It's 3 minutes long and not super interesting to watch, but I had to have proof!)