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!