Gym Class

Claire was doing a roller skating unit in gym class at school. They asked for parent volunteers and Claire asked if I could sign up to see how much better she had gotten. I managed to sneak out of work one afternoon and helped out in a few classes. She was so happy I was there, and boy had she improved!

One of Claire's friends let me know that Kyle would be heading into gym class next. I had not planned on that, but I got to stay and watch his class of K4 kids ride roller racers. He was surprised and so happy as well. Love that I got to be there.

What's New

We picked out our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. Everyone helped to decorate this year and I'd say it turned out great.

The kids enjoyed the first snow. There has been A LOT more since that. Their winter gear is getting a good workout.

We got bunk beds for the kids room. After assembling them, their room looks completely different! There is room to play and lots of book storage in the bookcase. I love it.

And after spending an entire Saturday in the top bunk, I think the kids are enjoying them too.

Halloween

We went to Lucian's sister's house for trick or treat this year. Her neighborhood is filled with kids and several houses were quite decked out. It also occurs while it's dark out, which adds a layer of mystique. We started early and I even broke out the Queen Amidala costume my mom made me in college. Still looks great!

Kyle was a lego ninja. The Red Ninjago Kai. His pants made it super hard to walk, so I was overprotective mom the whole night worried he would trip if he ran to took any steps. At some point after dark, I just took off the costume pants and we all felt much better.

Claire had a blast running around with her cousin Lydia. Claire was a zombie cheerleader while Lydia  was a zombie bride.

The girls hit more houses with Nana and Blanca while Lucian and I hung back with Kyle. Those darn pants! I'll remember that next year when selecting a costume.

The next day we casually made it around our circle for more treats. Claire let me have fun with her make-up again and Kyle added nunchucks to his ensemble that day. 

Our First ER Trip

I made it 7 years as a parent before our first trip to the ER. My parents were up to help us for the week while I was shooting commercials. My mom called with the news that Kyle had fallen at the park after school and she was pretty sure he needed stitches. I made some phone calls to our providers to figure out where to go and determined the Children's ER was the place to be.

I will say, Kyle was quite the trooper. He didn't seem to be in too much pain, which made the whole thing easier. He got to wear this cool gown, watch tv and stay up way past his bedtime. Oh, and he got a popsicle for dinner. What could be better?

In all seriousness, I am really grateful to have this facility here. The doctors and nurses were amazing and he is healing like a champ. And here are a couple funny highlights I don't want to forget.

• After having some laughing gas, the PA, whose name was also Kyle, was examining the injury. As he poked around at Kyle's lip, my Kyle started to touch and pet his beard. We all had a good laugh.

• They told me when coming to after sedation, seeing double is very common. Kyle awoke and told me "Mommy, you have four eyes!" He also mentioned there were now two TVs.

He stayed home the next day (we didn't get home until 11pm) and rested. And dad even got him some new Rescue Bots while picking up his medication.

Apple Field Trip

I was able to chaperone a field trip with Kyle's class to the apple farm. I surprised him when he got off the bus at school that afternoon. He eagerly showed me around his classroom, his carpet spot and all the cool toys. I was assigned a group of boys and we boarded the bus to the farm.

The boys in my group were very sweet and eager to sit by me and hold my hand. Kyle had a little trouble sharing his mom, but figured it out in the end. 

One of the boys fell asleep on the bus riding back to school. I had to hold him so he didn't tip over into the aisle. I was a little unsure if it was ok to cuddle this boy I'd never met. But realized how fortunate I was to take the afternoon off and join my son. And if it were Kyle who needed help on the bus, I would sure hope someone else could be there for him. 

More Apples, Well Apple Donuts

I made it to Rockford for a weekend with the kids and had to make a stop at our favorite orchard. They have a ton of things for kids to explore, animals to see and of course apples! The weather was still warm and we even bought the kids a pony ride.

Since Kyle and I had just been to an orchard, we were all set on apples. The bags we are all holding are full of the world's best apple cider donuts! I'm serious, I have tried many and no others compare. They didn't last long at our house.

Claire is 7!🎂

We celebrated Claire's 7th birthday with a family gathering. Claire requested an ice cream cake from our favorite local shop. It did not disappoint.

I snatched this photo of my parents and sis with the birthday girl.

Also in attendance were Lucian's aunt and uncle from Kansas City. They spent the weekend with us. We had a blast playing the games they brought and catching up. But do you think I have a single photo? I do not. I even just tried to raid Lucian's catalog, but couldn't find any from the day.

For Claire's friend party, she chose to invite one friend to an overnight at a water park.

They spent a Friday evening swimming and arcading and eating treats.

Kyle got to tag along too.

And Sydney gifted her with matching pajamas. So cute!

Back to School

Claire started first grade this year! She has a teacher that is new to the school, but when she met her at back to school night Claire couldn't have been happier. She has the bus drill down now and excitedly waited for her pick-up on the first day. My parents and Lucian's mom were also able to see her off.

Kyle started K4 this year. His schedule is a little complicated. He begins his day at a private school/center, eats lunch and then takes the bus to Claire's school for his afternoon session of K4. I waited with him on the first day to watch him get on the bus and take a few pics. He was excited and so sweet. I think he is liking music class and library the best. He is always singing new songs he is learning and takes great pride in his book selection on library day. 

And the kids are in the same place now at the end of the day! Yay for me and an easier schedule:)

American Girl

For Claire's birthday gift Aunt Mimi suggested a trip to the American Girl store and café in Chicago. She has two dolls and turning 7 seemed like the perfect age to go. I, of course, invited myself. It sounded like a great trip.

We took the train to the city. Oddly, it was my first train trip. These two are are seasoned veterans.

Claire was a little overwhelmed when we first arrived. She tends to clam up in big crowds or when the attention is all on her. We shopped a little before our lunch reservation, but she wasn't feeling all the comfortable.

The lunch room was super cute and girly. Her dolls got their owns seats at the table with cups and saucers that Claire got to keep.

She ordered mac & cheese.

And warmed up quite a bit while dining. Great idea Aunt Mimi!

The shopping after lunch was much more successful. Claire got to pick a few gifts from several people, thanks to gift cards from Costco. Mimi is always a bargain hunter.

We took the train home and Lucian picked us up. Would you believe we all wore stripes without planning it? Well, we did. Great minds...