Chuck E. Cheese

We've had a fun day and it still isn't even K & T's Birthday!  We successfully pulled off the surprise Chuck E. Cheese "party" and they were so excited when we got there on our "errand" and they got to go in!  When they greeted them and told them Happy Birthday and showed them their guitar balloons and gave them tokens they were in heaven!  There were only four other kids there (and one really of the age to play with Katie and Tyler), but it worked out great that Katie got to pair up with a friend and Tyler got to hang with them or do his own thing as the mood struck - but it wasn't so chaotic that they were overwhelmed!  They really seemed to have a good time, and I am glad that we finally relented and let them go to Chuck E. Cheese as they were begging for!  Tomorrow we are going to breakfast and giving them our gifts and those from So-So and Ray-Ray so another fun day in store! 

Early Birthday

Last night we took the kids to the toy store to get ideas for their birthday.  Lance and I went earlier in the week, and thought we had some things they might like but were having a really hard time with Katie.  Tyler is pretty easy - dinosaurs, cars, art.  Katie is more difficult because she spends more time dancing and cheering and flipping and singing and drawing than actually playing with toys, but she loves the toy store and opening gifts so we wanted to get her something that she would be excited about (especially since we aren't really doing a big party like they wanted).  One thing we were specifically looking for is a doll that doesn't have a "hard face."  Those were Katie's words to describe all of her other dolls that she can't sleep with because of the plastic. Cabbage Patch dolls was what I thought was a brilliant idea from Lance, but alas they have gone to plastic faces too.  We decided to let them pick out one thing to get early so they could play with it all weekend since they won't have much time if they get things on their actual birthday, and Katie picked out one of the things we were considering and absolutely loves it.  She danced around (it attaches to her feet to dance with her) with it all night, slept with it, woke up first thing to bring "Bella" into bed with us, and she hasn't left her side since.  She chose a ballerina rag doll that has a soft face and is almost as big as her - plus it was the exact same price as Tyler's chosen early toy (all about fairness and luckily both under $15)!  Tyler has been pretty obsessed lately with his Switch and Go dinosaurs that he got for his birthday last year (they are kind of like Transformers and switch from a dinosaur to a car pretty easily).  When he saw those there was no other choice and he was so excited to have his new one"meet" the old one and he too has played with it all morning (and doesn't even want to go to the pool today because he can't take them because they can't get wet).  Birthday gifts are a lot more fun than Christmas to me because you don't have to keep secrets about who gave what! 

We managed to sneak a few gifts into the trunk last night while they weren't looking to give to them on Monday.  Tyler wants the full collection of the switch and go dinosaurs and really wants the red one (he knows what kind it is but I don't remember), and of course we chose the yellow one gift for his actual birthday.  Oh well, it will give us ideas for Christmas if he is still into them.  Also picked up a dinosaur mountain and new dinosaurs for him, a Monsters University night light and some matchbox cars.  For Katie we got cheerleader barbie, a barbie carrying case, a single doll stroller (number one choice for some reason because she doesn't like the double stroller) and a keyboard with a microphone even though she, as expected, can't stop talking about the guitar that we were debating between and no longer wants the keyboard. 

We are going to pick out their birthday cake this morning, and then we are going to go to the pool (too hot to do anything else).  When Lance gets home I may go exchange the keyboard, but I have a feeling that may backfire and once I do that the guitar will be second choice!  I think they will have fun with the surprise small party at Chuck E. Cheese and certainly have enough toys even without anything new so I am not too worried about it - I think they will have a good 5th birthday!  I seriously can't believe they are going to be 5 in just a couple of days! 

Bed Decision

So, I think we finally made a decision on the beds.  I know it is a very trivial thing to worry about, but you would not believe the amount of time I have spent thinking about the best solution and what we should do :)!  We are going to get a set of bunk beds for the kids current room, a full under a twin or two fulls, and keep the full size bed in the guest room and set it up as Katie's room (she wants that one).  That way we will have separate rooms if they want, but a place for both of them to sleep in the same room if they change their mind and room for them to have a friend sleepover when that happens sooner than later.  So, we will need to get the bunk beds, mattresses and bedding for the bunks and bedding for Katie's room eventually.  They really think they want separate rooms and Tyler wants a dinosaur room (or space rangers, but since I don't really know what that is I am going with dinosaurs) and Katie wants a "pretty" room with princesses, or flowers, or "something pink."  So, I am relieved to have a decision - not sure when it will happen, but at least we have a plan - and I definitely like plans!  I may even try my hand at painting since they have colors all picked out for their walls! 

This is a crazy, busy week.  I have a board meeting tomorrow night, an important meeting on Wednesday, the first Vandy game on Thursday, and a "surprise" party for the kids on Sunday.  We need to order a cake, pick up a couple of gifts, and have lots of homework (that seems to be as much work for me as them) in between.  I think I will be relieved when Labor Day is finally here but the kids think they get to choose what to do all day on their birthday (Monday) and I am really hoping they want to veg out at the pool.  A wrench has been thrown into our plans for the beach trip during fall break - I have a grant presentation that I need to attend that week - so we may be switching it up and going the following week and doing the science camp the first week.  Either way I have to make a decision soon since camp sign-ups are at the end of this week and I am determined not to be on yet another waiting list!  I am a little afraid that it will be too cold in October for beach fun, and we are considering going to the waterpark hotel in Panama City in case of bad weather - but either way it is only $200 more to go to the beach instead of the camp (not counting gas and food) so I think that is a decision made too - beach here we come - I am really looking forward to going to the beach with the kids.  We did Disney instead this year, and I missed our more "relaxed" vacation.  I have enjoyed pool time this summer, though and am sad to see it end - I am sure the kids will be too when they realize that it is closed until May!

We had a fun weekend!  Saturday the kids had a blast at Ray-Ray and So-So's (wanted to go back on Sunday when I asked what they wanted to do), we then went to the pool, and then out to dinner just the three of us to Corner Pub (where they met the "real" Santa).  On Sunday we had a picnic at Bowie Park and went on a hike around the lake.  The kids are so silly - Tyler was making snake noises behind us as we walked - and they kept posing on every bridge! 

School Adjustment

The kids have been absolutely exhausted after school and Tyler has been having some MAJOR meltdowns over the tiniest things.  I am chalking it up to being tired after a full-day and the stress of getting used to a new classroom environment.  Fingers crossed that I am right and we aren't entering a stage of this being a regular occurrence!  Tyler's teacher just announced today that she will be having a baby in April and will not return to the class after Spring Break.  Hopefully we'll be far enough along in the year for that not to throw him for a loop!  They seem to be doing OK in school - Katie's teacher says you would never be able to tell that she is not even 5 yet.  Tyler hasn't moved up on the behavior chart like we would hope, but he hasn't moved down either so that's a plus.  He is never going to be the most well-behaved, it just isn't in his nature, but his sister sure does like to be the teacher's helper and apparently tries to be a little angel during class.  They both have quite a few "repeaters" in their class and they know the drill more than K&T do, but I think they will figure it out soon, or at least I hope!

Lance is having is guy's trip this weekend so it's just me and the kids.  I am playing tennis in the morning (if the rain will ever go away), and we plan to go to the pool for one of the last times this summer tomorrow afternoon - again if it will stop raining!!!  We finally decided to just go to Chuck E. Cheese (their top choice) with a couple of friends (literally) and any family that can make it next Sunday for their birthday.  They will think it is fun, and we will save some money just not inviting any "groups" that would lead to lots more people than we can handle - i.e. - entire kindergarten class, preschool friends, etc.  Most people can't make it since it is Labor Day weekend, but the kids are all about cake, and getting to play arcade games, and just getting to say they are 5,  anyway so it should all work out!  I have started an amazon list to give us some ideas of things the kids might like for their birthday, but they are kind of in a difficult stage on that front, too!  A lot of stuff seems too babyish, but most things designated for their age are not things I want to get into quite yet - electronics, video games, etc.  They are pretty easy, though and still love pretend, and art, and Katie is definitely in the Barbie stage so they should be pretty pleased with whatever we come up with! 

I am still lamenting missing out on aftercare, so I am already trying to plan for Fall Break AND have realized that I am almost too late again.  I really need to start planning months and months in advance (and keep that in mind for summer).  We are going to try to go to the beach one of the weeks of the two-week Fall Break (we figure we will have to spend money either way and might as well all have fun instead of just the kids).  The other week I think I am going to sign them up for a week long Fall Break camp at Adventure Science Center.  It is $500 for two kids and that is the cheapest I have found!!!  I am sure when I see what the bill is for care throughout the summer (not to mention the two weeks in the Spring) I will freak out again (since $500 a week will be on the low end per week and there are 8 weeks of summer - although I am hoping they will get to spend time with my family again for a week or two) - but I guess it is what it is and is still less than the $17,000 we were spending for childcare before school started.  We will just have to try to budget and plan for an expensive summer.  That means we are delaying the new beds, for now, and Lance and I are both going to drive around with our check engine lights on for as long as we can. Although his tags expire in a week so we will sooner than later have to get his fixed to pass emissions - but I've had to agree with him that we have to try to get more time out of his rather than get something new  :(.  I can still look, though, and am currently obsessed with the new Ford Explorer so maybe this will give me time to realize that isn't the best choice  :)!

The girl who will watch the kids twice a week started today and the kids seem to really like her!  It will be great to have at least two days that can be full work days and days for afternoon meetings, if necessary.  We have had a lot of adjustment, too, since school started.  Having to leave work early most days, dealing with cranky kids, worrying that they aren't eating lunch since they never seem to remember what they ate, concern over how prepared they are in relation to the other kids and if we made the right decision, coercing them to do homework, holding them off to eat dinner when they seem to be starving the minute they walk in the door - so, it will be good to have a little help on a weekly basis.  Like today, I was able to swing by the grocery store on the way home at the normal time that my day is supposed to end, and didn't have to wrangle the two of them, so that makes it worth it!  Fingers crossed for sunshine this weekend, or I may just have to call her and see if she can do weekends too (kidding, sorta)! 

 

Kicks and Punches

Tonight was our third tae kwon do class (from the 3 sessions that Katie won).  The kids, especially Katie, really enjoy it and there are a ton of benefits.  The problem is that it is pretty expensive and I am not sure that we are ready for that kind of commitment (2/3 days a week for a year).  Lance's car has the check engine light on again and our tags expire at the end of the month so it looks like this will force a decision between a car payment (ugh) for something new or the class for them (and I would probably do it with them for a little extra a month).  I didn't realize before we got into this that it was so involved - if I had I probably would have let the prize classes go so they never knew what they were missing!  Tyler is lobbying to do gymnastics instead - which they have at the Y, but Lance still isn't too keen on that being his chosen activity.

Tyler had a big day!  He had to be picked up from school yesterday after vomiting at lunch.  No fever, and no further vomiting (and he swore he wasn't sick - just that he didn't like the jello), but he had to stay home from school today.  So he got to go show houses with Lance, went to lunch by himself with both of us, went to work with me, got home and got to gloat to Katie about what a fun day he had, and topped it off with a karate class. We have an awesome weekend ahead, too.  My niece's 1st birthday - and Lance and I get to go to a farm party while the kids stay with Ray-Ray and So-So!  Hopefully we can go to the pool for one of the last times of the summer on Sunday, but it has been kind of chilly here so that's a wait and see! 

Class Envy

Katie has decided that she doesn't like her classroom and wants to be in Tyler's classroom.  I tried to get to the bottom of it since she seems to like her teacher and hasn't been upset when we pick her up.  She said all we do is work in my class, and everyone else can read and knows each other.  We talked about that a little, but Tyler didn't help since he said that his class was the same as preschool making Katie think he was having more "fun" than her.  Then it dawned on me that Katie does think Tyler is having more fun because she is with his class (they split up her class between all of the other Kindergarten classes for special classes) for art, music and PE and poor Katie thinks that is what Tyler is getting to do all the time since that is what she sees when she is in his class!  I got them to talk about some of the things they were doing in class, and their homework (which was the same) and I think she finally realized that they are doing the same work so hopefully, she won't be as envious this week! 

We went out to a great dinner last night to celebrate our anniversary and the kids stayed with a true sitter (not family or a teacher they have known).  They had fun, and we did too but after dinner and then a stop to have a cocktail up the road we opted to come home an hour early and save a little off the babysitter fee!  It is always great just to have a nice dinner just the two of us, and then not have to do the whole bath, book, bedtime routine once in a while, though - so it was worth it! 

The kids and I went to the Dore Jam event today that kicked off football season (woohoo!) and we had a good time, although it was extremely crowded and the kids were disappointed that they weren't actually playing a game.  I kind of agree with the kids that I don't get all the hype about getting player signatures - but maybe when they are a bit older they will be into it.  We chose not to stand in line (although we would have liked to get a picture with Coach Franklin but not enough for an hour and half wait) and instead did the inflatables and met some cheerleaders and Mr. Commodore.  At the inflatables I was that mean, helicopter mom today, but I was just the only one that did something about it rather than standing around asking everyone else where the parents of the boys were.  The kids were on an inflatable with a big slide, and there were lots of other kids their age on, too.  There were also some older kids who started climbing back up the slide after sliding down and roughhousing and none of the little ones could get down.  So, yep, I was that mom who went over and told all of the older boys not to climb up the slide and to get down immediately and let the little ones through.  If Lance would have been there he would have been humiliated, and the kids were having fun regardless - but it was just a recipe for someone getting hurt.  10 kids (5 of which were 11 or 12 year old boys) at the top of an inflatable slide with others as young as 2 trying to get up to the top of the slide is not a good situation!  The kids are in funny stage where they are very aware of what they think of as "boy" things and "girl" things so Tyler wouldn't get with the cheerleaders, but as evidenced by the unprompted picture below he still sure does love his girl sister! 

Day Two!

The kids did great this morning.  Walked in their classrooms all smiles, said bye, put their backpacks in their lockers and were ready to go.  Tomorrow will be a full day with homework starting and one of their special classes (Music, Art or PE), and they will get to eat in the cafeteria and have recess.  They will be super mad at me if the recess schedule doesn't match!  Katie went in to Tyler's room today when we dropped him off and I thought that could be problematic since their friend from preschool is in there, but she just said hi and then went in to her classroom with no qualms!  Fingers crossed that this lasts!

The only issue we had getting ready this morning was shoes.  I think one of Tyler's feet is bigger than the other and he keeps trying on shoes where one fits and the other is too small and when I try to tell him that he needs to wear a bigger pair or his crocs he doesn't believe me since one seems to fit and he thinks it is a shoe issue and not his foot issue!  Will have to get him some that are a little bigger that he is excited about wearing so we don't have to go through five pairs each morning (only to settle on some that are also too small and very ragged) before we can get out the door!  I don't know where these children got their stubbornness - ha ha  :)!