From the Mouths of Babes in May

Robin:  Woo woo woo.  Blood blood blood.  (what Robin says when ever he is truly upset)

Linus:  Did you bring our swimsuits?
Dave:  Only the one God gave me.
quiet confusion 
Me:  Daddy is saying he can go swimming naked.
Linus:  Would you let us?
Me:  Sure.
Eileen:  Ew.  I think that would be a little inappropriate.
Dave:  Eileen, the voice of reason.

Robin comes out wearing fleece pants, two shirts, and a sweatshirt.
Robin: Can it go back to being winter?

Robin: I can talk with my eyes open and closed at the same time.


Our kids love to hang out at Cromwell Park.

The Long Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is coming to an end.  Sometimes it is amazing what can happen in only 4 short days.  Our school met our fundraising goal and was rewarded with Friday off from school instead of a half day.  We were further rewarded with some much needed sunny warm weather.

Friday
Dave did not get the day off from work.  I got to go to Nurturing Pathways with Robin for the first time all school year.  Robin always takes a while to warm up, even in familiar situations.  I knew I could not go in the room or he would just hang on me.  I sent Linus in instead.  Robin took his hand and became a newer, braver version of himself.

Down in Seattle we visited some old haunts and checked out a new one, the Cookie Counter on Phinney Ridge.  It's a vegan ice cream and cookie shop, with plenty of gluten free options as well.  Eileen was a happy camper.  She was equally delighted to discover MOD Pizza had vegan, gluten free options as well.

We finished the day with a picnic dinner down at Richmond Beach.  Our kids love the beach.  Dave and I pretty much laid back on our picnic blankets and had our own mini date while the kids played happily.  It was a perfect Pacific Northwest evening.

Saturday
We had another lovely Dimock gathering.  I snuggled the baby.  The kids played baseball and had water fights.  Robin wanted to compare heights.  I've still got a little on him.



Sunday
We loaded up the kids and headed to the Hood Canal and Olympic National Park.  Along the way we listened to the audio book of "Hatchet." Dave used Audible and then plugged it into the auxillary in the car.  I'm so grateful for him sometimes.  We finished the whole book over the course of the day.  Linus is excited to take an AR test and finally understood why we have been trying to get him to read it.

We drove just past Lake Cushman to Staircase.  It's a really family friendly/bad knees trail though I don't advise bringing a stroller. It's not THAT friendly.  We saw waterfalls, crossed a raging river, went over footbridges (some more robust than others), played in creeks, and even went inside a cave.

Robin did great, but needed some ergo time occasionally. He was so excited to run along the trail.  I think this is the best yet that either Eileen or Robin has done hiking.  The kids walked over 4 miles by the time we were done.

Lest you think that hiking with kids is easy or that kids never fight or complain, for your viewing pleasure.....

We finished the weekend with breakfast out, window shopping, groceries, and yard work.  How we squeezed so much into 4 days I have no idea.  I forgot how much I love the Olympics.  I first learned of their magic when I was 13 and on a summer backpacking trip.  That trip changed my life in so many ways.  So many smells this weekend brought visceral memories of my past -- Puget Sound beaches, the Olympics, charcoal grills, and beauty bark.  I hope my kids can use this weekend has a touchstone for their own childhood in the Pacific Northwest.

Mandatory Sick Day

I didn't sleep well last night.  I woke up at 4 AM with my left eye slightly glued shut and my right eye feeling off.  I was drowning in nastiness and had no voice.  I dragged myself to work, thinking I would hit the walk-in clinic after school.  My co-workers and principal thought otherwise.  They sent me home.  It's such a relief knowing I work with people who have my back and will cover for me, even if it is less than convenient.

I dropped Robin at daycare (if you're going to take a sick day, then no kids allowed) and headed straight into the walk-in clinic I went to last week.  I was seen pretty quickly.  The doctor was unsure of what exactly ailed me, but ordered me straight to bed.  We argued/negotiated over how long I had to stay there.   He also gave me new and improved eye drops and a prescription for antibiotics (only to be taken if I don't start to get better).

Back at home, I threw in a load of laundry, put on some jammies, filled up my water bottle, and hopped into bed.  The first hour was pretty good, I got caught up on Facebook, ordered a birthday present for my godson, and perused some sub plan ideas should I need to be out for longer than a day. After that it got a little boring.  Having been sick all weekend, I was already caught up on shows.  I settled for watching La La Land (meh, I couldn't get into it), took a nap, and then watched the HBO documentary about that mom in Wisconsin with Munchausen's by proxy who was murdered by her victim/daughter.  I started to watch the documentary, Casting Jon Benet, but it was so bad I just turned it off.  At that point I was on borrowed time until the kids came home from school.  I managed to read a little bit of my book.

One sick day is great, two is okay, after that sick days start to be a real drag.  Sick days are way more fun when you are a kid skipping school, especially when you faked sick by putting a thermometer to a light bulb ever so carefully so as to get just past the 100 degree mark or making vomiting noises while carefully pouring water into a toilet---not that I ever did anything like that.....

My eyes are in way better shape after the new meds.  I almost have my voice back.   I really feel pretty okay.  I hate to miss another day so I'm going to call it in the morning.  I have to go to school in the morning either way to take the kids to school and lay out what a sub/my super amazing awesome partner teacher might need.  In the meantime, it's fluids and Theraflu for me.  I'm going to try enjoy my doctor ordered rest.

Mom's Day Off

Mother's Day is my favorite day of the year.  I like Halloween.  I like Christmas. But Mother's Day is where it's at.  I get to call in sick and be responsible to no one. I heart Mother's Day.

The days leading up to Mother's Day this year were interesting.  I woke up Thursday with pinkeye. I dropped the kids at school, rushed to Urgent Care, and was back in class teaching by second period.  I was very good, never touched my eye, and became BFFs with the hand sanitizer.

Friday my class went to see the Terra Cotta Warriors at the Pacific Science Center.  It was pretty cool, but I struggled to stay awake during the IMAX video.  By 3 pm I was not feeling good at all.  Once at home I had fever accompanied by body aches and chills.  Eventually, I was in bed with the fireplace going, with an additional 2 blankets and I was still shivering.  I went to sleep with a fever of 101.7. The virus came on fast and furious.  I now have an even greater sympathy for the two kids this week who told me they didn't feel well and thought they might have fevers.  One was near tears.  I understand buddy.  I understand!

Saturday--fever, sore throat, eye crusted with pinkeye.  I rallied and took Eileen to her t-ball game cause moms are boss.  Dave was going to take Robin and Linus to swim lessons.  By the time I got home, Linus was running a fever.  Linus and I spent the day sick with fevers.  I did manage to binge watch "13 Reasons Why" and read my People magazine.

Sunday, glorious Sunday.  My children woke me with cards and breakfast in bed.  Eileen was so excited for me to read her card.  Unfortunately, my eye was glued shut and I had to wait for someone to bring me a tissue.  I got a lovely card from Eileen, a card and picture frame from Linus.  I had placed my breakfast order the night before and Dave followed accordingly.  I proceeded to spend the morning watching "Bridget Jones' Baby" and last night's SNL.  I saw my kids occasionally throughout the morning for hugs.  My fever was gone, my sore throat manageable.  Dave took the kids out for a lunch and I slowly made my way out the door.  I walked through Target by myself and then enjoyed an amazing 90 minute massage.  In my absence, Linus' fever came back.

The massage gave me renewed energy and I decided to go back in mom mode for a little while.  Dave looked exhausted.

I attempted a few selfies.  Selfies are not my strong suit.  Apparently I'm a mom of zombies.

I could not convince Eileen to take a picture with her mouth closed.

Dave was so tired he fell asleep on the couch.  I could have made him get up and fix dinner, but I let him sleep instead.  I knew Dave didn't realize that the brownies he planned to make actually take 45 minutes to bake, or the roasted brussel sprout salad required him to prep and actually roast the brussel sprouts, and the bread baked at a different temp than sprouts.  Moms think ahead.  Moms plan.  Moms see what needs to be done and do it.  Dave had handled a lot during the day and I've made this dinner before.  Just because it's my day off doesn't mean I'm not still a mom to the core.  Besides I had Robin by my side as sous baker.  

The kids gave me the greatest gift ever.  No one complained about dinner.  Eileen even took several bites of the salad.  After eating, I took a shower and commenced with relaxing while Dave cleaned up, took out the garbage and recycling, and put kids to bed.  Robin needed extra coaxing.  Dave brought me warm brownies and vanilla ice cream, my favorite.

I love this family of mine.  I love that Robin today could not get dressed because he was "hugging mama," or that some of them where "backwards hugs."  I love that Linus really tried to be loving towards me today and Eileen still chooses me first to be the one to put her to bed.  I love that I have a husband who is my true partner, and lets me take time for myself.  

I love my family, but sometimes I love a day off just a wee bit more.  Thanks family for loving me enough to let that happen.

Linus' First Communion

Yesterday Linus got to participate in the Catholic mass at a whole new level.  He has been looking forward to this moment all year long.  I mean, a suit, wine, not having to cross your arms, what's not to like?  I wasn't really sure how to celebrate.  It's not like a baptism where our child was the only one, or there was maybe one other kid.  Linus was one of many, and thus limited seating.  Do we invite everyone?  Do you just have a party?  What is the etiquette here?

I ended up sending an Evite, inviting all the family (assuming only a few would come) and the godparents and Catholic friends.  That seemed to work well.  The "party" got planned a few days before.   Dave and I decided on catering by Aunt Costco pizza, beer, sangria, lemonade, grapes, and veggies, and tuxedo cake.  Thank you Aunt Costco and your nephew Whole Foods (for the gluten-free vegan necessities).

Linus and I went shopping for his suit a few weeks ago.  I was stunned that he was so enthusiastic about it and more by the fact that he had a clear vision of what he was going to wear.  He felt pretty good in his suit, and needed to try it on multiple times in the days leading up to First Communion.

I almost cried when I saw him.  He saw the special First Communion pin I had bought and put on his gift and immediately wanted to wear it.

Robin is the only one of our children who likes to have his picture taken.  He regularly asks us. Robin could not handle a Linus only photo shoot and insisted upon being included.

This one is my favorite. He is so stinking cute.

The ceremony was lovely.  Fr. Brad gave a great homily.  The whole thing moved pretty quickly, even with pictures afterwards.  My principal noticed the amazing job I did tying Linus' tie and fixed it before Linus walked down the aisle.  It takes a village to get kids ready to consume Jesus.

Ready to go with the help of Mrs. Serres.

Despite the low key catering, I still managed to make things look festive and thanks to Etsy, had a personalized decoration in minutes that I displayed next to the desserts.

At one point, Robin came in sobbing and crying for the binky.  We located it and Robin disappeared.  After about 15 minutes I realized we hadn't seen Robin for a while.  I located him in his room.  I snapped a pic before turning off the lights.

 Linus was very gracious about his gifts.  I got him a Catholic children's bible and a leather bible cover with a quote from Joshua about being brave and courageous.  Linus had the same thought that I did that it looked like the book from Harry Potter that Hagrid assigns (the one that bites).  Sally's boyfriend Gino brought back a rose petal rosary from Argentina (native land of the pope) along with Argentinian money, chocolate, and a magnet of the pope.  Those might have been his favorite.  Everyone was so thoughtful.  His grandfather, Laurence, gave Linus a copy of the New Testament that he personally translated from the original Latin.

It was a beautiful day.  The company was lovely.  We are blessed to have such good friends and family to share these special moments with in our lives.  All the kids played perfectly.  I realized that we don't see some of our camp friends enough and need to fix that.

Happy First Communion Linus.

From the Mouths of Babes in April

Me:  Why can't I put your hair up?
Eileen: I need it down so I can test the wind.

After I mistakenly believed Linus was responsible for something
Linus:  You know, one of God's laws is to not falsely accuse.

Grandma is out with Robin at an indoor play area.  She asks if he wants to stay a little longer or go home.  Robin chose to go home and she asked why.
Robin: I looked at the clock in the room and it said it was almost naptime.

Lamenting the problems with Pokemon ownership
Eileen: I don't speak Jigglypuff.

Linus was mad that I was making him go to mass.  He was also annoyed that I would not buy him a top of the line harmonica.  He drew this at mass.

You will notice in the picture that Linus is ignoring me, playing a harmonica, and busking for spare change at the bus stop.

Spring Break Getaway with my number one boy (Linus)

Linus and I don't get to spend a lot of time one on one together.  He doesn't hate me, but given the opportunity, he will choose Dave 99.99999% of the time.  Spring Break offered a really great opportunity for Linus and I to bond.  When I go visit friends, I try to bring one kid with me to lighten the load at home.  Linus won based on the following criteria: no carseat, no dietary restrictions, and potty trained.

Linus and I went to visit my childhood friend, Katie, in Fresno.  Traveling with Linus had some nice perks.
1. He can carry his own luggage (he even packed himself when given a general list)
2. Not only can he take himself to the restroom, he doesn't insist on being in a stall with me!
3. He can self-entertain.  I was mean and didn't bring an ipad or let him play on my phone.  We simply sat in our seats and read our books or napped.
4. Linus fed himself breakfast in the morning and bathed himself.

I must say, at times, traveling with an older child does feel like a break. Almost.

I surprised Linus with first class tickets.  We normally fly coach but the offer of a $50 upgrade was too good to refuse.  He didn't find out until we were boarding.  I even let him bring a neck pillow.  We flew in luxury I tell you (or as luxurious as a Horizon Air flight gets).

I've known Katie since first grade.  She now lives in Fresno and works with Sea Lions at the zoo.  The last time I visited, Robin was a baby.  I really need to be better about visiting friends.

Linus was excited for our trip.  Eileen and Robin were excited for special fun times with Dave.  According to Dave, while I was gone the two kids played together magically.  They went to Point Defiance Zoo, the movies, and had a sleepover.

With only two full days in Fresno, Linus and I had to prioritize. On Friday we went to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo where Katie works.  We had an amazing day.  The weather was gorgeous!  The zoo recently did an expansion.  I was blown away.

Katie did a really wonderful job of making sure Linus had a special experience.  She called in a few favors.    The whole zoo was great, but there were some definite highlights.  The two things Linus wanted to see most were the Sea Lions and to hold a snake.  Dustin, a keeper in the reptile house, granted Linus' wish and more.

First we went into a small room where they keep a couple of snakes.  I kept a careful, watchful distance.  Linus had no reservations.

Thanks to my many trips to the Woodland Park Zoo, I am well versed in the creatures of the Reptile House.  I was able to quickly identify the Waxy Monkey frog.

Linus meets the Waxy Monkey Frog

Me, trying to convince Katie and Dustin, that they should be impressed by my vast knowledge.

Telling us he was taking Linus to meet a cobra, Dustin led us into an exhibit that was an even greater surprise----KOMODO DRAGON!

I appreciated the hugeness of this opportunity, mustered up some bravery, and touched the komodo dragon myself.

After the komodo dragon, we got to meet a tortoise who was 35 years young.

Quick rest

At Sea Lion Cove Linus got painting lessons from Wish, the Sea Lion.

Linus' bright green shirt made him easy to find in a crowd.  We spent the most time at the Manta Rays.  Linus was enthralled.  He even got to pet a nurse shark.

Linus didn't realize just how friendly he got with the giraffe he was feeding.

Sizing himself up

Linus and I went into one exhibit and were surprised to find two sloths relaxing over the walkway. One was more or less blocking the walkway.  The keeper gave me permission to take a selfie.

Saturday was Earth Day.  It was hard to decide between going to the March for Science or visiting the Sequoia National Park.  I feel good about the choice.  It was an amazing experience.  The Sequoia National Park is home to General Sherman, the largest tree in the world (by volume).  I'd never really seen a sequoia up close.  Their bases are incredibly bulbous.  Their trunks almost look painted.

Linus vacillated between joy (snow!) and annoyance (stay on the trail).

Some of the backgrounds don't even look the real!  The colors were just so different.  It was also another gorgeous day and luckily not too crowded, especially once you got away from the main attraction.

Linus found a walking stick that he liked to use for beating the snow.  He got stuck in the snow a few times on the Congressional Trail.

We went on the Congressional Trail to see a few more impressive trees.  The trees all had so much personality.  Chief Sequoia had an especially imposing stance.  Besides the trees and the serene beauty, highlights on the Congressional Trail included walking through a waterfall and for Linus, walking down a trail taken over by the creek.  Linus' shoes are now in a plastic bag waiting to be washed as they got pretty gross on this hike.

Safely through the waterfall.  See what I mean about the backgrounds looking fake?

Linus took off his sunglasses at one point and then couldn't find them.  It took a bit before he realized Katie had made use of them.

We had a great trip.  Even when he was grumpy and frustrated, Linus couldn't hide his joy from his dad during our evening video chats.   Thanks for a fun weekend Katie and Chris!