Appointment for Fun!

The boys had no idea I was picking them up early from school and when they came nervously to the office to meet me and I told them we had "an appointment" their eyes widened and the questions started. "Will it hurt? Are we getting shots? Do I have to go to the dentist?" My answer to every question was a loving and compassionate, "We'll talk about it more when we get in the car". The questions kept coming, and so did my canned reply. The cookies I strategically placed between their seats were the first clue and this time I answer their question..."We have an...APPOINTMENT FOR FUN!!!".

It's not often that I get to spend time with the boys without nagging them about getting dressed, doing homework, hurrying up, etc., etc., so this was a welcomed opportunity to spend some non-twin time with my two big boys. I already had a plan (yes, even FUN needs to be planned these days), but was waiting for the boys to make the improbable suggestion. When they excitedly asked where we were going I told them that they get to choose. Garrett's reply was, "this is the second best day of my life!". When I asked why it wasn't the first he explained that the BEST day was when dad took them to Legoland instead of school. And my response? "Why can't WE go to Legoland?" They wiggled and squealed in their seats as I- known for the parent who says "no" to pretty much everything- suggested we go to Legoland instead of taking spelling tests. I have to say, it is more fun being the "nice" parent. So we were off...

The boys talked on the way about all the things they wanted to see and do. And we got to have some other unintentional conversations too- like who they like (news to me!) and how Garrett thinks girls are bossy. I could finally give them the attention they deserve and how nice it was to sit and just listen instead of rattling off in my head the twenty things I had to do when I got home. Turns out, you can learn a lot from listening and observing. You would think I would already know this- and I do- but it's easy to forget when you're multi-tasking while trying to meet the needs of four kids at the same time.

First, we checked out the shops at the entrance. After that, it was on to Miniland to see the Washington Mall that we had seen in person last year and of course the new Star Wars Miniland. They've seen most of it before, but they studied it anyway. The boys panned for gold, played on the playground without being yelled at to watch for the little ones, we rode the dragon roller coaster and they actually fought over who got to sit next to me! They rode a few other rides, ate junk food, drove cars, built minifigures and bionicles, shopped in every store and even made a trip through the aquarium. They just got to be boys; there was no fighting, no yelling, no teasing and no whining or complaining...just harmonious fun for all of us.

After witnessing their driving skills, I have to say that I'm glad Blake will be driving first...

...since Garrett was more concerned about looking cool.

I loved that Blake pointed out that from below, sting rays seem to smile.

And that even sharks were tired like us and needed a rest.

As the day wound down and I took frequent opportunities to relish the peace and joy we were having, I couldn't help but notice all the intricate and spectacular lego mosaics they have around the park. It occurred to me that so much of my time these days is spent living microscopically- like standing super close to those mosaics- where all I can focus on is the moment I am in while planning for the next.

Most of my time is spent staring at a bunch of colored legos randomly displayed so to speak...but when you take a few steps back you see the beautiful scenery that together those pieces create. You take a macroscopic view.

I've never been a "big picture" person because I'm so literal, but I can appreciate how each of those small pieces that may seem insignificant, misplaced or undesirable in and of themselves are in fact NECESSARY to provide contrast for the picture to be complete. And all of life's frustrations, challenges and stresses are what give it texture and contrast, which is required to see the beauty in it. Who knew Legoland had so much to offer?

And I learned a few other things, too. Like when Blake was feverishly cranking the penny stamping machine in an effort to complete his collection while the park music (a Star-Wars-type instrumental piece) was hitting the crescendo at the same time.

He looked up to me and said, "Mom, do you ever hear music that just makes sense to your life?". I was excited to tell him yes, that I am passionate about music for that very reason, so I knew exactly what he meant. And I learned that Garrett would like to be a Golden Eagle if he could be any kind of bird, and instead of eating small birds, he would take care of them. And that both boys would rather be pirates than knights. How nice it was to have pointless conversation instead of me doing all the talking, or rather telling them what to do.

So the day was a success. I know it was one of the best days of their lives...but it was one of the best of mine too; how special it was to spend time getting to know the boys Blake and Garrett are growing into. And I look forward to these kinds of days again to keep adding pieces to my life's mosaic.

Chaos in Motion

Yep, that's us. It's tax season, back to school, soccer season, starting preschool, Cub Scouts season, potty training (round 2), Poway Days celebrations, monthly group meetings, half marathon training, so on and so forth. Life in our house is anything but boring. Unless the power goes out in the ENTIRE SAN DIEGO COUNTY...then life comes to a screeching halt and we are left scrambling for simple things like batteries and light.

When we are running full steam, however, here are some of the things we've been up to.

BACK TO SCHOOL
This year Blake is in third grade and Garrett is in second. So far it's been a bit of a learning curve for all of us, as this marks the very first time Garrett hasn't followed in Blake's footsteps for teachers. Third grade has been a new experience with A HUGE jump in responsibility placed on the student and much higher expectations for his quality of work. Gone are the days of happy faces and stars...now it's all about the numbers. And, for me, it's all about learning to find peace with giving up control and having faith in my child. Ironic how watching my kids go through school reminds me about how much more I have to learn.

My sweet Blake is still willing to give me a "first day of school" smile.

Garrett seems to be adjusting better to second grade than years past. He's taking his work seriously...and taking his fun seriously too...a little too much for his own good. Garrett loves to be the life of the party and will do just about anything to be the funny guy...which often means not thinking things through before he does them. Let's just say he's earned himself a few conversations with adults and benched recesses to remind him about appropriate behavior at school. I shudder to think what college will do to him...Yes, I know, have faith in him!

Garrett, on the other hand, was thoroughly embarrassed of me taking pictures and wouldn't even look up.

KICKIN' BACK
Soccer season is in full swing. This is Garrett's first regular season and Blake's second. Garrett had begged for me to sign him up following the off-season, but once the regular season rolled around he begged me not to make him go. Another opportunity for a lesson in responsibility... And of course now he's loving it! He easily towers over the other first and second graders and isn't afraid to go after the ball. The combination gives him a big advantage. He's not the fastest or most coordinated kid out there, but he plays with all heart and is seeing success because of it. And he makes a pretty good goalie. Hopefully next week I'll remember to take pictures...

Since Blake's birthday is a little later, he's playing with several older kids. This is good for skills building and as long as he's having fun- which he is- it's all good. He still likes to give the ball a big boot when he can and plays the all-important role of "assisting" (he's usually quick to pass the ball). It's not his nature to be aggressive, and that's just fine with me. (One of the perks of being Team Parent is that OTHER people are taking pictures of your child while you are not).

Up next? Blake wants to "take a break from sports" (insert sigh of relief of less shuttling/toddlers napping at 6pm/rush to finish homework and eat dinner by 5pm/playground supervision/stuck at a school with locked bathrooms and toddlers who are potty training). Garrett, on the other hand, is anxious to try out basketball...so we won't be wasting any time with him between sports. I'll keep you posted on this adventure!

FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL
It's the milestone I've been waiting for...the twins' entry into preschool! I knew they would absolutely love it, and they have. Of course, this also required a greater emphasis on potty training, which, with four kids, can be challenging to say the least. Ella is pretty sufficient, but Chase still needs some work. Now that he's been seeing some success with it, though, he's finding more interest in it. I don't think it gets "easier" until they are totally training AND CAN HOLD IT. That will take a least a few more months.

The twins LOVE their teachers (who were also Blake and Garrett's teachers). They have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the classroom and playground, playing with new toys and in novel ways, and circle time with songs and books. They haven't quite embraced the opportunity to make friends, but that will come and it's interesting to note that they don't necessarily play together for most of the day.

The twins hardly looked up when I left. Yep, they were ready...they are officially "preschoolers"!

So, to answer the question I get at least once a day....YES, I am enjoying my new "kid-free" time, but the time I get is anything but free. I find myself cramming six hours of cleaning, errands, and appointments into my 2 hours of kid free time. Just as well...I'm not the kind of person to curl up with a book or spend hours at the coffee shop. It's a schedule I can work with and I no longer cringe at the thought of going to the store for just one thing.

And just in case you're wondering what they learn in preschool, here is Chase to give you a glimpse:


QUALITY TIME WITH GRANDMA
If she can't come to us, we will go to her!

We have been heading east on Friday's after school to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa and get in some good play-and-eat-to-your-heart's-content fun and relaxation. You would think that the twins would be well rested, but...

this is the aftermath of an afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa. A double treat for me- sharing kid time in the afternoon and coming home to have some quiet time.

Of course, if you want to be technical, the twins are also in the process of outgrowing naps. Some days they do just fine without a nap...and others, well, this speaks for itself!

SEA LIFE
The boys were treated with a day at San Diego's Maritime Museum and the Tall Ships Festival with Papa Jim and Nana Sharlene. Nothing like a couple of life-like pirates to keep them in line!

These are the kinds of outings the boys don't get much of these days without the twins in tow, so I am sure this was a welcomed changed of pace!

And, more the twins' speed, we spent a day with Papa and Nana at the Birch Aquarium looking at interesting sea life. This was a first for Chase & Ella and they especially enjoyed the tide pools (or at least thinking about touching some of the slimy sea stars and cucumbers). Chase has a thing for lobsters, which you are more likely to see at the grocery store than the aquarium, but he found a plastic one in the play area that he had a hard time parting with.

Until he found the shark mouth. The novelty was too much to resist and, consequently, there are several families out there who likely have a little Chase in their family picture!