My Boy

Tyler doesn't have a lot of playdates.  Ever now and again but he generally doesn't ask to have friends over.  I'm not sure why.  My guess is because he's happiest at home with his family.  He's happy to play with Hailey, for the most part, they've figured each other out.  Tyler prefers the safety and comforts of home.  He's happiest when we are all together. 

This week is conference week which means half days.  Somehow it worked out that Tyler had 3 playdates in a row (2 at our house).  This afternoon while Will was still over I could see Tyler starting to fade, a little retreat evidenced by puppy dog eyes that looked my way occasionally.  And when the playdate was over I could tell he needed some quiet time.  We found some drawing he and Hailey could work on and he was happy for a few minutes.  And then he started to look sad.  I asked if he was ok and he asked if I could sit next to him.  He needed my presence, my closeness.  He needed a recharge and then he was fine.  I love that about him.  Tyler and I share that special bond, it's different than my bond with Hailey.  Tyler needs moments, minutes, time close if not touching.  Often a 3 minute snuggle will do.  He sits on my lap after dinner like clockwork.  And I can feel the connection with him.  It's almost an energy transfer that picks his spirits up, sort of a sigh that lets all his stress and concerns out.  I'm sure it won't last forever, and likely the days are numbered at this point, but I'm holding on tight.  I wouldn't change those moments for the world.

I love so many things about my boy but I super love that his heart needs me.  I love that most of his frustrations, bad moods, and infrequent anger can usually be solved with a hug and a few minutes of mommy time.  If only it were so easy with Hailey.  She needs space, lots of space, and words can't be spoken.  That is a little hard my heart.

jump rope

Tyler's class started a jump rope unit in PE a few weeks ago.  It has started a jump rope frenzy here at home.  Tyler has gone from not being able to jump rope to jump roping 100 times without "messing up", jumping one legged, skip jump roping, and the list goes on.  It has actually been a nice change and fun energy burning activity during this never ending winter of ours.  And as you will see below, the kids get quite a workout.

He's a little hot by the time they get done.

flips

Now that we've changed Tyler's room around he has a straight shot from the hall, through the door to his bed.  The kids have been putting this new set up to good use.  They use the hall as a running start for their flips.

Bigger Bike

This fall Hailey learned how to ride her bike without training wheels.  She is so excited to do lots of bike riding this summer!  She especially wants to try riding her bike to school one day when the weather gets warmer and the sun is shining (that is going to happen right??).  You can imagine how thrilled she was a few weeks back when we discovered she is now tall enough for one of her "bigger" bikes.  That's right, she's moving up in the bike world.  And the bigger tires means she can go faster and is better able to keep up with her brother!  Dave took Hailey for her first bike ride on the Burke Gillman trail.  She was very proud.......rightly so. 

Addy

Addy is one of Hailey's good friends from school last year.  They also played soccer together last fall.  And though they aren't in school together this year, their still friends.  They haven't seen much of eachother this year but Addy was able to come over for a playdate a few weeks ago and the girls picked up right where they left off.  So curious how this relationship will grow and or change next year when they both are in Kindergarten at Totem Falls.

Officer Dave

I'm going to write all these next few posts as if they just happened.  In reality a lot of this stuff happened a number of weeks ago. 

Hailey's school class was learning about community helpers last month.  She was so excited to have Dave visit her class as Officer Quiggle.  I think Dave enjoys these opportunities to visit the kids classes.  I've been helping out in Hailey class quite a bit the last few months but I think this was Dave's first time in.  It's nice to be able to place a face with all the names she comes home talking about.  And of course Hailey was so proud to have her dad in class.

2012 Pinewood Derby

It just goes to show you that you don't need to have any skills with tools to finish. Thanks to Grandpa Carl for perfect wheel placement. Tyler took 3rd place in his Den and moves on to the Pack finals!