Finally 5!!!!

For at least a year, Wyatt has been asking "Am I 5 yet?" The day finally came. Who could believe that this little preemie is now 5 years old, taller than any kid his age (that I've seen), solid, rowdy, rambunctious, determined, and still wants to cuddle. He loves Batman, Spiderman, riding his bike, singing, potatoes in almost any form, and annoying his sisters. He is very expressive (in ways good & bad) and has definitely added much joy to our lives.

This year was the first real birthday party- with friends- Wyatt has had. It was insane trying to pin down the sort of theme he wanted. We went to Party City and the phrase "kid in a candy store" was played out in the extreme. He wanted EVERYTHING. Batman, Spiderman, Ironman, Spongebob, Toy Story, Diego, but not Pirates. He said that was too scary. After watching him bounce back & forth I finally had to take his face in my hands, and present him with 3 options. Asking "which one do you like" was getting me nowhere. He liked them ALL. After rephrasing the question to "which is your favorite" we were able to settle on Batman.

Dad did a fantastic job with the decorations (How did I not get a picture of that?). We had a bouncy house, balloons, pinata, hot dogs, cake & ice cream. I'm pretty sure Wyatt had a great time with all of his besties. It was a very exciting day for him- It's good to be 5!

Jump Start to Kindergarten

This summer we signed Wyatt up for the month long summer school program for a few reasons. Wyatt has basically grown up at the building-working alongside mom & Grandma on a daily basis, chatting with the mailman, having a crush on a certain tenant in the Lofts, following Grandpa around wherever he could, etc. Most of his social interaction with kids his age happens at church once a week. He has been so anxious to turn 5 since that is when he knows he'll get to go to school, he was thrilled that he would be able to go while he was still 4. We knew he would love it. This is a picture of him on the 1st day of summer school. He was so excited and cooperative when he woke up. I wish I had a picture of him on the 2nd day, because he was the complete opposite! Fits, tears, refusal.... I think the little guy was in shock of getting up so early. School started at 7:30am, so this was a big adjustment for him.
Patrick would take him to school on his way to work and I'd pick him up at Noon. He showed his independence quickly by not allowing Daddy to walk him into the school after the first week- His teacher, Mrs. Pyle was as nice as could be and he really enjoyed making friends. He learned that pictures of people should have the head on top of a body, not just a head sitting on top of legs. He learned that it was ok to use a color other than blue all the time (for weeks, everything he drew was in blue) and I think he drew a picture of a blue lion everyday. He learned songs like Jack & Jill and This Land is Your Land. He had his birthday during summer school and brought cupcakes to the class. Summer school is over now, but Aug will be here before I know it, and Wyatt will be off to Kindergarten. I know Grandma and I will miss him when he's not at work with us anymore....

Welcome to the Teenage Years

Hard to believe this sweet little one is now 13 years old. I may be a little biased, but she's got to be one of the prettiest newborns ever. Madison is my independent child. She never has to be told to do her homework or study for a test (straight A's to prove it), do her chores, clean her room, or go to bed. She doesn't procrastinate and she likes to run. I don't know where those traits came from, cause she sure didn't get those two from me. She likes being goofy and has a tendency to be a bit of a clutz. (This is not mean, this is a well known, documented fact.) She's always making noises and flip- flopping around. She is also very crafty. This can be taken either way and each be true. She loves making things- drawing, cutting, coloring, gluing, baking- and she can also be crafty, as in a little sneaky & sly. She has been know to have a slight mean streak, but most wouldn't have a clue about that:)

Madison prefers Dirty Dessert to birthday cake. She chose not to have a party this year. Instead, she wanted to take a friend to see Eclipse. Yes, we are Twilight fans. From the moment she heard Eclipse was coming out on June 30th, she made me promise she would be able to go see it ON her birthday. As luck would have it, she saw it the day before and the day of! The local radio station was giving away "win it before you can buy it tickets" to see Eclipse at 9pm the day before it came out. They reserved all the seats in the theater and in order to win 2 tickets, you had to be caller 5 when you heard them play the sounder. (Jacob saying "have you ever had a secret that you couldn't tell anyone")- Madison faithfully listened to the radio for days and dialed her heart out. One morning, Madison and Patrick were in the kitchen, heard the sounder and started dialing. Amazingly, she got through, handed the phone to Patrick (you had to be 18 to win) and they won! They drove down to the radio station right away to get the tickets! So, the night of the 29th- Madison & I saw Eclipse (loved it, by the way) and then she went again the next morning with Cassidy and her BFF, Chelsea.
Later that day, she got a nice surprise from one of her church teachers- balloons & cookies. Chocolate is always fun to get, especially on your birthday.

Madison with Grandpa Bob & Grandma Vi.

BFFs- Madison & Chelsea

I really can't believe she has turned 13. The years go by so quickly. Madison is a good girl and I'm a lucky mom to have her.

Cassidy Turns 10!!

I know this entry is almost 2 months late, but Cassidy had a birthday May 17th. She was a beautiful baby and has grown up to be a beautiful little girl. Let me tell you about Cassidy. She is the child that leaves a trail though the whole house...headbands, ponytails, flip flops, jackets, you name it. She needs to be reminded of simple tasks like combing her hair and brushing her teeth, and although she can be a little scatter-brained (she knows this, it's not an insult) and has a touch of hypochondria, she is the sweetest, cutest thing ever. She is smart as a whip and has a tan to die for. When she was littler she would tell us that she wasn't tan, she was "bronze." I think her Grandma Donna told her that.

We have Bieber Fever going on at our house. We listen to his music and watch his videos- even Wyatt has a little "fever". I was able to find an edible Justin Bieber cake topper on Ebay- (didn't know you could send those through the mail) and it worked great. Needless to say, when we heard he was coming to Kansas City, there was some excitement! The local radio station had a "Bowl Cuts for Bieber" contest to win concert tickets. You had to submit a photo of your mother who was willing to get her haircut like Justin Bieber. I had to draw the line somewhere. No bowl cuts for this mom. Ticketmaster works for me. I ordered the tickets months before her birthday, so it was really hard for me to keep it a secret. I know that may be hard for some to believe- according to my family, I am the master of secret keeping. I couldn't even tell Madison because she was getting a ticket for her birthday too. The concert isn't until the end of July, so they still have something to look forward to!

Cassidy had a party with her BFFs and went to Lunar Golf in the mall. Happy Birthday Cassidy!

Eat More Chikin'

Today, while searching the internet for coupons, deals, etc., we stumbled upon Cow Appreciation Day at Chik-Fil-A! Who knew? Dress like a cow, get free chicken. Immediately, Cassidy began her search for a cow mask and made plans for free food. We definitely went overboard- compared to others dressed like cows.We printed out masks, tails, and used black duct tape for the spots. Got in the car and made our way to Chil-Fil-A. Free combo meals for dressing like a cow.

The Chick-Fil-A cow (does he have a name?) made an appearance. By that time, we'd already ripped off the cow spots. Madison decided the humiliation wasn't worth free food.

The Strongest Player

Although these movies are older than he is, Wyatt in a Spy Kids phase. His favorite right now is Spy Kids 3d- where they enter a video game. He has decided he's like the "strongest player."

No more Elbows :(

I knew the day would come. Mom warned me I would miss it when it was gone. She was right. I'm sad to say I think Wyatt has outgrown his need for the elbow. Wyatt has always had a "thing" for the elbow. We have called it an obsession, fetish, or even a nuisance. He needed it when he nursed, when he was sleepy, sad, happy, excited, or had to release a little energy. He needed the elbow so much it left mine sore or even scabbed from his sharp, little fingernails. At times, it was so annoying that I would wear long sleeves to try to keep him away from my elbows. It didn't matter. He would just put his little hands up the sleeves. When he was a little older, he would taunt us with threats of "I get your elbow" and run up and grab it with so much force the kids would scream and try to run away. I can't remember the last time he grabbed my elbow. Just as kids outgrow sucking their thumbs or taking naps, I guess Wyatt has outgrown his need for the elbow. I'm a little sad about that.