Magic School Bus

Do you know what Everett thinks the highlight of his week has been so far? 

Riding the big boy bus...

Do you know what the actual highlight of Everett's week has been so far, even if he won't understand it until he has kids?

Having a big sister who loves you enough to help you onto the bus, introduce you to the bus driver, sit in the front seat with you instead of with her friend, and help you to your class once you arrive at school....

Balance

It's very hard as a parent to balance letting your kids be daring and letting your kids be dangerous.  It's a very fine line between the two.  For instance, when they're walking a stone wall that's over your head, that's daring.  However, when you're the only person around to catch them, but you're also the person carrying the box of donuts, that's dangerous... I mean, dropping fresh donuts or catching a falling kid is just not a Sophie's Choice I can get comfortable with....

It's Finally Here

For two years, Everett has dreamt of the day he gets to ride the big kid bus to school.  At dinner tonight, we let him know Wednesday is going to be his big day.  I think it's safe to say he was a little excited...

Maybe It Was Us

As you may recall, we had a few issues with Teddy while he was here. In fact, I still have a few scars, our carpet still has a giant hole, and our back yard still looks like someone was digging for oil.  Having said that, this is what he's doing one month removed from causing terror in our home....

This is him taking a nap....on an airplane....flying across the country....as a service dog....

Here he is gently and patiently taking in the California views on his way to a pediatric office where he sat with kids to help keep them calm...

So, there you have it.  We're pretty much the worst dog owners on the planet. 

Long Weekend

We decided there was no better way to spend a long weekend than an impromptu trip to the mountains.

We mined for precious gems...

 Conquered major fears on a 3 story water slide (that's Amelia at the top. Ev didn't wait for the photo op)...

Picked fresh apples....and ate a lot of apple donuts....

Tested our strength to see if the donuts were fueling our muscles...

...great weather, great food, beautiful views, and a ton of fun .... I'm ready to go back.

Good to Know

This girl looks sweet, but trust me.....there's a fire in there and it burns hot.  Tonight, she let me know she was not just "the boss of the little kids, but pretty much the ruler of this house"

Sight for Sore Eyes

You know what you don't expect to see when you turn around at your daughter's soccer practice? Did you guess her 5 year-old brother walking up to you (and a crowd of parents) with his shorts around his ankles, a giant smile on his face, and his Captain America underwear proudly on display saying "Hey! Look what happened to my pants! I need a belt!" ?  If so, you're correct. I certainly did not expect to see that....but, I guess I learned a hard lesson about expectations....and the other parents learned the important lesson that Everett isn't shy about his belief in pants-optional partying.