Day 1495 | Ga-ga Ball

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Have you heard of this game? It’s all the rage with the kiddos. Robbe even came home from school this week saying he won one of the games against his classmates—he’s 4. It might have been his proudest moment ever.

We got to see their skills in action today when they got in the ring together. Robbe really fights his way into the middle of the action and Chase stays on the sidelines and tries to go unnoticed. Hmmm...I see some personality traits shining through. 

Day 1494 | Picture Day

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These cute little nuggets had school pictures today. No lie, I spent at least 30 minutes attempting to style Chase’s hair so it holds for longer than three minutes. Yes, the photo above is the “styled” version. He claims that it held up until his photo was taken “after silent reading and music class”. I’m skeptical.

I feel like parents should be allowed at school for picture day. I want to be there to fix his shirt when it’s askew. I want to give one more tweak to his little hairdo. I want to “facilitate” a real smile (instead of this). Does this make me a helicopter mom? Probably. Really, though, it’s just because it’s the ONE professional photo we have taken on a yearly basis and I want it to be good! I want them to capture the essence of my favorite people in the whole world. Is that too much to ask?!? And, at the end o the day, I need a real smile for his graduation board, you know?

Day 1490 | Little Free Library

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It’s surprising how much joy a little box can bring to a little boy. These Little Free Libraries are the best. And we found one two blocks away from Chase’s piano lessons. When it’s nice outside, Robbe and I spend the half hour scooting/walking to peruse the selection, taking a couple, leaving a couple of ours, and scooting/walking back to read a book just before Chase finishes up. 

It’s a definitely one of favorite thirty minutes of my week. 

Day 1487 | Attack

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Chase played a new game at school yesterday and was so enamored with it that he wanted to recreate it when he got home from school today. We modified our Jenga game by coloring the pieces to make different blocks. It turns out it was probably made up by some other kid in his class because the rules are crazy and seem fleeting at best. I lasted about five minutes playing this game—which involves trying to destroy each other’s houses with cars, cannons, and helicopters. The boys, however, played it for over an hour. No lie. 

I might not get it, but they certainly do.  

Day 1484 | The Spy Hideout

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After about five days, three family members helping (in addition to Chris), and no less than 20 trips to procure supplies, our backyard “Spy Hideout” (as the boys have named it) is complete. We are beyond grateful to Brian for leading the charge on the construction and thankful for the help of my dad and Matt. Chris has wanted to tackle this project for a long time and he couldn’t have done it without all the help. Thank you for making this dream a reality for him. And, as you might imagine, the boys are *just a bit* excited. 

Day 1481 | Early Morning Walks

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Our bus stop is a short two blocks from our house. At first, I wasn’t super excited about the jaunt (one more thing to add to a rushed morning, you know?), but it’s actually really lovely. I haven’t been out in the morning sun and the crisp fall air without being totally rushed in a long time. Maybe ever. For those few minutes we’re waiting for the bus every morning, the boys and I have nowhere to be and I don’t have my to do list bearing down on me. I enjoy the sunshine on my face and the excitement emanating from the boys as they await their ride to school. 

Talk to me again about this “lovely morning wait” in the dead of winter and I might not be as enthusiastic. But, for now, I’ll enjoy every second.