Two In The Tub

 

It’s rare to get Asher to agree to join Ezra for bathtime, but it’s pretty cute when it happens. And when it happens, Ezra enjoys two of his favorite things at once: splashing around and time with his big brother.

First Week of Preschool

 

We have entered the world of preschool. Everyday Asher goes to the ECE 3’s class at Bill Roberts, which is a 5 min. car ride, 10 min. bike ride, 25 min. walk when it is just me, or a 45 min. bike ride when Asher is riding his tricycle. Most days we opt for the 5 min. car ride or 10 min. bike ride. Asher cried the first 3 days when I dropped him off. However, Mrs. Smith kept reassuring me that he was just fine shortly after I would leave. Even so, it was still hard to leave. My heart would break and I questioned my decision of sending Asher to preschool everyday. But, Thursday and Friday we had no tears! So, maybe it will all be just fine. Asher attends 2 1/2 hours Mon. – Thurs. and 2 hours on Friday. It was a crazy, busy, tired, emotional, exciting week. Asher reports that his days at preschool are good, that he plays with the trains and trucks and thinks he will play with them everyday he goes to school, that he really likes his teacher Mrs. Smith because she likes him, plays with Benjamin, another Asher, Jack and thinks Scottie is funny…something about ants in your pants, plays on the playground, sits on the letter T for Train on the circle rug, likes a song about sausage sizzling in the pan and all of a sudden, one went…BAM!, reads and listens to books, and was excited about Mrs. Smith bringing the airport to school and it was so big. I wish I could be a little fly on the wall and watch my big boy in action. I worry if he’s following directions or getting into trouble, I hope he’s not talking about poop or constantly picking his nose and hope that he loves learning and that his teacher sees all of the funny and special things about him. I hope he doesn’t love his teacher more than me. I wonder if he’s being nice to the other boys and girls and if he uses his polite manners. I wonder if he’ll be a leader or a follower. I wonder if the teachers talk about him after all the kids have left and what they might say… I know, I was a teacher once. I know, I know, this is only preschool. But, whatever I worry or wonder about, because oh, my, this is just the beginning of his school career, I can be assured that when Asher steps into that classroom and I leave, he is not only being taken care of by his teacher, but also by God and lifted up by prayers from his Mama and Papa and loved ones and that makes for a peaceful transition into the world of preschool.

Road Trip!

In June the boys and I hit the road and traveled to Nebraska. I was a bit nervous, but the boys turned out to be superstar travelers! We spent our drive calling out the various vehicles and farm machinery we spotted. And let me tell you there was plenty of calling out and Asher was super content. Our first stop was Kearney, Nebraska where my friend Mandy lives. Her and Shawn have 4 beautiful and wonderful children. They took great care of the boys. Asher loved playing with the “kids” and they had fun running around outside in the middle of the cornfield, making trips to the barn to visit the chickens and watch the oldest boy ride around on the riding lawn mower. The girls loved holding Ezra and were such a great help. Thank you to the Kings for a great time. We’ll be sure to visit again! Next stop was Lincoln to see my friend Renae and Ezra’s first buddy Simon. We had a lovely lunch and visit and of course enjoyed the boys. Thanks Renae! Can’t wait until the next time. Last stop was Grandma and Grandpa’s in Omaha. We really enjoyed ourselves. We had some nice outings. We visited the Botanic Gardens, which I must say is quite impressive. We also went to Mahoney State Park. Asher climbed a big tower and rode a pony at Mahoney! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a fun visit, you always take such good care of us. Well, I won’t be on the road again anytime soon, but I am so glad I decided to brave it and will plan to do so again sometime in the future. I love a good road trip!

p.s. Renae, do you have any pictures of the boys??

Can You Say “Photogenic?”

 

Our last summer visitors have come and gone — the Febus family was here for a long weekend and we had so much fun with them over the short visit. Bethany had a camera in her hand most of the time (along with the accoutrements of parenting her own 3-year and 7-month-olds) and these are 2 of the fantastic shots she got. Thank you, Bethany!

My Two Sleeping Beauties, 2

Ezra, 6 Months

 

The little guy is doing his best at trying new things to eat: yams, rice cereal and avocado! He must be doing it right as he’s now up to almost 16 pounds!

Cousins, Etc.

 

We enjoyed a recent visit from two-thirds of Neil’s immediate family, including 2 of the boys cousins. Here on the couch are brother-in-law Stephen, cousin Eamonn with Ezra, Asher, and Grandpa Don Sittler.

That’s Right Renae, We’re Both Moms Now!

 

The Moreheads came out to visit recently and there was a lot of laughter over the fact that Shelli and Renae have known each other since before Jr High and now… have children.

The littlest boys somehow didn’t find it particularly funny.

Asher, River Boy

 

Just like his Papa, Asher enjoys skipping (or plunking, in his case) rocks and climbing around on the riverbank. This particular river I don’t know the name of, but you’ll find it at the Lair O’ the Bear State Park, past Red Rocks.

Ezra, Disgruntled

 

That’s right, we’re having a picnic, and let me tell ya, it’s no picnic… er wait. I mean, as soon as Mama is done with her greasy fried-chicken and nature-gazing, maybe I’ll get some service here.