True Grit :: Carver's Gap Adventures

Luckily the boys have inherited Andrew's sense of adventure.

And I am always in for an outdoor challenge as long as it does not push 

my 'cautious-I have to be in control' limits too much.

Our limits were pushed on our hike from Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald

in terms of elevation, length, and weather conditions, 

but we learned the true grit of our family 

- and I am proud to say that we are all pretty tough.

We knew that we were embarking on a little over 3 mile round trip picturesque hike

 that would include rolling hills to climb and descend, 

rocks to clamber over, zig-zag curves to zig and zag,

and Andrew even, fairly, warned us about unpredictable weather.

I thought I had us covered.  

Some long-sleeve shirts, sunscreen, and homemade bug spray.

We had snacks and water galore thanks to our pack mules, Andrew and Alekzander.

And a standing bribe for Alekzander :: 

If you can do this without whining, you can get your first Lego set.

It was relatively smooth sailing to our destination.  

My muscles burned and I was out of breath at the beginning -

though it surely had nothing to do with carrying a 28-pound 23-month old on my back!

Alekzander was a rockstar leading the way most of the time with his full hydration pack.

Clouds moved in and we encountered a few pop-up showers along the way,

but they made us giggle, 

especially as we saw people coming down the mountain in a hurry 

or fighting with bright yellow plastic rain ponchos.

As soon as the rain started, it would stop, so we never got too wet.

Winds swirled, but we were still game for an adventure.

When we reached Grassy Ridge Bald, quicker than we anticipated,

we celebrated a little before turning around to head back.  

As soon as we did, huge, heavy, cold, stinging raindrops started falling.

It was pouring, and there was nothing to do but forge ahead and laugh hysterically.

Anderson and I ran ahead and sang "It's Raining, It's Pouring" and "Happy Birthday" 

at the top of our lungs so that we could hear over the rain.

Andrew and Alekzander embraced the rain and traveled over slippery rocks 

and splashed in growing puddles.

When the rain finally stopped, 

we were soaked, cold, and exhausted,

but we were surrounded magically by clouds rolling by.

Anderson eventually zonked out on my back,

and Alekzander's personal mission was to stomp, jump, or splash

in every mud puddle on our descent.  

It was hilarious and exhilarating.

We made it:

with smiles on our faces, soaked to the bone, and mud caked on our shoes and calves.

We were made for adventure!

CW Fish Release

Hot, humid, but happy

Goldfish crackers and minnows for the kids;

sunnies, small mouth bass, and catfish for the pond

at CW's annual fish release.

Checking out the minnows - 

they were interesting enough to get precedence 

over his {third bag of} Goldfish crackers.

He held his own checking out the big fish with the big kids. 

{Big brother was at a VBS camp this morning.}

One day, Anderson and Alekzander may catch these fish with Daddy.

23 Months

Love this little guy.

Serious face, silly face, messy face and all.

No longer is he a baby.

This has been a long time coming, 

but recently, this guy has exercised his independence.

Fiercely.

He calls himself "And And,"

and everything is "And And do it!"

"And And turn."

"And And walk."

"And And open."

He knows he can do most things

and rages if he does not get to do it on his own.

To say he is opinionated is an understatement.

Not even two, Anderson knows what he wants, 

when he wants it, how he wants it.

He still loves "rock a minute" every night, but now adds, 

"Rock a minute this way." {Sometimes sitting, sometimes standing.}

He likes to have his hair or face petted or rubbed. 

If you do not do it just the right way,

he grabs your hand and forcibly shows you what he wants.

"This way mama."

Some of his favorite phrases {and mine} include

"Want yum, Mama?" {Want some?}

"Yuv you."

"And And read it."

"Good night, buddy."
"What doin, Mama/Dada/Buddy?"
"Is it mutton time?"

Each word is calculated and purposeful.

He is so smart and so sweet...

his personality is big, his will is strong, 

and his alligator tears are frequent!
The joy he brings us is constant.

Love this almost two year old so much.

TK Graduate

So proud of this handsome little man.

And so happy to have been part of the Y Family.

Alekzander grew so much and was well loved 

by his teacher, Ms. Meaghan,

and the preschool director, Ms. Celeste.

His teacher shared a personalized speech about Alekzander and his classmates.

I hope he never grows out of his enthusiasm for life!

We are all well aware of the poem “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”  What the author didn’t know is that an equal amount can be learned in TK.  Here is what I learned this year from my wise students:

From Addie we learned to sit up straight and sing loud and proud!

Alekzander taught us to bring enthusiasm to all we do.  Even a trip to the across the teen center can be very exciting for Alekzander.

The always virtuous Alivia encouraged her friends to do their best and to always be honest.

From Brooks I learned that it is appropriate to start sentence, “Do you know what?”

From Carden we learned friendship.  We could never lose Carden in a crowd as there is always someone shouting his name to say hello.

If you are having a bad day, seek out Charlie and make her giggle.  It’s contagious.

It was hard to choose just one thing about Cole but one of my favorites is that he would tell me he loves me because I’m pretty and I’m nice.  So, from Cole we learned flattery will get you everywhere, kid!

Jonah taught us that we you see an open field you should run.  Fast.  Really fast.

Lowery taught us that everything should end with jazz hands.  It just makes things more interesting.

Lucas was our local TK expert.  Instead of asking Siri, we could just ask Lucas.

Should you ever need a lesson in getting back up after you fall, you should come watch Marco play on the playground.  He gets back up everytime!

Neve brought spunk into the classroom everyday.  And should you ever have a Taylor Swift dance party, you should definitely invite Neve.

Riley taught us there are two ways to end a conversation: with a snuggle or strike a pose, both equally successful.

From sweet Sally we learned to share.  If your child ever came home covered  in stickers – from head to toe- you have Sally to thank.

And finally Tristan taught us the ins and outs of Lego ships.   Should they be Star Wars or not, Tristan can help construct the perfect ship to fit your mood.

I love teaching TK.  The beginning of the year is like a family reunion and by the end of the year, although the kids fight sometimes like brothers and sisters, they have all have grown and learned so much.  I’m so proud of all of them and know they will shine in kindergarten! 

Mixed Emotions

Such mixed emotions as we close out Alekzander's first school year. 

We were so blessed by the Harris Preschool Academy,

Alekzander's teachers, friends, and the director of the preschool.

From day one, the director {whom Alekzander adored}

affirmed me that Alekzander could jump right in 

with this crew of Y kids who had known each other for years. 

Sure enough, he inserted himself into the culture and was truly a friend to all.

I was so proud of him and so thankful for her believing in him.

His teachers embraced his enthusiasm {and volume}

and let him grow and develop and just be a boy.

They taught him how to read popcorn words, 

Taught him songs and nursery rhymes,

Showed him love, and even learned to spell his name correctly!

His friends challenged him to races, taught him to build with Legos,

drew him pictures and love notes, swam, danced, 

tumbled, celebrated birthdays, and learned with him.

While we are excited and nervous about Kindergarten next year,

we are so sad to leave behind such a wonderful year in TK.

Twenty-Two Months

Making new friends,

making a statement

making us laugh ...

that's what twenty-two month olds are made of.

TK Lemonade Stand

Alekzander's precious class and teachers hosted a lemonade stand 

to raise money to buy Popsicles for their end of the year field day.

Such enthusiasm and volume from this group as they pitched their goods
 to people pre and post workout at the YMCA.  
The waving ribbons and offer to "pay whatever you want" 
went perfectly with the sugar buzz shared by 15 five year olds 
who naturally had to sample their product before selling it.