The Charmer

I mentioned in my last post that we were going to visit a nursing home with our MOM's club and I wanted to write about this visit a little.  I expected that all three kids would be clingy and shy.  I expected that they would hang on me, which did happen.  I didn't expect that my littlest would be the biggest charmer!  When we arrived we started talking to many of the patients.  Ava and Carter didn't really say much, but I did get them talking a little bit about Ava's special necklace that she wore and Carter liked one of the patient's stuffed cat.  Dawson was a little shy in the beginning and didn't want to talk to anyone, happy to be planted firmly on my hip.  Then we made a leprechaun craft together, and Dawson became more animated.  He started sharing his police car and dump truck with the different ladies.  I think anytime he gets the opportunity for a little attention and to ham it up, he is all over it!  By the time we left, he had sat in three different laps, played peek-a-boo and raced cars on wheel chairs, over laps and all over the table.  I know he made some little old ladies smile today, and that makes me happy.

Afterwards we met some friends for lunch and playing at Chick-fil-a.  Dawson can't get up the steps yet to the play area, he's just a little bit too short.  But Carter will give him a boost.  This makes me happy because I don't have to crawl up the tiny, child-sized tube and it makes Dawson happy because he can get to the very top to play with the other kids.  So in the car I told Carter, thank you so much for helping your brother today.  You were like a fireman who helps people when they get stuck.  He grinned at me and told me that he wanted to be a fireman when he grows up.  Ava piped up "And I want to be a soldier mommy, so I can take care of all the babies!"  It's so much fun watching these three grow up! 

Funny Little Stories

This week we are visiting a nursing home with my MOM's Club to make a craft with the patients. I was trying to explain this to the kids. They didn't understand why these people were in a nursing home so I said "Sometimes when you get older you can't take care of yourself anymore and you need help, so you go to a nursing home." Ava then looked at me and said "Mom, you are getting old too." Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ava!

Today while I was making dinner I heard a crash and the predictable wail. I walked into the living room and Dawson was the "injured" party. But instead of running to me for a hug and a kiss, he ran to his sister for consolation.  I walked over and said "Dawson, I'll give you a hug too buddy."  He said to me "GO AWAY MAMA.  Dawson hug Ava."  See?  She really is his second Mama! 

 

 

Ava gives the best hugs!

 

 

Dawson hat

 

It's hard to see in this picture, but Carter made up his own super hero, which I shall call the Bunny-wolverine.  He took his skating wrist guards and inserted straws to make wolverine-like claws and wore a bunny mask from last year.

 

Hey Mom, take a picture of my silly face.  I love this little girl!

Heard Around the House

In Church:
Ava {whisper-scream}:  Mom, I really, really, REALLY hate church.

At Home:
Carter:  Mom, this toy broke.
Me:  Ok, let's go get some gorilla glue to fix it.
Carter:  Mom, have you been trained to use that?

In His Bedroom:
Dawson to Daddy:  Dawson want Elmo Show in backyard.  NOW.

Elmo Show!

 

Today we went to Sesame Street Live.  Carter had been before, as a two year old.  Thanks to Aunt Pam, we were able to take the whole family.

 

 

 

Dawson was the CUTEST!  He was so excited and has been asking to see the Elmo Show since we got the tickets at the beginning of February!  Walking through the parking lot today he was chanting loudly:  ELMO SHOW! ELMO SHOW!  ELMO SHOW!  I was a little nervous about how well he would sit for it, but as soon as they show started he was incredibly well-behaved.

 

SO EXCITED! 

 

 

Look at this kid in front of the very same Elmo!

 

 

Ava also enjoyed the show.  This was the Elmo's Superheroes show and Abby Cadabby was dressed as Glitter Girl.  Ava thought that was hilarious.

 

 

I wondered how much this guy would like the show.  He is getting to the age where Sesame Street may not be considered "cool" but he enjoyed every minute of it.  At one point they set off confetti cannons and he jumped a mile!  Then, cuddled into his Mom to make sure everything was all right.  Later he asked if we could go see a Ninjago show one day.  I guess we'll have to look for one! 

 

I love watching my kids smile and get excited about things like this!

 

 

Cousins! {close enough}

This weekend we went to Grandma and Grandbo's house.  Of course, we were all dying for some baby Andrew snuggles {and it was great seeing Jay and Tiff too!} but we also got to see some Shadle cousins that live in Cleveland.  Of course, my little guys were slow to warm up, but before too long they were running around with their new best friend. 

 

Doll house was played, bombs were thrown, and lots of running around occured.   It was a fun weekend and we also were able to celebrate Bo and Grandma's Birthdays.     

Five and a Half!

My little Carter boy,

You are now five and a half years old!  You are my silly, handsome, sweet little boy.  You make me laugh, make me explain EVERYTHING and even make me think.  Right now you are reading Captain Underpants and because of this you think that pulling pranks is HILARIOUS.  The whoppee cushion that Grandpap Bob bought you has been one of your favorite toys.  Recently you hid it under a pillow on the couch for Daddy to find.  Setting traps is also a favorite past time of yours, I'm worried one of these days you are going to trap me!

 

My little hunter

 

 

I love that you are becoming so independent. You are a genuine help around the house: making your bed, sweeping under the kitchen table, peeling vegetables and hanging up your shirts. Some of your interests include Ninjago, or anything Lego really, hunting of course and superheros. Your picks at the library regularly include books about space and how things work or are made {How books are made, how crayons are made}. You like to eat sunbutter sandwiches, apples, carrots, Lara Bars and smoothies. You also love pepperoni pizza and ice cream. You have tons of little friends at your preschool and Danny, in our neighborhood is a constant companion. Recently you have asked when you can begin playing soccer again, you are missing it!

 

Sweet Smile

 

You are a cautious old soul, always concerned about every situation.  For example, I told you that we were going to visit your grandparents this weekend.  You immediately began to inquire if I knew the route and what the weather was going to be like that evening.  Don't worry dear son, I will take care of you!  Carter, I was so incredibly blessed when you became my son.  Mommy and Daddy love you so very very much!




         

 

Zoo

Monday was President's Day and Carter did not have school so we met some friends at the zoo.  Squiggles the Caterpillar was visiting from school, so we took lots of pictures to put in his travel journal.  Although it was chilly, the sun was out so it wasn't too bad.  The kids ran and ran and ran in circles around the zoo, chasing their friends, playing tag and climbing up and down steps.  It was pretty empty so we had the run of the place.  Ava was very disappointed, the flamingos weren't out today.  {Come on Tracey, THINK!  Of course the flamingos aren't going to be on display now!}  Carter loved the penguins as usual, but the sting ray was really active today too.  Dawson said he liked the "es-a-vators"  translation excavators.  We can't wait to come back and see the new grizzly ridge exhibit they are currently building.

When we returned from the zoo, both Carter and Ava asked to take a nap.  Obviously my children.  But I let them sleep and got distracted.  I didn't pay attention to the time and finally at 5 o'clock I went to wake them up!  Of course my little night owl was up a little late.  She was still up when Mike and I went to bed at eleven o'clock!  Sometimes I really can't believe how late she will stay up.  I have a hard time staying up until eleven!