Not feeling the sermon...

When I picked Amelia up from school today, one of the teachers pulled me aside. She waited until Amelia was out of ear shot and began to tell me a funny story. Keep in mind that Amelia is very quiet at school, so the fact that she said chose to speak up, surprised me, let alone what she asked for! Apparently, the children's Pastor came into the classroom today to give a children's sermon. I guess Amelia wasn't really feeling it today, because she politely asked "Can we please talk about 'Little House on the Prairie' instead? Or, 'Wizard of Oz' is OK, too!" I guess I know what her favorite books are!

 

 

This picture has nothing to do with the story, but what is a blog post without a picture, right? We were out walking and I asked the kids to turn around for a picture. On their own, they struck this pose! They sure do love each other! Currently, one of my favorite parts of the day, is watching the kids say good-bye to each other when Graham gets on the school bus (big hugs) and when Graham and I arrive to pick up Amelia from school (even BIGGER hugs)!



 

 

FIVE YEARS

Five years ago tonight, we arrived home from Korea with Graham. We were welcomed at the airport by VERY excited friends and family. The noise of their clapping and cheering is still extremely vivid in my memory. To say that Graham had fans waiting for him is an understatement. Graham made four very excited people grandparents for the first time, he made people Aunts and Uncles for the first time, he made Jeff and I Mommy and Daddy for the first time, and most importantly, Graham got his "forever family".

 

A small portion of our 'Welcoming Crew' in the baggage claim area

A very tired Graham...screaming for 15 straight hours on the flight home will do that!

First meal at home

So, now here we are five years later. The sleepless nights have been replaced with a kid who sleeps like a champ and still naps daily. Our extremely picky eater has been replaced with one of the most adventurous eaters I know. Graham can honestly claim broccoli as his favorite food and requested shrimp for dinner tonight. Gone are the days of him being too nervous to let me out of his sight. Instead, I wave good-bye to my smiling, confident Kindergarten student as the bus pulls away each morning. Thomas the Train has been replaced with Legos and 'Magic Treehouse' books have taken the place of board books.

But, I'm happy to still see glimpses of the little baby I carried on my back day after day after day in the Ergo baby carrier. Graham still sleeps with his 'Annie Blanket' the same blanket he slept with his first night home. He sleeps with at least 20 stuffed animals (some he's had for years) in his bed each night...it's a wonder there is any room left for him! And, my favorite, is that although they are definitely much smaller than five years ago, I'm happy he still has his cheeks. Those big round cheeks that only seem to grow when he grins, that nobody can seem to keep their hands off of. I love them and I hope they always stay.

Happy Gotcha Day, Graham!!! We love you forever, and ever, and ever.....

Go TWINS!

We went to a Twins game last week which was quite a treat for the kids! We drive by Target Field all the time but they had never actually been to a game there, so they were very excited!

 

This giant glove has become the perfect photo op stop at games, not just for us, but all Twins fans. We actually had to wait in line for the kids to have their turn sitting here!

Perfect seats for their first game! It doesn't get much better than the first row between 1st and 2nd base!

Amelia felt like this was the perfect place to try out her ballerina arm poses. I can't say the people behind her appreciated her attempted artistry.

Graham and TC Bear

Things officially got silly by the 5th inning.

A New Chapter

Graham's 1st Day of Kindergarten

It's hard to believe that Graham has his very first week of Kindergarten (done 100% Spanish!) behind him. I knew that Graham was looking forward to school starting, but I don't think I really knew just how excited he was! Last Wednesday, while we waited for the school bus to come down the road, Graham was nothing but smiles. As the bus came into view, Graham's smile grew wider, and the lump in my throat just got bigger. How was it possible that the time had come for me to put my first baby onto the bus and send him off to school? The bus came to a stop, the driver patiently waited for me to snap a picture, I gave Graham a hug and kiss, told him I loved him, and he was off.  It all happened so quickly and it was probably a good thing because I'm not sure how much longer I would have been able to keep my own tears at bay. Yes, I will admit to having a good cry and yes, I pulled it together well before Graham came home. The mix of emotions I felt that morning are extreme. I was sad with the reality of just how quickly time passes but I was also filled with pride for who Graham is becoming. His confidence is something to be admired. He really believes he can do anything and I love that about him. This time is yours Graham, go take on the world!!

Day 2 and just as excited. When Graham got off the bus this day, the first thing he said to me was "Whew, another GREAT day!"

 

 

Day 3. I had no intention to take a picture this morning but Graham stopped and said "Aren't you going to take my picture? This is really big deal, remember?"

Open House

 

Tonight, I survived Kindergarten open house. I've been anticipating this open house with mixed emotions of excitement and dread. Mostly, I just can't comprehend how my little guy is old enough, and more than ready to attend school full time. But on the other hand, I'm excited for Graham. I have clear memories of my own Kindergarten experience-my teacher, my friends, the holiday parties, and I'm excited for Graham to experience these things.

 

 I love how Graham marched into school tonight clutching his bag of school supplies like he owned the place. I love how Graham insisted on wearing a broken Mickey Mouse watch because "that's what the big kids do", despite the fact that he has no idea how to tell time. I love the fact that Graham insisted that he wear his hair spikey with gel because "that's what Daddy does". I love how confident he is!

 

 Walking into Graham's classroom was a SHOCK. Graham is attending a Spanish Immersion school and yes, even the open house was completely in Spanish. Graham went completely silent and got wide eyed as he studied his teacher and tried to figure out what she was saying. I whispered over and over to him that it was ok to not understand her, and that with time, he would learn. Kindergarten is a big adjustment and Kindergarten in another language is a HUGE adjustment. Not just for Graham, but for his Mama too!

 

 



This is exactly how I'll remember Graham at this stage of life...dressed up in a costume. In this case, he was all dressed up to play 'Memory' with me.

We have a golfer!

Amelia's Newest Accessory



 

After a morning visit to the eye doctor including lovely eye drops which led to her sporting these stylish shades.....

 



 

It was determined that from now on, Amelia would need a brand new accessory!

It's hard to tell from the picture, but they are purple with polka dots on the side. Amelia was fitted and had a few good options to choose from. Once I snuck the pink plastic Disney princess frames back to the display, Amelia chose her favorite. We think she looks pretty cute!!