A nice visit by Grannie

Grannie came to visit us for a month this spring. It's always a welcomed change of pace. The kids really look forward to her visits, spending time with her, and getting a bit spoiled. 

Max has a very special relationship with Grannie, as do they all. She is his special comforter though. 

Grannie gives Clair and Ellie lots of extra time for art adventures. They love this!

It was pretty cold this time around and we didn't get out a lot as there was a lot of work on the house to be done. But it was eventful as any. 

Here are a couple photos. 

I had no idea she could also write the letter

We were sitting at dinner last night and Clair was looking at her kids menu word search. She asked where is the Q. I said I could find one. She quickly says, "here's a Q!"

I can't believe how fast she's learning this stuff!

Tonight at dinner she ate pizza directly off her plate. 

She's a character.

Another softball season is underway

Ellie and I started another softball season together. This is our fourth season of her playing and me coaching in one fashion or another. I think she is starting to enjoy it, most of the time. I'm starting to get the hang of coaching and finding my coach voice a little better. We have our moments on the field but I'm also getting used to how to manage her in the midst of the other girls. There's definitely an art to coaching and being able to be a good parent to your child and a good coached all the other children on the team. 

The Saturday practice and we got her and somehow the ball managed to hit the back of her head. She didn't cry, she used an ice pack for a little while, and then I told her I needed her to get back in the game and play with us. I was proud of the way that she responded and pulled in and did and played. She did all right. She's a heck of a hitter. She always sees that ball. She's getting to be a decent Littlefield her too. She's recently discovered that she might like first base just as much a second base. That only came after almost being in tears when I asked her to help me out at first base one day for a couple minutes.

Saturday after practice we stopped for an ice cream treat at McDonald's. I told her it was her treat for having a good attitude and sticking with her head and practice even after getting hurt. I love that girl, and I love when we can find time to do something together. I do worry a little bit that treats for us are always around sweets. But nonetheless it is fun to take her for a treat.  I love my Ellie!.

Proud Momma, my boy

Today when I picked Max up from Sunday school Sunday school teacher looked at me and said, "you should be really proud of the wonderful boy you are raising." I thanked her for her kind words and smiled at Max. Then I asked her what happened. She told me that Max knew when to stand up to a friend and tell them to stop doing something that wasn't right. Apparently one of his friends was using bad language and Max corrected him. I was proud of Max. He was still playing with that friend, so no doubt he did it in a subtle way. Luckily he has the subtle influence from others in the family besides me. I love that boy and I think he has the most perfect heart and wonderful loving friendly personality. He is going to be a great friend to those that welcomed him into their world.

This afternoon, much to maxes dismay really, we had an opportunity to snuggle together for a little snack. It was sweet watching his little body lay there snuggled up holding his Blankey there, taking deep breath's and being still. He is still such a little boy. I love his energy, his enthusiasm, his heart, and his smile

I took this picture of Max at the staff basketball game Friday night. He was so excited to find his teacher and sit with her. He was a perfect little angel during the second half of the game sitting safely beside her. 

When I grow up

Tonight at the dinner table Ellie shared with us that she used to want to be a princess when she grows up but, she has outgrown that now. She realizes that princesses were a bit childish. I paused for a moment to try to cherish this moment of growth. You always know that that will pass for little girls , At least for most of them. But the moment when it is proclaimed is a moment and part of childhood is gone.

Based on my reaction, Max follows up quickly with a proclamation that, "I no longer want to be Yoda mommy." I asked him what he wanted to be. He says he wants to be a school counselor. I smile at the similarities between the two.

Final moment comes when Clair announces from the potty she is sitting on a room away, "mommy I don't want to be Pooh anymore, I want to be Tigger instead!" What maturity that shows for a two-year-old. Ha ha   But, as is in Clairs fashion, anything they can do she can match and do too, Especially if that means talking about what she will be when she grows up.

It was an adorable finish to a wonderful conversation with my children. 

My sweet boy

Clair hurt her lip the other day. It was a pretty bad hit and it was bleeding. It puffed up nicely. 

Max is so kind hearted. He spent a good deal of time drawing this lovely personal card for Clair. He is so thoughtful. 

The boy loves his Grannie too. He was gone for about two hours to the library and when he got back he was inseparable for about 30 minutes!

Family Day in DC

Today we ventured down into DC with Grannie and the family, destination Tidal Basin for Cherry blossom viewing. The kids were sold in the idea of two things - a metro ride and a treat. They signed up for the adventure and off we went. 

The city was packed full, especially the mall and tidal basin areas. We did manage a good view of the White House which was something new and appreciated by Ellie. 

I got some photos. Kids saw some blossoms. Max and Clair faught over stroller time. Mommy was orient with a city I just don't like. 

The funniest was a tourist from another country asking one of the secret service men if he could go in for a tour of the White House. That amused me. 

Around 2 pm I was done and convinced them we should head back towards home for or treat. We decided to get off metro in Bethesda for our treat. We ventures to Max Brenners chocolate shop for a snack of chocolate milkshakes, chocolate fondue and chocolate pizza. This was amazing to the kids. They think I lost my mind. I've never given so much sugar in one setting to them. I watched Clair go from asleep to dancing. She is so effected by chocolate.  It's cute and shows the innocence of the human body. 

We proceeded to journey around Bethesda a bit and return to the train. Clair fell asleep in the stroller. She's down for the count and coming off the buzz. Max is exhausted and will no doubt sleep in the car. He's a little boy still at heart.   Ellie was a trooper and big girl today. I'm very proud of her and her willingness to go on adventures. It's a glimpse of the future. 

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