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. 

Pictures:

Happy St Patrick's Day

My kids have learned to embrace St. Patrick's day, not only because school makes it fun, but because they know I love it too. We have fun and we like to celebrate. 

Today was a good day. We started with a green breakfast and kids well decked out thanks to treats from Grannie. 

I even managed to visit with Max and Ellie at school today. I haven't done it much this year, but we all enjoy it when I do.  All of second grade made traps for leprechauns. 

After school they played and we had a dinner celebration with a nice cake. 

A little piece of childhood gone

Today, for the first time, Max and Ellie and Clair are all in their own rooms. I wanted them to have the room space, but I also know that the closeness that Max and Ellie had will be gone or dwindling. They were caught giggling together morning and night often. That will be no more, now that they have their own spaces. 

They both approaches this milestone with cautious excitement. They both handled bedtime like pros! And they both fell asleep very reasonably. It will be interesting to see what they have to say in the morning and how that goes. 

I hope to still find them giggling together, playing and scheming. I hope they invite each other in close for fun times. 

Max is especially excited to have toys in his own room, his own space, privacy he said to me. 

Ellie is excited to be able to read in her bed at night. But she also wants more lights in her bedroom. Max got the big nightlight. 

I love them both. Watching them grow is exciting, and yet, I will also mourn the departure from babyhood. 

Ellie the writer

Ellie is a really great writer. She has written great stories since prekindergarten. Once in a while I find things that are exceptionally fun for me. This was one of them that really made me smile. So many good things she has planned for herself at age 8. I find this very mature and encouraging. I pray that 100 for my Ellie Bean is just like she has planned!