One minute

I look away for one minute and the kid climbs a pole...

He took the shark egg we found to school for show and tell. Apparently it was a hit.

Ellie’s soccer practice involved her teammates taking their best shot at her.

He’s reading!

Calvin started reading books at school this week. Tonight he wanted to read me one, so we found one of Ellie’s old early reader books, and he read it to me. The whole thing...with a small amount of help. 

He also read the teachers names on their mailboxes at Es school and one of the 2nd grade teachers was throughly impressed. And he was reading signs on the way home.

There are pluses and minuses to having a kid who is reading. You can’t lie to them about what’s on the kids menu anymore and make them get a healthier meal! 

And he filled out this form himself. He is pretty close with his teachers name.

Nick is in Aruba. This is what he sent...



And Happy Birthday Grandpa Mike! 

Helpers

Now that it’s a little cooler in the morning there is condensation on the playground equipment at school. Calvin and his friends, before playing, are asked if they want to help wipe down the swings, slides, and other equipment. Every morning the kids jump at the chance of wiping things down so others can play. 

Webster Back to school

Tonight was Back to School at Webster. I got time with Ellie’s teacher and to spend time in her classroom. 

Santa Barbara weekend

Ellie had a soccer game in SB on Sunday. Unfortunately they lost the game, but we had a great weekend...despite grandparents being out of town. 

On Saturday we hung out with Grandma Van, then went to the Natural History Museum on the first day that the new Backyard area and butterfly pavilion was open. The kids were excited to see the new pavilion and exhibits. Calvin was especially happy to show us around the museum after his time at camp. They both did a scavenger hunt and had a blast, as usual. 

Then we went to Goleta beach for a quick visit where Calvin got soaked, Ellie found a shark egg, and I found some pretty shells and rocks. Everyone was happy. 

Saturday night we had dinner with Bud and Claire. It was good to catch up with them. 

Sunday we had the game, which Bud and Claire came to, and then the team went to Rusty’s for pizza and to celebrate a teammates birthday.

 

Vanity

Somehow, Calvin has become concerned about his hair in the morning. He has insisted on wetting and combing it each morning to get ride of the “bed mess”. 

Sigh.

And now he won’t let me take nice pictures.

Goalie goalie!

Wednesday slump

I don’t have any more pictures. We rush around in the morning. We rush around in the evening. And I don’t take photos of every moment. 

So, happy Wednesday. I’ll try to take some tomorrow.

My funny gentleman

Calvin insisted on carrying out our bag at Target on Saturday. Granted it was full of new (superhero) underwear for him, but it was super cute how he insisted. Everyone within war shot or a sight line either said something about how much of a gentleman he was or gave the “isn’t that just so adorable” sigh. Of course he loved every moment of the attention. 

And then today he insisted on wearing a “picture shirt” aka a button down shirt. 

Kid knows how to get attention. 

Purple and blue

There are various divisions and levels within the club system. There are two main leagues of club soccer in SoCal. Ellie’s team happens to be playing at the highest level of the largest club league in SoCal. Needless to say, it’s a tough competitive league. The girls are physical and well trained. Sunday’s game saw a few of our girls getting hurt from the larger more physical players...and we got quite a few free kicks as well. Today, after two very physical games (in 90 degree plus weather), all the girls were sore and tired. 

Appropriately, E chose to wear purple and blue...reflecting the bruises of her teammates...to school.

But these two little girls, teammates, and friends (both got to the same school) are anchors of the team. One is the leader in getting goals...the other a wall that stops the other team from scoring. 

Ellie told me that she wants to be the best goalie in the league. Keep practicing kid...keep up the hard work. 

Almost the weekend...

So when grandma is around you get weekend cereal.

Grandma to the rescue

I left this morning for a quick work trip to Champaign-Urbana. So Grandma is in town to get the kids to school, make lunches, attend Back to School night at Meher in my place, and make sure Ellie remembers to take her flute to school on Friday. 

At least Calvin, apparently helped her out this morning by making cracker and salami sandwiches for his lunch.

It only took 13 years...

That time when you are asked to give not one, but two, talks to your Alma mater because you are considered a “successful alumni” and your friend, who graduated with you, sends you a pic of the advertisement about your talk that is posted all over the CEE building...

Caught Being Kind

Calvin got a postcard from his teacher saying that he had been caught being kind! Ms Wildhaber sent a card saying that he had helped a younger friend by putting a stool under his dangling feet when he was at the sink. 

Calvin was so excited and proud that he got a “kindness card”. 

Instrumental Music

In fourth grade Ellie’s school starts instrumental music. Elliebhas chosen flute as her instrument. So she has been practicing at home.

Fourth Grade Student of the Month

She was the first Student of the Month for 4th Grade for this school year!

Evidence Calvin is no Longer a baby #324

He can climb in, secure the belt, and start swinging by himself by pumping. He doesn’t need a starter push or help getting into the swing at school.

Swinging is one of his favorite activities on the playground, especially with his bestie.