Mother's Day at Braden's School

On Friday, thanks to three colleagues who helped cover my classes, I was able to attend a lovely Mother's Day tea at Braden's school followed by a Mother's Day lunch at Garrett's school. For some reason, I didn't take pics at Garrett's school, but I did get a nice one of Braden and me and another one of my placesetting with all the wonderful gifts he made me.

The Green Machine!!

On Good Friday, Braden fell in love with a Green Machine belonging to the Parrs. He rode and rode and rode this Green Machine. He wanted one. He wanted one badly. Thankfully, Braden had a birthday coming up, and he's a smart kid. He asked for money (he also knew that little brother had a birthday coming up, too, and he'd be able to play with little bro's loot). After his birthday party, he'd accrued just about enough (thanks to GrandTom, Aunt Linsey, Uncle Matt, the Corleys, the Kovacses). Granddaddy and Grandma Janet came in town and pitched in remained cash needed.

It took a few hours to put together the thing, and I'm pretty sure there were additional holes being drilled into the main axle.

Braden sure is a happy kid!!

A meatless hot dog

Braden does not much love meat. He never has much cared for it, even as a baby. Today, we went to an end-of-the-year picnic for his dual language kindergarten, and hot dogs were served. Braden adapted, though.

Like father, like son

This evening, I heard the unmistakable sound of tools clanking in the garage. Because Kyle had just bought a new weight bench last night, I thought he was in there making some minor adjustments to it. I could hear the sounds of little voices, too.

I finally got up to bring the boys inside for their baths.

Kyle was not in the garage.

Braden, Garrett, and their neighbor-friend Luke were in there.

And they had removed the training wheels from Garrett's bike. He's four, you know. And big brother learned to ride when he was four, so it is high time for Garrett to learn.

Braden accomplished the training wheel removal by standing on a chair to reach the tool box, finding the correct size of wrench, and then getting to work. He was quite proud of himself.

I'm sure daddy will be proud, too, once he wakes up...I found him in bed asleep by 8 pm.

All that is left to do is teach the Garrett Carrot how to ride.

Birthday Party Deluxe!

Last soccer game of the season!

Happy Birthday Garrett!

Today is Garrett's fourth birthday, but since his big party is next weekend, we didn't really have anything special planned. It was our turn to host our Sunday evening dinner group, and Ryan Kovacs came with a cookie cake just for Garrett. So sweet of her (and her parents!). She helped me put candles in the cake, and we took a quick picture before showing the cake to Garrett. Garrett got a little embarrassed when we sang Happy Birthday, and covered his face. I've never really seen him embarrassed. Too cute!

It took about ten tries to blow out the five candles (four small white ones plus the number 4). How is it possible to miss when the candle is inches from your face?

Yuuuuummmmmmy!

After the dinner crew left, we gave Garrett a couple of little presents...a red dragon and a knight dress up set. He's currently in bed next too me still playing with the new sword. It might be confiscated soon...