One Week Down

and how many more to go? Max and I have successfully completed our first week of school. In some ways it feels like we never left. On our last day of freedom we met up with his buddy from school at Grant's Farm. I'm not sure which boy was crankier - Max or Will. Which of course led to a cranky momma. Good think Kim gets it an understand what it's like to have cranky kids.




There weren't too many animals out, but we did get to see the goats. Max enjoyed the experience because he stayed outside the fence.














Will just wanted to walk all over the place. He wasn't interested in feeding the goats but they did make him laugh a bit before he melted down.

After enjoying our last day of freedom we are getting back into the groove of school again. Max is loving playing with all his friends in the leaf room and I'm enjoying getting to know my new kiddos. It is fun as a teacher to have such a fresh, exciting start every year.

Tonight grandma and grandpa came over for dinner. Will had the best time sitting on grandma's lap and eating chips. He was a little mess - runny nose, red eyes, drool. . . I think he has allergies like brother and daddy. With the cooler temperatures we have been sleeping with the windows open and poor guy was just miserable this morning. I think we may need to call Dr. Joe tomorrow.

Max was so cute sitting and playing race cars with grandpa. He kept encouraging grandpa and telling him that he was doing a great job. It was adorable.

We are now refreshed and ready to start week number two.

Pizza Party

Tonight we had a great visit from one of Max's preschool friends. Maceo, his mommy, and his baby sister came over for a visit. Pizza was on the menu for the night, so the boys got busy making their own individual little pies. They looked so darn cute rolling out their dough!

They loved sprinkling the cheese and pepperoni on their dough. They even ate a few bites once they were cooked - that is in between their running, yelling, and playing. It was so fun to watch Max with his friend, and I have to admit that it was fun chatting with Maceo's mom too. It doesn't get much better than some entertainment for Max and some adult conversation for mommy.

While I may not be looking forward to heading back to school next week, I know Max will be thrilled for his first day on the 14th. He will be so excited to see all of his school friends again.

Purina Farms - Take Two

We packed the kids and headed out to Purina Farms again today - we are making up for the trips we didn't make the past two summers. Actually we met a great family friend, her son, and her granddaughters - who are the cutest, sweetest little girls ever!

Will's walking has come a long way in the past two weeks. He was walking all over the hay loft area today. He wasn't too sure about the tunnel but he did give it a try after some encouragement.

Max wore himself out riding a little tractor around and around. He did save some energy to milk the cow.

Of course the dogs were fabulous and the kids, as well as the adults enjoyed the show. I'm so sad that our summer is coming to an end - I actually spent some time working in my classroom yesterday. I do think we have made the most of our summer break. The only place we haven't made it to yet is Grant's Farm - but hey, we still have a week or so, right?

Library Boys

My boys love books and it makes me incredibly happy. This morning our outing was to story time at the library. I think Will and Max had more fun just reading on this cute little couch than they did at the story time. Max was pretty excited because he completed the summer reading program goal of 36 books. His reward? A book, of course.

Police Officer Mama

I feel like I police all day. Max, turn the TV off. Will, stay out of the dog's water. Max, let your brother play. Will, get away from the steps. . .

It just goes on all day. I love these little guys more than anything, but there are times when I want to pull my hair out! Will just wants to do whatever his big brother does and it makes Max crazy. If Max is playing trains, Will wants to pull apart the tracks. If Max is reading, Will wants to turn the pages too quickly. If Max is playing cars, Will wants to destroy the road. It goes on and on and on. . .

Almost a solid month of 100+ temperatures has made it tough to get out and do too much. We do get out at least once a day, but more than than and it is just too hot! There has been more TV than I would like and I feel guilty about it. I guess Super Why and Dino Train won't totally rot Max's brain - they are on PBS, so they can't be that bad, right?

I know that every age and stage will bring new challenges and joys. I know that there will come a time when I will long for the days when I policed my boys all day. I wouldn't trade even a rough day for anything else, but I sure am looking forward to getting out for book club tonight! Bring on a class of wine - although I don't think they sell wine at Bandana's.

Adventure Day

Max and Nonna had a great adventure yesterday, they rode Metrolink! Last summer she took Max for the day and they rode a bus and he loved it. Ever since she has been talking to Max about riding the Metro train. They boarded at the Shrewsberry station and took the train into Clayton. There was even a tunnel! Max and Nonna walked the block to Nonno Mason's office to visit for a bit - and see the big fish he has hanging on the wall. Max thought that was pretty cool.

I called from the car dealership - where I spent three hours getting new breaks, inspections, and an oil change. Max was at the station heading home and he was so excited to tell me all about it. I be the other riders got a kick out of the newest four year old rider.

Purina Farms

Brain took the day off work and we packed up the kids to visit Purina Farms today. This has been on my list to visit for the past two years and I'm so excited we actually made it. We met one of Max's little friends from pre-school there and the kids had a great time!

The boys tested their strength to see if they could pull as much weight as a horse. They tried with all their might, but they couldn't get the scale to budge.

Max wasn't too interested in checking out the animals, but Will and I thought these little pigs were adorable.

After the boys were all worn out from running around the barn we headed to the dog show area. As always, Max was resistant to having his picture taken.

Will couldn't take his eyes off the dogs. I think his favorite was when they jumped into the pool to catch their Frisbees - or at least that was my favorite part.

After a quick bite to eat in the cafe, we boarded the tractor for a ride around the property. Thank goodness there was at least a bit of a breeze - it is hot out there today!

All in all it was a great outing with great company. I wonder where we should head next?