We had a great , exhausting weekend. Even Patrick in the middle of his party on Saturday was sitting off to the side. You can see his comment in the quote of the day section. We skip back and forth through the weekend because I haven't learned how to control the way the pictures are added into the post (no time today to learn).
Katelyn (5 years old) and Patrick (7 year old) birthday party with family
THANK YOU TO ALL THE GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS, AUNTS AND UNCLES AND ESPECIALLY COUNSINS (AND BEDELS) FOR COMING. wHAT A GREAT DAY AND WONDERFUL WEATHER. tHE CAKE LEFT SOMETHING TO BE DESRIED (MOLLY REPLACED THE EGG WITH PUMKIN BUT THE CAKE NEVER SET UP WELL UNFORTUNATELY WE DID NOT NOTICED UNTIL WE WERE SERVING THE CAKE, i HOPE THE GOOD ICE CREAM MADE UP FOR IT.
"Dont' worry Patrick I won't tkae your bike for very long"
PAtrick singing Opera (or as he calls it "Oprah")
Patrick wants to take over reading for Katelyn (he is not the most patient at letting someone learn)
The picture with little boys and camouflage were Friday afternoon Friend party for Patrick. All I can say is the terrorist better watch out. This group looked like a bunch of silly goofy (and load) boys during cake and ice cream but put on camouflage paint and give them military games to play and they turned into a well oiled fighting machine. As much fun as the army obstacle course, wearing a real military uniform, pin the medal on the soldier, and save the wounded soldier games were, the agreed upon favorite was the impromptu war battle in the Wagner basement. Star wars light sabers, nerf guns and balls (for bombs) were the weapons of choice.
Notice the whoppers - Patricks idea to simulate cannonballs and grenades.
Thank you Michael for donating your old Army shorts found in the bottom of closet at mom's house). They turned into a nice Army banner for the party. We also used a pair of fatigues for the boys to put on during their military obstacle course. About the time you retire from the Army maybe one of these boys will join up.
Saturday was the opening day of Little League baseball practice so all were happy. Greg is assistant coach on both teams so he was booked solid Saturday morning with both boys practices. He has always thought he was too busy with job and running cub scout programs to be a coach but the grin on his face Saturday told me he will manage it all well this Spring. Our backyard is baseball training central for the neighborhood. Every night since last Thursday you will find Greg throwing pop ups and grounders to a line of 6-8 kids (He complains that our grass is awful because of all the playing on it - but I love the sounds of kids playing outside my kitchen window.) When Greg moves on to other tasks the game turns to pickle and the fighting ensues. He pushed me, You can't throw the ball out of bounds, I am always the thrower, I quit! Then mom has to get involved. The joys of parenting. I will say I was incredibly proud when Kurtis told the other kids if they push or throw the ball hard at Katelyn again they could get out of his yard. Later when the pickle game broke up several older kids thought it was funny to teach Katelyn cuss words. He told them to never do that again and brought Katelyn inside. What a great big brother. Needless to say, Greg had to have an uncomfortable conversation with the kids Dad. I think it went well since many beers were shared.
When I learn how to post video I can show you Katelyn on her new bike. Sunday after the birthday party you could find her for hours riding her bike (grandma Kathy present) ringing the bell added to the bike (part of grandma mo's present) and wearing an adorable new outfit and necklace(part of Grandma Ann's present). It was quite a sight. Monday Katelyn requested to go on a long bike hike with me. We started around our block but she wanted to do more so I took her on the route I used to run (when I was exercising everyday). She is a good personal trainer. Every time I fell a few houses behind her (she is a jackrabbit on her bike) she would ring her bell and tell me to pick up the pace. All in all she went 2.5 miles and never quit. I think she will be my endurance runner. The boys love sports but were never long distance walking or riding.
The other funny moment (or scary with how quick witted Katelyn is). Monday morning Katelyn complained to me that her brothers are naughty boys to her sometimes (the reality is they pretty much do whatever she wants - except for 1% of the time). S0 I pointed out how she can be bossy and demanding of them. I was trying to show her that when you "point a finger" at others there are 3 fingers pointing back at you. As I was explaining that means that all of us make bad choices so rather than focus on everyone else we should just focus on fixing our behavior. She interrupts my lesson to quickly point out my analogy in not true and shows me how I should point in the future, with 3 fingers pointing away and 1 finger pointing back at myself. All this happened n a matter of seconds. She reminded me that children's thinking is not in a box. They are still very black and white and creative. Watch out world! You better know what you are talking about with her or she will turn it back on you. There is never a dull moment! I will miss her wit terribly next year when she is in school.
Sounds like a super busy, but fun weekend! It's so nice to see you guys on here and be able to keep up! I haven't seen your family in some time!
ReplyDeleteHey I found your blog yesterday because I did not recognize your screen name. No offense but I wanted to know who was watching our kids. What golf course are you working on? Greg and the boys love golfing. KAtelyn and I just hit the ball around. We would love to come support your business someday.
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