"We Gotta Go Downtown"

"We gotta go downtown" is what Joe kept repeating this morning as we scurried out the door at a last moments notice to pick up his new glasses.

But answer one question, how does a three year old know that these are the right glasses for his eyes? And how will he articulate that to his mother?

Language Lane

All aboard. Destination: Language Lane preschool.

There are two important characters in this picture (besides Joseph). The little girl standing next to Joe is his friend Caitlyn. Joe talks about Caitlyn every time we talk about preschool. At first I thought Caitlyn was kind of, well, made up. Joe has a cousin named Caitlyn, and of course I figured there was a Caitlyn in his class like he talked about, but I figured he just latched on to a familiar name. Apparently, I was mistaken. Caitlyn and Joseph are good buddies. In fact, Caitlyn talks about Joe quite often at home as well. How stinkin' hilarious is that?!?

So, who is the sassy chick in the frayed jeans, pink shirt and hip swayed to one side? Well, Nana of course.

For Grandparents Day, Nana, and other grandparents were serenaded by the preschools, and enjoyed storytime together. Each preschooler then provided their grandparents with personal tours around the classroom (cush with cookies and beverages), with emphasis on their favorite activities.

I just love Joe's preschool. I feel like it is a hidden treasure in Bonner Springs. I wish school could always be like Language Lane and Noble Prentis (my elementary alma mater).

the One Year Old

Prior to Charlotte's arrival, I was apprehensive about raising a little girl. I don't know how to apply make-up, I can style my hair - into a ponytail. I wear jeans, t-shirts, and oh yeah sweatshirts. Let's not forget my ultra stylish, trendy and feminine Converse All-Stars. I'm just not girly. But, dad-gum-it, the girl was meant to be mine. She knows that I am mama. She will start to repeat: ma-ma-ma-ma-ma and fiendishly crawl towards me, then stand up with arms in the air begging to be carried. When I enter the room, she sqwuaks/screams (how do you spell sqwuack?) and then will drop what she is doing and bee-line straight towards me. Two words to describe her: sweet, but demanding. Do sweet and demanding = spoiled? Not by this ma-ma-ma-ma-ma.

Finally, the Finish

It has taken forever, but here are pictures from the finish line. Even though he is smiling, I imagine it was difficult to walk up the hill.

They look like best buddies. Team 1060 took over 82 hours to complete the Missouri River 340. Not too shabby considering over 1/3 of the entrants do not finish. And they are already looking forward to next year!

the Passed Out Preschooler

Again, sorry for the lack of posts. Exercise and training have become a bit of an obsession right now. Sweating has become a drug. I need to sweat daily to feel good. And, when I say sweat, I mean buckets. There is no glowing and/or glistening here, it is full on saturation. But this post isn't about me, it is about my sweet and often ornery preschooler.

Joseph's first day of pre-school was today. I have been anticipating this day for about a year now, and it has arrived. Crazy how time flies. I won't say much else. Just that Joe's teacher said he had a great day, and that he is a really fun kid. She told me at one point Joe exclaimed, "pre-school is awesome!"

Ummm, Mom why are you taking my picture while I am staring into the sun? Poor guy...

This is about an hour after arriving home. I tried to forgo his nap, hoping for an early and easier bedtime, but the poor chittlin' is exhausted. I still think he will sleep like a rock tonight.

Here's to a second childhood, and enjoying every minute! Nap time included.

the HouRgLAss

Whew...life as become a whirlwind. I often think about posting, but am usually too tired and force myself to go to bed. I will try very hard to post pictures from the end of the Missouri River race, and Charlotte's birthday. But since tonight is Friday and I work the weekend, there are no promises. Only a promise that within a couple of days I will post some pictures of our life and times! Everyone, relish in this autumn-like weather. Oh, and I am getting the pumpkin baking fever.

340 Update

Thursday 10:20 am: I just spoke with David. He and Dad are just leaving Cooper's Landing (check point 5) after sleeping for several hours, and are planning to canoe 70 miles today. My Dad has some sore pectoral muscles, but other than that team 10-60 seems in good spirits. Good luck guys, keep your chins up! I hope this is encouraging when you are reading the day after you finish the race, hahaha!