First Day of School 2016

     Dainel - 2nd Grade         Chase - Kindergarten

Young Warrior Now Five

Welcome to my dojo!

Well, "hello," Daniel San.

These guys didn't stand a chance against a gang of 5 year olds.

It will take much practice, young dragonfly.

Watermelon Drop and Chop.

The final exam.

Don't try this at home.

Dark ninja who take baby slain first.

Cobra Kai destroyed.

Pizza and presents.

Ice cream cake for this warm summer's day.

Happy Birthday, Chase!

We love you!

Happy Birthday Chase-ee-San!

Kick’n. Pump’n. Climb’n. Groov’n.

Shake’n. Ride’n. Jump’n. Move’n.

You’ve been on the move since day one,

Playing games and having fun.

We’ve seen you dance from morning till night,

Singing on key with lyrics just right.

You’ve got the rhythm, you’ve got the beat,

God has surely blessed you with dancing feet.

Ninja, warrior, Karate Kid,

So many villains from our home you have rid.

No matter which character, costume or face,

Inside each we can always see our Chase.

He is kind and caring, brave and bold,

A thoughtful hero with a heart of gold.

God made you special, gifted and filled with joy.

So thankful for you, our five-year-old boy.

Gloria plays hide-and-seek with Chase

Chefs Jr.

If your children go to public school you will quickly learn about a million "enrichment" classes you can pay to have your child be involved in. There's everything from theater to robotics. 

We weren't going to keep Daniel at school longer than he needed to be there - 3pm is his favorite time of day because he gets to come home and be with his family - and we surely weren't interested in paying for a diverse array of skill sets we might be able to teach him from home. So, ...

... So, a month ago JJ started teaching the kids basic programming through games such as "Tynker" and this last week Angie started "Chefs Junior," a monthly cooking class for ages 4 and up in our home (a.k.a. Chase and Daniel). 

Daniel got to pick our first food endeavor: Doughnuts. 

Soooo good! Recipe here.

Between Angie's love for cooking and the boys' love for eating (and being involved in the process), we are planning for many more classes such as this. Perhaps to Chase' dismay, not all sweets.

School's Out

First Day of Winter Break

First Day of School

Daniel filed in line with the rest of Mrs. Stroud's First Grade class this morning with a small sense of fear, but a lot more curiosity about what the day ahead would hold for him. Here's to Daniel's first full day of school!

Chase left the house in tears, but a few high school musical songs, a piggy back ride from dad, and a little re-introduction to his friends later he was joining circle time with the rest of his buddies/super hero friends. Pre-K. What a big boy you are, Chase.

We love you boys!

Chase Has SUPER 4th Birthday!

The whole family dressed up for the event. 

Super Hero training began with making disguises, ...

...continued with some "Hulk Smash...

...and a little advanced "Hulk Smash."

Then the Villains came to town.

Fortunately, Spiderman dropped off some Spidy String before the party.

All Super Heroes love a little pizza.

Super Babies.

The View From Here

With Daniel at Kindergarten every morning,
Chase has had some extra bonding time with Gloria.

... and I think he likes it.

Chasers

Dear Chase,

Your baby brother or sister will be joining our family in just a few weeks now, which we are all excited for. Before he or she arrives, your dad and I really wanted to tell you how proud we are of you and how exciting it has been to watch you grow these last three and a half years. 

You have become a very eloquent speaker for three-year-old. You can clearly express your thoughts and opinions with reason. And yet, the way you call your brother Daniel “Dano” reminds us you are still our little boy.

You have recently turned the corner with your sleeping habits – praise God! Whereas you once (up until very recently) came into our room each morning between 5 and 5:30am to see if Daddy would get up with you and have breakfast, you now wait till the sun has risen (6-7am). “You see? The sun is up,” you say. “I waited to come get you so you aren’t so tired. Are you ready now?” Your dad and I smile. We can’t help but respond: “ready.”

One of your favorite movie right now is Karate Kid. Daily you bounce around the house in karate stance like actor Ralph Maccio and then you “karate chop” bad guys all around you. Sometimes we even hear you singing the lyrics from the theme song: “You’re the best a-rou-ound…” Your other favorite is Disney's High School Musical (your dad's doing), songs from which you also sing constantly throughout the day.

You love your big brother Daniel, even when you say you don’t because he won’t let you play by your rules. You also love to push his buttons, at the expense of getting a beating when Daniel can’t take anymore of your shenanigans. (Your mommy, the younger sister, did the same thing when she was little. Sorry, Auntie Jen!)

You are certainly the most theatrical one in the family. You look forward to every concert at school or church, and we are pretty certain you have been singing a theme song for your whole life up until now.

This last year has been the year of “Sharky Boots.” Rain or shine you have worn the same footwear day in and day out, which is why, sadly, your sharkies are worn and ducked taped, just waiting for their last adventure.

You know Jesus died for your sins, and you remind us daily as we pray before meals. You have taken communion and know that Jesus is your no. 1! We are thankful for this unique spiritual awareness and love for Jesus.

A few last things:

-You stick your tongue out whenever you hear someone say, “say cheese,” before snapping a photo.

-Your best buddy is Adam Szczecina, who is every much a super hero as you are. You had your first sleepover together this winter.

-You are an excellent Lego constructor for your age.

- We love you to pieces!

Mom & Dad

A Little Christmas Cheer

I videotaped the Children's Christmas concert rehearsal at New City Church. As the actual performance unfolded I wished I had been filming then as well. My friend's son, 3 years old, fell down the stairs during the first song, then got back on stage unscathed, laying on his tummy facing the opposite direction of the congregation, kicking his boots wildly for all to see. He got off stage during the last song to chat with mom and dad, then emerged back on stage when it was time to receive his accolades. He gave a big bow. Hilarious!

Thanksgiving Feast

I'm so thankful for our little showman!

Chase has been belting out these songs for weeks at our house, and he didn't hold back during his first preschool concert, either. Next stop: a kids Christmas concert at church in two weeks.

Ahoy, Chasey!

Chase turns three with a wild band of pirates.

 

Boy, Do We Have Some Catching Up To Do!

Florida in March with Pop Pop and Christin

Daniel's 5th Birthday

Bowling with friends and family, and a party at home with the rest!

Another fun soccer season for Daniel and JJ

Farm Time with Grandma Heidi and Grandpa Tiger

 A visit from good friends from Oregon

And into summer vacation!