Frick and Frack

Carter and Owen have been best friends since I can remember. Carter is 11 months older but they are in the same grade. I have never seen kids get along as well as these two. They never argue(seriously, they don't) and can play for hours, days on end. Instead of having a party, Owen wanted to spend the day with Carter. Stew set off yesterday morning with Frick and Frack in tow. They went bowling, ate at Steak and Shake, went to the arcade, rode scooters on a nature trail and ended the day playing at the pool for 3 hours. They could have kept playing, it was really Stew who pooped out. I think Carter and Owen have a chance at a lifelong friendship. They delight in each other's company and are always lifting each other up. Owen always leaves Carter by yelling "I Love You Carter!" and he truly does with all his heart.

Wistful

Today was such a big day for Owen and for me. Not only did he begin Kindergarten(as well as Macie entering 4th and Chase entering 2nd) but he also turned 5. It was so sweet watching his excitement about school he seemed to forget it was his birthday. He didn't ask to open a single present. We made the parade down to the bus stop where we took lots of pictures. It wasn't until I called his name to take a picture as he was climbing the steps of the bus that I lost it. I saw 5 years flash before me, gone in that one instant. I walked home with Stew and sobbed quietly with Avery in my lap. I know it sounds so silly. You'd think by the 3rd one I'd be doing flips. I am anxious for some time with Avery and enjoying the relative quiet a house without Owen brings, but it's a strange feeling. I've had at least 2 home for so long that I almost don't know what to do. I'm sure that feeling will pass but for now I am missing him and the noise that a houseful of kids brings.

When he returned home, he was still pretty quiet. During dinner, he told us a little bit about his day but not nearly as much as I wanted to hear. We finally opened presents and ate birthday cake. We played ball in the street with his new bat and glove. Finally we called it a day. After all, it was a school night and tired little monkeys needed their rest.

Swim Team

Today the kids had to try and swim a mile at practice. Macie swam it in 57 minutes! Chase swam 3/4 of a mile and wanted to continue but we had to leave. Owen made it 1/4 mile before he pooped out. I was so proud of all them for trying something so difficult and doing it without complaint! I'm not sure Stew and I could swim that far! Tomorrow they do the "lung buster," where they try and swim the length of the pool without a breath!

Tough Guy

Owen had his 5 year old appointment this morning. He tries to be such a tough guy but underneath it all he is really all heart. He showed off his muscles to the nurses and then sat there, opting not to sit in my lap. He had to get 4 shots, 2 in each arm. He just sat there, held my hands while huge crocodile tears came rolling down his cheeks. Didn't make a peep. It was so sad, he didn't even move. When they were finished, he hopped down into my arms and just clung to me. Made me want to cry too.

Independence

How fitting that on this day Owen takes a major step in childhood independence by learning to ride a two wheeler! He started off a little shaky but was riding smoothly up and down our block after a few tries. He hasn't figured out how to start on his own but that will soon come I'm sure. Unlike typical Owen, he was actually very cautious. I'm sure once he's really mastered it, he will be tearing up the pavement in front of the house for hours!! Way to go Owie!!!!!

Summer Vacation

We are home after 9 days of travel to the sunshine state. We drove to Seaside, FL and rented a house with our friends, George and Mary and their kids Nick(or Nicken as we call him) and Andrew. We survived the drive there, with Owen's puking and all. Poor guy was sick when we picked him up in Kentucky. He rallied quickly to enjoy a great week of waves, snorkeling, digging in the sand, go karts, bumper cars, boogie boarding, skim boarding and napping on the beach.

We first met George and Mary at lamaze class when we were both pregnant with Nicken and Macie. We have become such good friends and were thrilled when they invited us to rent a house with them. It can be difficult to travel with other people because of expectations and routines but this couldn't have worked out better. We had a blast and with their free flying spirit we got to see lots of beaches and places that we wouldn't normally have seen.

We made the drive home in 13 hours, barely stopping for gas. Stew likes to get in the car and "get 'er done" so needless to say, the boys are forced to pee in a plastic bottle. Forced is really an overstatement, they actually think it's pretty cool. The girls and I are quite disgusted, but tolerate it so we can get where we need to go! We're just thankful he doesn't make us do the same! Other than Avery's many crying episodes and lack of napping in the car, the ride was pretty smooth. We were exhausted but thankful to be home in our own beds again.