Three Days Left

Christian is flying high because before- and after-care is over and school is over on Friday. Aunt Annie and Uncle Dale are watching him before and after school the next three days. He was totally excited to see Annie this morning, and surprisingly, she was awake and ready to go. Tori was sad that she had to got o the sitter's but Annie is trying to find a day when Tori can spend the night with her.

Missing

I saw Christian stash a bunch of papers in his draw last night, so I decided to go through them. Amid the mess I found a sheet with the themes for Teachers Appreciation Week, which we missed. The kids could bring the teacher a gift every day, and we failed to see the sheet until last night. Teachers Appreciation Week was the first of the month. Christian mentioned the whole thing long after the fact. Go figure. I am making a mental note for next year.

Off to Grandma's

The kids stayed this weekend at Grandma' and Grandpa's house, while Huts and I finished cleaning the farmhouse. We are done for the most part and ready to get back to our life.

We got to Kansas City around 10:30 Saturday night, and Tori, our little night owl, was still up. She kissed me and her dad and then went to sleep. Christian got up the next morning and gave me a big hug. This was preceded by hugs and kisses all over my baby Eli. The five of us are back together, and we're glad. This weekend, the kids are going to the circus, while Eli visits with uncle Dale.

Genius

In the endless quest to keep Eli entertained, I hauled him to the computer to help me look up some stuff. Christian helped by taking apart the mouse pad and letting Eli squish it. He then told me that he was a genius for knowing what to give Eli and that perhaps he should be a scientist one day. "I have good ideas, you know." Quite full of himself that day.

Time To Party!

Christian turns 6 today! He has massive plans for tonight. First we are going to Subway to eat (his place of choice since "we haven't been there in a long time"). Then we are going to take him and his sister to pick out their birthday presents at Toys R Us. We'll finish the night by picking up a cake for desert and having it at home.

This past year has gone by quickly and he seems a bit older now. He definitely isn't the shy boy he was when he started Kindergarten. His first few days were a bit frightening for him. He really didn't want to go the first day. The 2nd wasn't so bad. He didn't say much to anyone in the first few days. He was quiet and timid. 9 months later and he is no longer timid. He tells everyone he meets that his school name is "Christian" and his home name is "Ollie". He tells them all about his school and classmates and what they are doing. He tells everyone except his parents who have to pry the info out of him. He does all of this in a fairly loud voice so no one can mistake what he is saying.

He's also picked up riding his bike and zooms down the sidewalk. He still isn't ready to take the training wheels off, but he's not afraid of taking off on it. He is still a kind boy. The other night he put his sister on his bike and pushed her down the sidewalk. Such a nice kid.

That's remained constant throughout this time. Hopefully he stays that way.

Good Mother's Day

My kids were very good on Mother's Day. Christian managed to hide some gifts he had made form me, while Tori sheepishly told me Happy Mother's Day. Now that's over and Christian's birthday is next. He and his sister cannot wait, and boy, do we have them confused with a family celebration and a party for their friends.

Combo Birthday

Life is so crazy at the Ericksons that Christian and Tori are having a combo birthday party some time in June at the play place. Next Wednesday is Christian's birthday, and we are taking him out to eat and tot he toy store to pick out his gifts. Tori is also picking out hers. Then we are getting the two an ice cream cake or something to that effect. Today was Christian's helper day, and he took cupcakes for that since he cannot take food in on his birthday. I hope he had a good day!!

New Desk

Christian hates change, but he is getting better about it and was delighted to get his new desk from my dad's house. He seems ok with it, and didn't throw a fit. Huts also said he was Mr. Friendly at the park, so maybe our firstborn is growing up.

Easter With Dad

While I was away this weekend, Christian, Tori and Eli spent the time with Dad. They did all kinds of fun things, K-Mart, MaidRite, the vet, the park and so forth. I returned to joyous children excited to show me all of their loot for Easter. Christian goes back to school tomorrow. Spring break is over, and I think he is ready. Tori will be sad to not have her brother with her.

On and On and On

Christian had some long-winded tale last night about some kid at school, and nothing we said made any difference. He was right, and we were wrong, and he went on and on about it. Huts finally got him onto another subject, but I don't think it helped much. He had a lot to say all night long. Some days, that boy can talk.