And They're Off

Yesterday was the first day of school, and it was not without drama. The drama started Sunday night when I noticed Christian getting misty eyed. He was nervous about the first day of school and worried he would not get there on time. We assured him everything would be ok, and for him, it was.

We arrived at school around 8:15 on Monday morning. One of Christian’s friends immediately came up to him and asked who his teacher was. They found they were in the same class—first time since kindergarten, and that was all it took. Christian went off with Owen and Huts followed to meet the teacher.

Christian’s teacher called last night to let us know he was good, just tired at the end of the day. Apparently, there are some kids that like to talk. So, the class is getting rearranged today.

Almost School Time

In a week and a half the kids will be back in school. Christian has Mrs. Gallion and Tori has Christian’s old teacher, Mrs. Evans. Christian’s teacher is supposed to be strict but fair—right up his alley. He has no problems following rules. Tori is looking forward to having a female teacher again, and she adores Mrs. Evans. Mrs. Evans has witnessed Tori’s little fits and says that if that is all they are she can handle them. Tori is excited about being in Mrs. Evans’ classroom and back at school with her friends. Christian, not so much. If that boy could, he would stay at home forever and view the world from the Internet!

Growing Up Fast

Christian has spent much of the summer at home, watching TV and playing video games. From time to time, he also wrestles around with Eli. In fact, he may have played with Eli a bit too much, as Eli has become a real pest to Christian. Eli loves his big brother and loves to follow him around all night. Christian puts up with it for an hour or so and then he heads off to his room for some time alone. Eli tries to get into Christian’s room, which starts the fighting. They are only five years apart, but that’s worlds apart at that age.

Prankster

Christian participated in his sister's party too.  He, however, had devious plans in mind.  He and his friend Matthew were going to prank the girls.  Of course it was 9-year-old pranks, but they were pranks.  He'd knock on the door and run while the girls screamed to quit it.  He begrudgingly sang and had cake and ice cream without much complaint.  He also slept in the living room with the girls.  A decision he'd later regret because the girls kept him up!  Maybe next year he'll be able to have more than a couple of kids come to his party.  By then we might all have recovered.

Too Much

The kids spent last week in KC, and they were tired. We got them on Sunday, and they spent much of that day in the car. We got home around 5 and the next morning they were off to camp at the Riverplex. We knew they were tired, and this morning, they gave out. Christian has got the beginnings of a cold and decided to stay home. Tori is also feeling puny and stayed at home—we knew she was tired because she didn’t even want to go to the sitter’s to play with the girls. Eli was the only one feeling like himself and off he went to the sitter’s.

Happy As A Clam

The kids are on day 4 at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and as far as we can tell, they are having a ball. Sunday, they went to an old homestead. Monday they went shopping for birthday presents—trains, an angry bird, some dolls. Tuesday, they went swimming with their uncle, ate lunch with him at Sonic and visited with their great-grandpa. Their cousins also came over to spend some time with them.

Christian gives us an update every night on the iPad. He talks to us for about 30 seconds before the others take over.

Last Day

School is now over, and tomorrow Christian is headed to Sharon’s to play with his buddy Ruben. Ruben is going to stay at Sharon’s a few days before heading off to his dad’s in Montana. Christian, meanwhile, is going to his grandma and grandpa’s house for a week starting on Saturday. He returns next Sunday and then heads off for a week of summer day camp at River City. Then, he finally gets to stay home and lounge around with his other grandma.

While they are in KC, Christian is going to the bounce house, aquarium and Legoland. Betcha I don’t even have to tell you which place he is looking forward to seeing the most. He has saved some money just in case he finds something wonderful in the Legoland store.

Christian did well in school and will be a fourth grader in August. This is his last year at Charter Oak. Next year, he will either go to Mark Bills, about a mile from our house, or Washington School (for the gifted). It’s a long road to getting into the latter, and Christian does not seem thrilled with the prospect, so he may just go to Mark Bills. Wherever he ends up, he will be fine.

Birthday Boy

Christian is now 9 years old. Lucky him, his birthday was on Mother’s Day this year. He got a present in the mail from us—Legos and was excited to learn that the rest of it comes every 2 months. He also bought some Monsters Legos—was super excited to see that those were out. His friend, Matthew, bought him a Ninjago Lego set, and he got a couple more of those. My child who detests shopping actually went shopping, and he was not shy about it.

Christian had a couple of kids sleep over. They stayed up until midnight, playing with the iPads, Nerf guns, etc. The kid next door hung around until 3 the next day and came back for a little while on Sunday. So, Christian had a really full weekend and was very tired come Sunday night. This week, he is looking forward to the Plants and Zombies stuffed toys we found online. Hopefully, he gets them soon.

The Big Push

Three and half weeks of school to go, and wouldn’t you know it, the work is increasing. Christian came home with an assignment to write a brief report on the state of Delaware. We spent days pulling research and checking it. Then we wrote a rough draft and revised it. Then Christian practiced reading it aloud. We also pulled tons of pictures and glued them onto a large poster board for his visual aide. Tonight, we are getting it all together and ready for next Tuesday. Whew.

As though the report were not enough, there is a spelling bee beginning on May 10. Christian came home with about 350 words to study. We’ve done a bit of work on that, but he is totally not into it. Wish us luck in getting through that list.

Out

This week is Spirit Week at Charter Oak and Christian refuses to participate. He has worn his school uniform everyday because Spirit Week is not for him. Of course, just because it is not for him does not mean he cannot critique his sister. This morning, he told Tori that she was not mismatched enough for Fashion Disaster Day. She did not want to hear it, and we told Christian to hush. If you don’t participate, then you cannot critique!

Christian has been having loads of fun with the kid next door. He spent most of the weekend with him and was bored when the kid had to go home. I think he is starting to forget how to entertain himself! I was shocked that he didn’t go outside last night when the kids next door were out and about. Something tells me Christian didn’t notice them, else he would have been out that door in a heartbeat!