As the kids grow, we are seeing more and more their personalities forming into little humans.
Gracie is shy. Like really shy. She must get that from me.
Nick loves music and loves to sing. He just starts singing on a whim and he's good.
Max is obsessed with motorcycles. There is wonder in his eyes every time he sees one. Sigh.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Gracie's 1st Day of School
Gracie's first day of school today. 1st grade. Public school (Cox Elementary). Sigh.
It's been a busy, eventful summer. One that I have not chronicled here. The daily activities of living in a house full of 5, along with work, have taken precedence over taking the time to write.
Gracie's 6th birthday came and went. She hosted a princess party here at our house, where all of the moms came in their best dresses and made up the girls' faces with makeup and nails with paint. My dad was in town so he was able to spend that day with her, although boys were not allowed for the first part of the festivities. It was good to see him and I know that it was important for him to be here, with her, on this day. Even though she might not think anything of it. Birthdays with family are always the best. Ange and the girl cousins drove down from Houston to make sure that was the case. I think she loved every minute of it.
Steph had her 20 year high school reunion, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversay and I turned 1 more year older - that's 36. All in one week. We went to Houston to spend more time with the family, which, to me, was the highlight. There was so much going on in those few days that seeing and spending time with Steph's family made it feel right. There was always a home to come back to. I hope that is what our kids feel when they experience 20, 10, and 36. I can't believe those numbers. I am a lucky man to have been blessed with Stephanie, Gracie, Max and Nick, and our families for a good portion of those years. Time just flies and before you know it, you can see that the majority of your life is spent with people who make up a new family instead of the one you grew up with. Per se.
Gracie's meet the teacher night was interesting. Going from a private school that houses a couple of grades to a public school that houses 6 grades is a little overwhelming. Cox is a really nice school. The parents seem super-involved, based on the impression of the night, and best of all, Gracie has a REALLY good teacher. She's going to learn so much from Mrs. Christian throughout the year. I expect she'll grow in many more ways than we can imagine right now.
Which leads us to today, her first day of school. As with all milestones, it's welcomed with mixed emotions. It's quite a transition for us and our regimented schedule, which will inevitably need adjusting. Gracie is ready and excited for this new stage in her life. She loves school and when she puts her mind to it, really excels at it. She loves being around people, too. I hope that she makes friends, good choices, and memories that she'll remember when she's 36. I remember peeing in the classroom when I was in 1st grade. I was really embarassed. And I remember walking outside of our portable buildings in Plainview (I think), TX to all of our other classrooms. There was a little girl who I had a crush on, but I don't remember her name. And although I might have been older than 1st grade, I remember having these awesome Dallas Cowboys cleats.
There are two stories from today that I don't want to lose. Right now, they are both on Facebook, but who knows what that will be in the years to come. First is from me:
Experienced the child/parent psuedo-embarrasment this morning, dropping Gracie off for school. I wanted to take a picture and give her a talk, she wanted nothing of it. She gave me the, "daaad." So, I let her go.
And the second is from Steph:
Gotta share: Mike drives off with our first grader this morning. I promptly start crying while walking into the kitchen to pour round two of cereal for the boys. Nick says, "what is it momma?". I say as I look at Gracie's empty bowl and cup, "Gracie's going to be gone all day, what are we going to do without the biscuit?". Sob sob. Max says, " Here, I do this." He hugs me. Then he says, "I go get my tools and fix it."
It's a big day, for sure. We just take it as it comes, do what we can to savour the moment and make the best decisions possible. Try to remain strong.
And whenever we can, take pictures with our kids in the bushes. :-)
It's been a busy, eventful summer. One that I have not chronicled here. The daily activities of living in a house full of 5, along with work, have taken precedence over taking the time to write.
Gracie's 6th birthday came and went. She hosted a princess party here at our house, where all of the moms came in their best dresses and made up the girls' faces with makeup and nails with paint. My dad was in town so he was able to spend that day with her, although boys were not allowed for the first part of the festivities. It was good to see him and I know that it was important for him to be here, with her, on this day. Even though she might not think anything of it. Birthdays with family are always the best. Ange and the girl cousins drove down from Houston to make sure that was the case. I think she loved every minute of it.
Steph had her 20 year high school reunion, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversay and I turned 1 more year older - that's 36. All in one week. We went to Houston to spend more time with the family, which, to me, was the highlight. There was so much going on in those few days that seeing and spending time with Steph's family made it feel right. There was always a home to come back to. I hope that is what our kids feel when they experience 20, 10, and 36. I can't believe those numbers. I am a lucky man to have been blessed with Stephanie, Gracie, Max and Nick, and our families for a good portion of those years. Time just flies and before you know it, you can see that the majority of your life is spent with people who make up a new family instead of the one you grew up with. Per se.
Gracie's meet the teacher night was interesting. Going from a private school that houses a couple of grades to a public school that houses 6 grades is a little overwhelming. Cox is a really nice school. The parents seem super-involved, based on the impression of the night, and best of all, Gracie has a REALLY good teacher. She's going to learn so much from Mrs. Christian throughout the year. I expect she'll grow in many more ways than we can imagine right now.
Which leads us to today, her first day of school. As with all milestones, it's welcomed with mixed emotions. It's quite a transition for us and our regimented schedule, which will inevitably need adjusting. Gracie is ready and excited for this new stage in her life. She loves school and when she puts her mind to it, really excels at it. She loves being around people, too. I hope that she makes friends, good choices, and memories that she'll remember when she's 36. I remember peeing in the classroom when I was in 1st grade. I was really embarassed. And I remember walking outside of our portable buildings in Plainview (I think), TX to all of our other classrooms. There was a little girl who I had a crush on, but I don't remember her name. And although I might have been older than 1st grade, I remember having these awesome Dallas Cowboys cleats.
There are two stories from today that I don't want to lose. Right now, they are both on Facebook, but who knows what that will be in the years to come. First is from me:
Experienced the child/parent psuedo-embarrasment this morning, dropping Gracie off for school. I wanted to take a picture and give her a talk, she wanted nothing of it. She gave me the, "daaad." So, I let her go.
And the second is from Steph:
Gotta share: Mike drives off with our first grader this morning. I promptly start crying while walking into the kitchen to pour round two of cereal for the boys. Nick says, "what is it momma?". I say as I look at Gracie's empty bowl and cup, "Gracie's going to be gone all day, what are we going to do without the biscuit?". Sob sob. Max says, " Here, I do this." He hugs me. Then he says, "I go get my tools and fix it."
It's a big day, for sure. We just take it as it comes, do what we can to savour the moment and make the best decisions possible. Try to remain strong.
And whenever we can, take pictures with our kids in the bushes. :-)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Summer Vacation Favorite Moments
Mark’s – sitting around in the carport on Wednesday morning not doing much anything at all but talking.
Kyle’s – Mark’s moment of honesty with Damon in the kitchen when Damon asked him to make pico and Mark said, "I really didn't come in here to help you guys, but if you need it, I will."
Mom’s – everyone working together in harmony in the kitchen the first night making fajitas and the works.
Steph’s – finding her sunglasses and watching Gracie surf.
Mike’s – watching Nick floating in the current in the lazy river by himself and loving every second of it and watching Gracie surf and really thinking that Damon’s middle name was Raymond, making his name Damon Raymond.
Gracie’s – surfing and going down the blue slide with Aunt Michelle.
Summer Vacation - Day 4
Packed up and loaded everyone this morning. Stopped by Damon and Michelle’s house on the way. Nice little starter house. It fits them. They just got wooden floors put in. Looks real nice. Michelle then taught us all the beginning part of the High School Musical dance. It was awesome.
Summer Vacation - Day 3.5
After sitting around all morning on Wednesday, almost everyone wanted to be in the water. Last year, we did Landa Park, but I think the kiddie part is too little for the boys this year and the big part is too big. Plus, it’s just a dirty experience. Thing is – it’s $3/person compared to $30/person going back to Schlitterbahn, even with afternoon prices. Despite the cost, we decided to go back to Schlitterbahn.
Mark came up with a brilliant idea – Schltterbahn should create a non-ride pass for a discounted price, say $20. This would give you access to the wave pool and lazy river, 2 of our favorite things to do with the entire family. Your pass just wouldn’t allow you access to any of the rides you have to wait in line for. It’s a great idea. I think I’m going to write a letter to them.
We had fun, but it sure is a lot of work keeping up with the kids. Gracie wants to ride all the big rides and she does a great job with them. But there’s all that waiting in line. The boys like to do the little bitty kiddie park, the medium-size slides and the wave pool and lazy river. But they’re both at that age where they don’t like to have their life jackets on and/or sit in a tube. They want to swim like big kids, but they just can’t right now. And even if they could, it’s not a great idea to let anyone but adults swim freely in those things.
Gracie got real upset with me because I wouldn’t let her swim in the swim-up bar as you enter into Surfenberg. (Which, by the way – they’re upgrading that whole entrance, putting in resorts and a few big tube rides. It’s going to be awesome. But I hear it’s ~$1,200/night at minimum.) I had told her that we could do it at the beginning of the day, but by the time we left, it was just time to go. She got so upset, she wrote me a note:
Broke my heart.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Summer Vacation - Day 1
Today was our travel day. We woke up early in the morning and rolled out about 7 AM. The kids slept almost the whole way. It was bliss.
We stopped at Herbert's along the way. Everyone loved it. The kids sopped it up. It was Kyle's first time there, too. He loved it.
When we got to New Braunfels, we unloaded, chilled for a bit, then went to Clear Springs. Fried everything and it was awesome.
The kids took forever to go to sleep tonight. And the adults stayed up laughing while playing Catchphrase. It's so nice to have everyone here - me, Steph, the kids, Kyle, Mom, Damon, Michelle, and Mark.
We stopped at Herbert's along the way. Everyone loved it. The kids sopped it up. It was Kyle's first time there, too. He loved it.
When we got to New Braunfels, we unloaded, chilled for a bit, then went to Clear Springs. Fried everything and it was awesome.
The kids took forever to go to sleep tonight. And the adults stayed up laughing while playing Catchphrase. It's so nice to have everyone here - me, Steph, the kids, Kyle, Mom, Damon, Michelle, and Mark.
Summer Vacation - Day 2
All Schlitterbahn, all day. We got there when it opened and left when it closed. With a 2 hour break in the middle of the day, which was the best decision that we could have made.
Gracie surfed at Surfenberg. She looked the part. I surfed, too, along with Mark and Steph. I was able to get up on my knees. And give a thumbs up to Mark, behind me in line. You know it.
Gracie also rode the Dragon ride with Steph. Then, she rode the Master Blaster ride with Michelle. Nothing scared her and she loved it all. She swam by herself, without her floaties, in the wave pool, the lazy river, and the pool with the lillypads and rope.
Max wanted to be just like her.
Nick was satisfied, in his own little world, floating where the water took him.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Summer Vacation - Day 3
Here I am, writing the first post on the third day of vacation. To say this is hard to manage is an understatement, but I know how important it is. And how rich it will be in the future. So here we are, in New Braunfels for the family reunion. Last year, we skipped the reunion on account of Michelle and Damon's wedding. It's nice to have the two of them - as the Knights - here with us this year.
Right now, it's 12:18 and we haven't done much of anything today. I enacted Operation Toy Hunt earlier this morning to get some things for the kids to keep them busy today. The boys' first guns.
Gracie got a Ken doll. For her Barbie Pool that Nana gave her earlier in the week for her birthday.
Operation was a success. They've been occupied all morning. But I think we're all getting cabin fever. I know I am.
Now, the kids are outside getting their faces painted. Butterflys, Rainbows, and hopefully something manly like Superman. Or something.
That's pretty cool. They look tough and full of personality. All bad and stuff.
Nick needs to go potty. Now. Bye.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Gracie's Graduation
And Gracie has graduated kindergarten. I just can't believe it.
Last Thursday night. 6:30 PM. It lasted about an hour. Kyle and mom came in for the occassion. YiaYia wanted to, but she's travelling in Paris. My dad couldn't come either. His last day of school was Friday.
I volunteered to do the slideshow for the entire class. It ended up being frustrating at times. Especially with everything else that is/was going on at work. It's just been crazy with new business pitches and doing just about everything under the sun. It didn't help that I was in NYC Monday - Wednesday before the graduation. In the end, though, it was a special task to undertake. I was able to see 29 kids' lives from birth to graduation kindergarten. It's such an important milestone and I'm just grateful that I was able to document it for all of the children and parents. I got very sentimental a few times with Gracie.
Gracie said a bible verse and actually sang on stage this time. Not by herself, but with all the others, which is a departure of her just looking around and acting shy on stage while everyone else sings - that's seemed to the habit up until now. She also won the Little Miss Sunshine Award which is awarded to the person who is gifted at cheering people up and always having a smile on her face.
She walked in by herself, all the way up to the stage, in her cap and gown and got her diploma.
I just can't believe that this time is here. The sobering realization that we can't any of the time - captured by 8 pictures of Gracie in the slideshow - before Thursday night back. It's a reminder to do whatever I can to be present while I'm with the family. Because I just can't get the time back. And it's just too precious.
I just can't believe it.
Last Thursday night. 6:30 PM. It lasted about an hour. Kyle and mom came in for the occassion. YiaYia wanted to, but she's travelling in Paris. My dad couldn't come either. His last day of school was Friday.
I volunteered to do the slideshow for the entire class. It ended up being frustrating at times. Especially with everything else that is/was going on at work. It's just been crazy with new business pitches and doing just about everything under the sun. It didn't help that I was in NYC Monday - Wednesday before the graduation. In the end, though, it was a special task to undertake. I was able to see 29 kids' lives from birth to graduation kindergarten. It's such an important milestone and I'm just grateful that I was able to document it for all of the children and parents. I got very sentimental a few times with Gracie.
Gracie said a bible verse and actually sang on stage this time. Not by herself, but with all the others, which is a departure of her just looking around and acting shy on stage while everyone else sings - that's seemed to the habit up until now. She also won the Little Miss Sunshine Award which is awarded to the person who is gifted at cheering people up and always having a smile on her face.
She walked in by herself, all the way up to the stage, in her cap and gown and got her diploma.
I just can't believe that this time is here. The sobering realization that we can't any of the time - captured by 8 pictures of Gracie in the slideshow - before Thursday night back. It's a reminder to do whatever I can to be present while I'm with the family. Because I just can't get the time back. And it's just too precious.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Gracie's Sunday
Goodness gracious Gracie. That girl and her clothes. She got new pink flower sandals yesterday. We told her that she couldn't wear them to church this morning because it was cold and rainy. So, she didn't wear them. Until we got into the van where she had stashed them in her purse. We look down in church and see that she had changed into them. And there, in her purse were her mary janes. Oy vei.
After church, she said that she would get a sticker if she was able to recite the Lord's Prayer next Sunday. So we asked her if she knew it. And she started reciting it. She recited the whole thing with a little help from me and Steph. Already.
And then at dinner tonight, she started saying it, but left quite a bit out. We'll work on it.
After church, she said that she would get a sticker if she was able to recite the Lord's Prayer next Sunday. So we asked her if she knew it. And she started reciting it. She recited the whole thing with a little help from me and Steph. Already.
And then at dinner tonight, she started saying it, but left quite a bit out. We'll work on it.
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