On Thursday evening, Mike and Paula attended their first parents meeting for kindergarten children that begin in the Fall semester, 2013. They were very pleased with Claire and Chloe's teacher, classroom, and the school overall. While Mike and Paula were gone, we had dinner with the children, gave them baths, and of course read lots of books.
On the weekend Papa and I went to their home, Papa to help Mike build a chicken coup, and I to watch the three C's and keep them busy. We had lots of park time both Saturday and Sunday. Below you see Chris trying yet another option for climbing up to the slide. He mastered that and a very high and curvy slide very well.
Chloe enjoyed climbing the swinging ladder. Once when I asked her to look at me so I could get a picture, she responded, "Please, Grandma, I need to focus"! Shame on me, I interrupted her focus!!! Also I can't resist mentioning her combination of colors. Mike had asked her if she was sure that her choice of socks were right for her shirt and shorts. She insisted that it was fine and she wanted to make sure she looked "serious". This was the second time in a week that she had been concerned whether she looked "serious" or not. On Monday morning that was the first thing she asked me after getting dressed, "Grandma, do I look serious?" I learned some time back to NEVER say Chloe looks cute. She doesn't want to look cute at all...it is just not an acceptable description for herself. In fact, when Paula had arrived home from work Monday morning she had automatically said how cute Chloe looked. Chloe headed for the bedroom to change clothes...Paula, quick thinking Mommy that she is, responded that Chloe looked "seriously cute". We finally convinced her that indeed she did look serious. All I can say is I hope this stage passes quickly.
Claire was on this park outing as well but apparently she was just too busy meeting and greeting people to get her picture taken. She makes friends instantly with whomever comes to play.
On Sunday, Uncle Superman came to assist with the chicken coup. Papa, Mike, and Jon, worked all day to get it finished up. The chickens better like and appreciate their new dwelling.
A late afternoon activity on the deck kept the kids busy while the guys finished up. They really love to paint and doing it outside made it even better. All three painted fans and then Chloe opted for a scene with flowers.
A visitor to the deck for a couple of days was this beautiful, young, Cooper's Hawk. At least that is what Mike believes it was. He took over Paula's flowers for part of the time and also hung out on the deck chair backs.
He couldn't fly very well and last report he had moved on, so I hope he is safe somewhere. It gave the kids lots of enjoyment while there.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how important Memorial Day is to us. We are so thankful to live in such a great country where we often take our freedom for granted. Thank you to those who have served in the military and thank you to their families, as well, who often sacrifice so much while their family member is gone. I can only identify a little since my Dad served in WWII and came home while I was still an infant. Interestingly, he rarely talked of his military time until his last few years with us. He saw and experienced some pretty hard things that he carried with him the rest of his life. God Bless America!
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