New Undertakings!

Claire and Chloe have entered a new phase of their lives and joined the cross country track team at their school. Actually we were a bit surprised that cross country would be an option for 1st graders, but any physical exercise and outdoor air that is available to kids now days is good from my perspective. The first track meet was full of the unknown for them but they both survived it and they seemed to enjoy it. Here are a couple of pictures of them warming up with their friend Ada.

 

 

And they are off..... the 1st and 2nd grade girls and then boys, compete together and make one circle around the park on a cement pathway. In the first picture Claire is the person in front, in the second picture is Chloe towards the end of the race.

 

 

 

Claire is all smiles after finishing first for the 1st graders. The second picture is for Aunt NJ, she is showing off her Iowa Hawkeye running shorts.

 

 

 

 

Another event on the day or two before the girls' track meet Claire lost one of her top front teeth and a day later lost the other one. She was quite proud!

 

 

 

This week the family got together to celebrate Mike and Uncle Eric's birthdays. We did it a couple of days early in order to accommodate everyone's schedule and it was an enjoyable evening at one of the family's favorite restaurants.

 

Chloe is all smiles..... showing off her somewhat new haircut....

 

 

Chris didn't waste much time getting on Aunt Suzie's lap. He had told Mike before they came that he was going to "climb all over Aunt Suzie when he sees her".

 

 

 



 

The kids pile on Daddy for a picture....

 

 

Uncle Eric, Aunt Suzie and the three C's!

 

 

Mike, Paula, and Claire. We told the girls to load up on carbs for the cross country meet the following day. 

 

 

The second track event was much more relaxed. The girls knew what to expect and were happy and confident when they arrived.

 

 

 

Claire, Chloe, and their friend Alexa.

 

 

Time to run.....

 

 

Claire.....

 

 

Chloe near the end of the race.... still smiling.....

 

 

 

Chris' news for the week came on Thursday when Mike went to pick him up from pre-school. One of the teachers asked Mike if he knew Chris was riding a two wheel bike now. Apparently with a bit of encouragement from a teacher, he basically taught himself. Pretty good for a three year old.

 



 

The activities discussed above remind me, once again, how thankful I am for healthy grandchildren. What a blessing!

Focus on Christopher!!!

Now that school has started and life for the three C's gets even busier, Chris wanted to come to Papa and Grandma's without any "gurls" (translated: girls). We had talked about it for a couple of weeks and so after church last Sunday Chris came home with us for a couple of days minus the girls. I reminded him that I was a girl too, but he responded that it was just fine if I were there. Good thing, or else he would have starved. :) After church we made a quick stop at Costco. Chris asked if he could climb on the ATV  car that was there and I told him it was fine. After he was settled in the seat and I had snapped a couple of pictures I saw the sign. Yikes, the sign clearly said "Do not sit". I showed Chris the sign and he quickly scrambled out, but it was a few moments of fun anyway! Grandma needs to be more careful!

 

Below Chris models an over sized t-shirt that is a creation from the collection of our friend TJ. He raises lizards, exotic plants, and has a business selling his art work as well. He is quite the artist! Check out his website by clicking on "TJ" above in this paragraph.

 

 

Our time with Chris wasn't full of anything spectacular, just some everyday tasks that he assisted with and seemed to enjoy while being the center of our attention. We dead-headed some plants....

 

 

Made some tomato sauce.....

 

 

Enjoyed snack time....boy can he put away the berries....

 

 

Actually had a little nap on one of the days..... (me too, I loved it)......

 

 

 

Spent some time in the pool although he discovered it is more fun to have the girls here when swimming.....

 

 

 

 

And read lots and lots of books....

 

 

 

We enjoyed him so much and hope to have him again before too long.

 

Other news of the week is that Chloe was chosen 'Student of the Week' for first grade after exhibiting great enthusiasm, which was the emphasis for that week. Not surprising at all, she is very enthusiastic about school and whatever she is involved in. Claire and Chloe both joined the cross country team so we are anxious to attend a track meet to see how they do. I believe their first meet is this upcoming week.  In addition, I am looking forward to beginning my Thursdays in the classroom again. I really enjoyed each visit last year and I am hoping this year will go as well.

 

This weekend the three C's and Mike and Paula are attending a family camp out with a large group of people from their adult class at church. Can't wait to hear all the details and hoping for some pictures too.

 

Until next time......