"Look at them yo-yo's; that's the way you do it"

RKZ took Thunder and Buck to a preseason Duck's game last night. The boys were beside themselves with excitement. They were especially impressed with the "Wild Wing" statue in front of the Pond as well as the fact that "It's not a stadium, it's called 'The Pond'." Alternative names really seem to make my boys happy. Because the game started at 7:05, the boys all left early (so nobody knew who won) and Buck protested that "the game's not over." He seems to have warmed up to hockey now that we live in Southern California.

H-P and I went to an auction meeting at Buck's new school (the glamour) while the boys were gone. I have to admit that getting involved and having a job of sorts does make me feel happy. It was nice to be surrounded by adults who listened to what I said and at least pretended to be interested.

"To Infinity and beyond!"

Two posts back-to-back! I'm getting caught up.  This is our Friday family night trip to Disneyland (we're going to get the most out of those passes if it KILLS us!) RKZ is holding Thunder and Buck is behind his space gun. Mommy is outside eating a churro (yum) and Hank's crying in his carseat (see earlier post)

"How long do you want to be loved? Is Forever enough?"

My favorite shot of the 3 boys so far. 

Is it sad (or a sin?) that I am so happy to send my 2 eldest boys off to school this morning? Wow, the days are full (like, 24 hours full) of things to do and we are just barely skating by with getting them done. Buck had "robotics" yesterday (I'm going to post the video here tomorrow) and we spend a lot of Tuesday afternoon driving. Thunder and H-P and I took a quick trip to Disneyland in the afternoon to ride the Nemo submarine ride. It was an hour-long Disney visit: walk in - ride - walk out. We had to pick up Buck from school to begin the driving odyssey. These activities would all be great if H-P would sit in his car seat without crying. Yes, my 4 month old has the super power of being able to cry for HOURS (yes, hours) if he is not happy. He is my only child who will not cry himself out. He doesn't go "out." He just cries. It would be impressive if I didn't have to listen to it. Somewhere around 3:30 (and nearly 45 mins of car seat crying) I am ready to drive into a wall (but I don't want to hurt the kids. I just want quiet). It is hard to ask the older boys how their days have been over the crying. Thunder has it down that he should just tell me he's thirsty. My middle child is always thirsty but only for apple juice (hence, it is a scam). He won't drink water or milk unless it's forced on him. Buck doesn't say much except that he doesn't like being the sea monster at school during recess and he wanted a better bear to bring to the teddy bear picnic. I was tempted to tell him that he should build himself one at robotics because there was no way I was going to spend money on a stuffed animal for him when he has generally grown out of stuffed animals. Buck is a wise 6 year old and decided to take his 1/2 owl 1/2 bear which was one of the characters from the Vancouver winter olympics last year. Wednesday is Buck's "share day" and he had to bring the bear and sing "the bear went over the mountain" while demonstrating the craft he made. Of course, he finished the craft this morning and accidentally spit hot chocolate all over it. The last time I saw the craft, it was very soggy and I just prayed that is doesn't get ripped moments before Buck's turn to share. The only thing going over the mountain will be Buck in a dramatic fit... I can't believe it's only Wednesday. The big boys and RKZ are going to a Duck's game tonight while I take H-P to a school auction meeting (volunteer sucker, that's me!). At least I have a night of no sleep to look forward to :) Have a good one (a good what? That's what I always wonder). 

A-B-C's easy as 1-2-3

Well, RKZ is off to Colorado and Houston today for work. He has gotten really good at jamming non-stop meetings into his schedules so that he is able to only be away for a few nights. For this trip, we felt pretty good in terms of organization and getting some help with the boys. School starting helps with a bit of time off for me from the non-stop crazy that is Buck and Thunder (just being themselves). I have to say, I love having active, funny little boys. We were at my brother (SERVITE)'s son (JeeP)'s 1st birthday party yesterday. JeeP already shows signs of being non-stop like my boys. I have a friend from college who just had her 8th (yes - 8) child: their 1st BOY after 7 girls and I couldn't help but wonder what that would be like. I think I would really miss my testosterone-fueled life. 

This week will be our first full week of school and activities. Back to school night is Tuesday and I will probably pass out dead when RKZ arrives back on Wednesday...but at the moment, I'm just relishing the fact that I'll be able to check my email for the first time in weeks!!

"Do you really know why we're having this party?"

These are some pictures of Buck's 6th birthday. I took them with my iphone and they aren't the best. I am posting because it's been awhile, but not much has been going on that hasn't been happening in nearly every home in North America. Buck has started Kindergarden again and it's a perfect fit for our "just turned" 6 year old. He is really enjoying having a schedule again and has made a few friends (it's only been a week). Homework, which mainly consists of coloring, has been a pain already. Why doesn't someone tell Kinder teachers that 5 and 6 year old boys (in general) do not like to color and it doesn't take only 10 minutes for these distractible boys to complete a coloring worksheet? We are given a packet at the beginning of the week with the instructions that the sheets should be done 1 per night. By Thursday, Buck was crying that he had to color something else. Next week, we're doing them all on Monday so I don't prolong the agony. Being well rested might help in the attitude department. 

Can't wait to get to essays in 3rd grade. Sigh. 

Thunder has started a play preschool three mornings a week. I don't know how it's going because he mainly just reports what they gave him for snack and lunch (did I mention that they provide the snack and lunch?? Heaven). Also, some boy named Dominic "hit" T's hand on the first day. 

"He's a bad boy, mom." I'm sure there is more to that story than I'm hearing. But, it's play school. :) 

 Cousin T with Thunder playing dress up. I think they look like the Village People in this picture.

 Cousin T and K with Thunder and Buck . Glimpses of our kitchen in the background.

 Buck and Trnt (cousin as well). At Buck's birthday.

H-P. I've taken to calling him, "Spanky" from Little Rascles. This baby kills me (in a good way).