The (Preschool) Graduate

I’m so proud of my little graduate. Matthew will be officially starting Kindergarten in the fall now that preschool graduation is behind him. I’m also proud of Sammy who clapped for every single kid receiving their diploma. I became a little teary during the graduation but not for the reason one might think. Each graduate received one of the helium balloons used for decorations as the party was ending. Matthew promptly let go of his by accident resulting in a loud crying tantrum. One of his best friends Tyler then let go of his balloon and told Matthew it was so they could be fair in square. At the age of five he already has the best friends that he could ask for. 

This Summer (1)

This summer I'm..

Celebrating: Uncle Mike's 21st birthday, The end of the T-ball season, & Father's Day

Staying cool during the heat wave

Exploring old battleships in the company of good friends

                            

Taking bike rides after dinner whenever we can

Tadpole

At eleven months old Sammy has a new word. “Water!” she exclaimed when I put her down on the beach. “Water!"  Not minding the rocky sand under her feet she walked in up to her elbows, holding onto my hands for balance. “Water!” it sounds like "Waga" coming from her. 

“What about clams?” Matthew asked. 

“Clams live in salt water,” I assured him the same way I had with sharks and sea turtles. Neither of us mentioned his newest fear of late which is sea stars. According to him they eat baby sea turtles.  He reminds me of this “fact” every time he uses the bathroom because we have a dried sea star in a frame on the wall. 

This was our first trip to the lake this summer. We swam and splashed for nearly an hour and a half. “Look at me!” Matthew called every time he bravely went in the water past his waist. 

“You  guys are my two little fish,” I told them. 

“Can we be your Cheetahs instead?” he asked me.  

“Sure, ,” I humor him.

A few minutes later he must still be thinking it over because he says, “Actually I am your frog. And  Sammy is your tadpole.” 

I like that.   

Farm Frenzy

Five is a fickle age as summer is a fickle season. These two together make add lots of excitement wherever we go. Matthew, Sammy, and I went strawberry picking a few days ago. In the middle of picking berries we heard a rumble of thunder in the distance which set Matthew on edge.

“We need to leave now!” Matthew said nearly cowering in the bushes.

“We’re fine,” I assured him. “Keep picking.” 

Once our tray was full of strawberries we heard a second distant rumble of thunder on our way over to the playground. The sky began to grow dark and Matthew came undone. 

“We need to go NOW!” He shouted at me. “We have to leave!” He started to run the couple of feet to the car but then ran back to Sammy. “Get Sammy in the car!” 

Despite his public meltdown over a non-issue it struck me as sweet that he cared enough about his little sister to not take cover without her. I was unable to rationalize with my little thunderstorm diva so it seemed best for all to pack up and head home. 

The sky brightened up as we drove away. Matthew and I dropped Sammy off at home and went to the courts at a park nearby to play tennis. While there we found the perfect spot for a picnic dinner and then went back home to collect Bob and Sammy. It was the perfect way to end a tremulous day.