Catch Up: Gymnastics Finale 2012

As many of you know, we enrolled Max in the toddler tumbling class with parks and rec last fall. It was an interesting journey.

Max, like lots of little boys, is not the best listener. And in this case, he was often more interested in his teachers (high school girls) than his gymnastics. However, it was a fun experience. Parents were supposed to wait until the last class period to take photos/videos. So we did. Oh boy! Enjoy.

Getting his stretch on...

First, he's all about looking at us. But then...

it's all about the ladies on the beam. Probably asking for the digits...

Monkey.

"I don't need a wedge to get my somersault on. I just do it!"

Only the orange ribbon for the big finish.

Certificate of completion.

Max and his class.

And now for the real fun. The videos. Don't judge the two wonderful souls cracking up in the background. Those are just Max's proud parents. 

So, we may be moving back to swim lessons this spring. Ha!

Careers at School Continued... Uncle Rob Day!

Max the ....

Grocer

This picture cracks me up. He bought lots of cleaning supplies
because I'd been cleaning the kitchen all morning. He wanted to make me happy. 

Mailcarrier

Veterinarian

Valentine....

He only licks the icing on cupcakes. He throws the rest away.
Hence the chocolate chip cookies on his birthday.

Train Conductor and Engineer!

This was the day that Uncle Rob and his friends Tom and Julie LaCombe came to Max's school to speak about railroad safety. Pretty special work by Operation Lifesaver, and what an honor it was that we had the head of the Kansas operation to teach us. And now, Rob has officially spent more time at Max's school than he did at his own. Ha, ha, ha.

Learning from Sly Fox and Birdie.

Rob, documenting.

It's pretty special that we get to spend so much time with Uncle Rob. Means the world to me and Max!

Birthday #4 - say what?

It's true. We have now had four great years with the young man Max. And he is pretty awesome.

This past year has been trying on all three of us: the house sale, the move, new house, new school, new friends. Lots of new. I think we can safely say that Max stepped up to the challenge and has really embraced his life here in Lawrence.

We have tons of fun exploring some of the smaller things here: playgrounds, downtown, little towns all around. And some of the bigger "events" are easier to manage since the scale is smaller - parades, fireworks,  Halloween. We are finding our rhythm, and Max helps out a lot with that by being so curious and so easy going.

Over the past year, he has finally gotten potty trained (ha- seems like so long ago), he has returned to eating veggies and trying bites of new things, he knows his numbers and letters and can even write our names (no- not the last one), he has become a skilled climber, kicker, thrower, and hitter, and he remains ever curious and questioning. The last part can be a little exhausting, but it is always interesting. (Dad, what if we were all just heads?)

I'm proud of that little guy. He is something. Can't wait to see what happens this year!

Here are some pictures from his birthday. We told him he could have a party with friends here or a big day with just us doing thing. He chose the latter. So we headed to KC for the Aquarium, to eat at Fritz's, to look at the model trains, and whatever else we could fit in before he was zapped.

Sea Life Aquarium

Lunch at Fritz's! 

The train delivered the food safely! 

Union Station
We went in for the model train exhibit, then we headed outside to the bridge to see if a train might come. And sure enough, it did!

After that point, the kiddo was pretty zapped. We headed home for a Mini Murph Pizza and some cookies for dessert.

Ahhh. That's my boy. He's pretty cool. 

School Updates

I will catch up on the end of 2012 soon, but thought I'd insert something a little more timely for now.

Max is really enjoying his preschool here in Lawrence, First United Methodist. I think it is pretty awesome, too! His teachers, Mrs. Kelly and Mrs Huffman, are really great. They find great ways to engage the kids all of the time, from little crafts to big activities.

January has been pretty busy in the "Friendship Forest," so I thought I'd share some of their pictures with you.


Pajama Day
Max chose his stylish Millennium Falcon ensemble.

Kansas Day
On Kansas Day, the kids were able to dress like cowboys or pioneers. The teachers all organized a chuck wagon campfire event.

                                   

Builder Day
This month, they are learning about careers. Day one was Construction. You can imagine Max was excited about that!!

Max and Claire

There will be many more pictures from preschool, I'm sure!