I am often frustrated by time. When I want it to pass slowly, it flies. When I want it to go quickly, it crawls. Last week seems like forever ago, but last year seems like yesterday. Next month never gets here, but next year will be here before I know it. Seems complex.
Nathan has a much simpler concept of time. If it happened today, it happened today. If it happened before today, it happened yesterday. If it is going to happen after today, it happens tomorrow. So last week, last month, and last year are all yesterday. Likewise, next week, next month, and next year are all tomorrow. Seems simple.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Nathan Asks
Road construction has us taking the scenic route to school these days, and we often drive past several large ponds. This morning on the way to school:
Nathan: Mom, are those made of fresh water or salty water?
Mom: Those ponds are fresh water.
Nathan: Okay. So there are no sharks in there.
Nathan: Mom, are those made of fresh water or salty water?
Mom: Those ponds are fresh water.
Nathan: Okay. So there are no sharks in there.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Movies in the Park
M&I Bank does a Movies in the Park series all summer long. Of course, I didn't find out about it until the last one! We headed to Richard Walton Park in Oakdale and met up with the Watson's to watch Madagascar 2. We were surprised at how many people were there. They had a giant inflatable screen set up. 
Here's the crew getting settled in for the movie.
Mathew LOVED the puffcorn. Luckily, Becky remembered to bring bowls. Mathew ate three bowls of puffcorn before we cut him off!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Slip 'N' Slide
Our neighbor Joe had a giant piece of poly that we put down on the little hill in the backyard. We added a hose, and presto! Slip 'n' slide! Nathan had fun doing tandem runs with Chris.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Children's Farm
We had our first class at Children's Farm (we call if Farm School) today. This is a 4 week program that I signed up for after hearing wonderful reviews from other parents. Nathan and I weren't sure what to expect, but we certainly did not expect to do so much in 2 hours.
We started out by feeding the animals. Nathan chose to feed the kids first; two little goats who were VERY hungry. Next he fed the hens in the chicken coop. Then it was off to feed the rabbits, and bring hay to the cow. Since it was hot out, Nathan pumped water to keep the animals hydrated. Next week we hope to have an opportunity to feed the sheep, ducks, geese, calf, and pigs.
After we fed the animals, we met as a group and learned about the activites that were available us as this week as "choices". Each week, new activities are introduced and become choices for the following weeks.
Nathan wanted to plant wheat first. So he picked up a rake and started working in the garden. When he was finished, he had planted a handful of wheat. Hopefully we see it start to grow by the end of the program.
Planting wheat naturally led to digging large wholes in the garden. This seemed to be a very popular choice for everyone, boys and girls.
After planting wheat and digging holes, Nathan went to the chicken coop and collected eggs. He washed them and set them in egg cartons to dry. That's when we noticed that the line for riding Gertie, the horse, was very short. Will taught Nathan how to handle the reins to get Gertie to start, stop, and turn. This is something I'm sure he'll practice each week!
While Nathan was riding Gertie, Jenny (the teacher) brought out a wagon full of kittens. The kids got to take turns holding them. Amazing to watch a group of rough and rowdy kids settle right down, gently cradling the kittens in their laps. When the kittens were tired, Nathan helped Jenny pull the wagon back to the barn.
It was time to put the goats back into their little "goat house". Nathan thought his goat would be a little more cooperative if he pet him first. I'm not sure if it worked!
After the animals were all settled, and everything was put away, we met again as a group to go on a short hike through the pumpkin patch and little pine forest. Next week the hike will be one of our "choices". Nathan collected a few pine cones along the way.
We started out by feeding the animals. Nathan chose to feed the kids first; two little goats who were VERY hungry. Next he fed the hens in the chicken coop. Then it was off to feed the rabbits, and bring hay to the cow. Since it was hot out, Nathan pumped water to keep the animals hydrated. Next week we hope to have an opportunity to feed the sheep, ducks, geese, calf, and pigs.
After we fed the animals, we met as a group and learned about the activites that were available us as this week as "choices". Each week, new activities are introduced and become choices for the following weeks.
Nathan wanted to plant wheat first. So he picked up a rake and started working in the garden. When he was finished, he had planted a handful of wheat. Hopefully we see it start to grow by the end of the program.
Planting wheat naturally led to digging large wholes in the garden. This seemed to be a very popular choice for everyone, boys and girls.
After planting wheat and digging holes, Nathan went to the chicken coop and collected eggs. He washed them and set them in egg cartons to dry. That's when we noticed that the line for riding Gertie, the horse, was very short. Will taught Nathan how to handle the reins to get Gertie to start, stop, and turn. This is something I'm sure he'll practice each week!
While Nathan was riding Gertie, Jenny (the teacher) brought out a wagon full of kittens. The kids got to take turns holding them. Amazing to watch a group of rough and rowdy kids settle right down, gently cradling the kittens in their laps. When the kittens were tired, Nathan helped Jenny pull the wagon back to the barn.
It was time to put the goats back into their little "goat house". Nathan thought his goat would be a little more cooperative if he pet him first. I'm not sure if it worked!
After the animals were all settled, and everything was put away, we met again as a group to go on a short hike through the pumpkin patch and little pine forest. Next week the hike will be one of our "choices". Nathan collected a few pine cones along the way.
We ended the afternoon singing a few songs together on a blanket and ringing the bell before we left. We are excited to go back next week.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Afton Orchard
We headed out to Afton on Sunday (9/13) for what is becoming our annual raspberry picking event. When we pulled in, I yelled, "we're here!" Mathew had no idea where "here" was, but he knew it was going to be fun!
It didn't take Mathew long to figure out that the red berries were much tastier than the white ones.
Mathew left no red berry unpicked. He would stand in front of a bush and pick every red berry he could see. When he was finished, he'd move down a few feet and start over. He didn't have a container to fill, so he filled his tummy.
After a little while he decided it would be easier to just eat out of the container that Grandma was filling.
Nathan is a seasoned picker. This is his third year. Meredith (in the skirt), Devin (orange hat), and Matt (the pair of hands) are getting a few pointers from Ruth (in blue).
I've taken this picture by the apple growth chart every fall. Someday, I'll take them all out and compare.
It didn't take Mathew long to figure out that the red berries were much tastier than the white ones.
Mathew left no red berry unpicked. He would stand in front of a bush and pick every red berry he could see. When he was finished, he'd move down a few feet and start over. He didn't have a container to fill, so he filled his tummy.
After a little while he decided it would be easier to just eat out of the container that Grandma was filling.
Nathan is a seasoned picker. This is his third year. Meredith (in the skirt), Devin (orange hat), and Matt (the pair of hands) are getting a few pointers from Ruth (in blue).
I've taken this picture by the apple growth chart every fall. Someday, I'll take them all out and compare.
We took a ride on this cow-train, made from 55 gallon drums and pulled behind a tractor. The ride was fun, fast, and well worth he $2. This may be a new Afton tradition.
We were moving pretty fast and zig zagging a lot, this was the best I could do for a shot of me and Mathew.
Mathew enjoyed an apple while we waited for the tractor to pick us up. He actually ate half of his apple, gnawing straight through the core.
We were moving pretty fast and zig zagging a lot, this was the best I could do for a shot of me and Mathew.
Mathew enjoyed an apple while we waited for the tractor to pick us up. He actually ate half of his apple, gnawing straight through the core.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Nathan Says
Earlier this eveing:
Nathan: Mom, let's snuggle for a REALLY long time... like six minutes!
Nathan: Mom, let's snuggle for a REALLY long time... like six minutes!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Hide-N-Seek
As I sit here, I can hear Nathan playing Hide-N-Seek with Grandma. His Hide-N-Seek skills haven't improved much over the last year! He still giggles uncontrollably and yells things like "Are you finding me yet?" or "I'm over here, come find me!" To his credit though, he now insists that you count to 10, and doesn't interrupt you while you're doing it!
Mathew's version of this game is to play Peek-A-Boo with his bath towel after a bath. He flips the towel over his head, giggles, and then lifts it up and says, "Boo-A-Boo!"
Mathew's version of this game is to play Peek-A-Boo with his bath towel after a bath. He flips the towel over his head, giggles, and then lifts it up and says, "Boo-A-Boo!"
Evening Play
We are outside everyday after dinner playing in the cul-de-sac. Most of the time Nathan and Mathew run with the neighborhood kids. Bikes and scooters around the cul-de-sac, or ball in someone's yard. There are usually popsicles involved. Chris usually pulls in later and joins the fun. The boys are always thrilled when Dad gets home.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Lake Elmo Fall Festival
We went to our first Lake Elmo Fall Festival on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. The kids had a great time; there was plenty of activities geared toward younger children.
On Friday night, we drove down to the Lake Elmo Bank and had hot dogs, roasted corn on the cob, and ice cream. Nathan got to ride a pony...
Mathew got brave and discovered that not every creature is out to eat him! My guess is that despite his new interest in large rabbits, the Easter bunny is going to evoke tears and screaming this Spring.
Mathew found the llama very interesting, and the llama must have thought the same of Mathew. They couldn't stop staring at each other.
And the biggest shock... timid little Mathew LOVED feeding the goats. He fed them again and again. He even convinced Grandma to buy another quarter's worth of oats so he could feed the llamas too!
Saturday afternoon, we headed to downtown Lake Elmo to meet up with the Christensens to watch the parade, which was VERY short. Mostly emergency vehicles, much to Nathan's pleasure. He particularly liked the giant snow plow. Then we headed to Lions Park, where Nathan discovered he loved the giant inflatable slide. Mathew, who was nap deprived did not particpate much.
Nathan stood in line for a balloon animal. Grandma handed him the sheet of choices. It didn't take him more than 2 seconds to decide he wanted an Octopus. He got a GIANT octopus that looks alarmingly like Homer Simpson.
Then we (Grandma) stood in line to get face painting. Again, an easy decision. Spider-Man! I was amazed at how still Nathan sat. The only other times I've seen him this still is when he is asleep or watching Cars.
Meredith selected a butterfly and flowers. I love this picture of her looking in the mirror with her dad whispering in her ear.
On Friday night, we drove down to the Lake Elmo Bank and had hot dogs, roasted corn on the cob, and ice cream. Nathan got to ride a pony...
Mathew got brave and discovered that not every creature is out to eat him! My guess is that despite his new interest in large rabbits, the Easter bunny is going to evoke tears and screaming this Spring.
Mathew found the llama very interesting, and the llama must have thought the same of Mathew. They couldn't stop staring at each other.
And the biggest shock... timid little Mathew LOVED feeding the goats. He fed them again and again. He even convinced Grandma to buy another quarter's worth of oats so he could feed the llamas too!
Saturday afternoon, we headed to downtown Lake Elmo to meet up with the Christensens to watch the parade, which was VERY short. Mostly emergency vehicles, much to Nathan's pleasure. He particularly liked the giant snow plow. Then we headed to Lions Park, where Nathan discovered he loved the giant inflatable slide. Mathew, who was nap deprived did not particpate much.
Nathan stood in line for a balloon animal. Grandma handed him the sheet of choices. It didn't take him more than 2 seconds to decide he wanted an Octopus. He got a GIANT octopus that looks alarmingly like Homer Simpson.
Then we (Grandma) stood in line to get face painting. Again, an easy decision. Spider-Man! I was amazed at how still Nathan sat. The only other times I've seen him this still is when he is asleep or watching Cars.
Meredith selected a butterfly and flowers. I love this picture of her looking in the mirror with her dad whispering in her ear.
I'd say the face painting was a great success!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
School Days
Today was the first day of the new school year. I realize that it seems silly to make a fuss over this day since the boys attend Miniapple year round as a Montessori/daycare. But still, the start of the school year means saying goodbye to the summer program of biweekly fieldtrips, Mondays at the library, Soccer lessons on Fridays, and the more relaxed atmosphere. It also means saying goodbye to the infant room as Mathew prepares for new adventures with the Toddlers.
Back to the regular routine of lessons and "works" for Nathan in his second year of preschool, and a whole new year of learning and independence in the Toddler room for Mathew. Where does the time go?
So here are my two boys, ready for the first day of school...
Back to the regular routine of lessons and "works" for Nathan in his second year of preschool, and a whole new year of learning and independence in the Toddler room for Mathew. Where does the time go?
So here are my two boys, ready for the first day of school...
Strangely, my heart is both happy and a little sad.
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