I just never know how my boys will react. Dylan loves to snuggle with his stuffed animals, will spend hours with the neighbors cats, and walks up to pat any dog on the street. But, you get him near a cute Disney character, and he freezes out of fear.
Such was the case yesterday at the Disney company picnic at the Santa Anita Race track. Mickey and Minnie were about to take their break, so we did not get a chance to get a picture with them. The line for Goofy was not too bad, so we waited patiently. The entire time, Dylan was clawing me to try to get as far away from him as quickly as possible. "No, No, No!!" was all he could utter with his limited vocabulary, but being the mean parents we are, we tortured the poor kid and took a family shot anyway.
Tyler is perpetually the shy kid in unfamiliar situations. He will hide behind me when friends come to visit, and will stick his hand in his mouth if a friendly person asks him a question. It takes a bit of patience to get him to open up and have fun in most situations. But, yesterday he surprised me as well.
We walked into the picnic and saw the pony rides. I have wanted him to take a pony ride ever since he could sit up on his own at 6 months, but have never been able to get him to do it. I won't give up trying, so as usual, I pointed out the adorable horses in my positive and upbeat voice. Then, we waited in the line without pressuring him at all. Nothing but positive words came out of our mouths, "Look at how pretty the horses are, Tyler!" "Look at how much fun all the other children are having!" "Won't you have so much fun riding?" "Which horse do you like the best?" I prepared myself for the scene at the front of the line when I would have to escort my screaming child away from the horses. I knew I would have to react quickly to avoid having his ear-piercing screams not scare the horses and risk getting us kicked out of the park. But this time, something different happened!
Not only did Tyler actually get on the horse, but he had a great time . Just to add even more joy to this already perfect moment, Dylan also had no problem getting on the horse, and rode with pride!
The rest of the sun-scorching afternoon was filled with train rides, ice cream, and lots and lots of water!
June 17, 2008
Goofy's Going to Get You!
June 15, 2008
Slip 'n Slide and Roasting Weenies
My sister-in-law was in town with her 4 children visiting her parents in Ojai. So, she invited me and the boys to come up for a weenie roast. Since I have actually never been to a weenie roast, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity! I couldn't think of a better way of spending my Friday evening than roasting weenies! I mean just saying the words "weenie roast" brings a smile to your face!
So, we drove out to Ojai and spent the day swimming, and playing with cousins. That night, we headed over to one of Patty's parent's properties for the weenie roast (just typing it brings a smile). Of course, the highlight of the evening was riding on the 4-wheelers and the "Gator"!
Tyson and Dylan
Amanda and Dylan
Slip 'n Slide Contest
Tyler scored a 7 on this one
Jimmy got an 8 for style !
Gator-Riding
June 12, 2008
Sacramento
A couple weeks ago, we went up to Sacramento. It is always great to go up north because both of our parents live there and the boys have the chance to visit with so many family members. My brother, Mike, was also going to be in town for business. A couple weeks before the trip, his wife, Rhoda decided she wanted to go through the temple for the first time. So, she came along with their two boys and they were all able to get sealed together in the temple.
I apologize up front for all the pictures! When you have 2 great-grandparents, 4 grandparents, 6 cousins, 4 uncles, 2 aunts, 1 water hose, 1 swimming pool, and a lot of good Chinese food, there will always be too many pictures to choose from!
Arthur is just not much for PDA
Not quite all of us
Fun at Grandma and Grandpa Shek's House
Cousin Fun (yes - all 6 of them are boys)
Arthur turned 32 while we were there, and he got not 1 , but 2 birthday cakes!
Feeling like a kid in a....
June 8, 2008
3-2-1 Blast Off!
I can't believe that Tyler's first year of preschool is over! He started out having too much uncontrolled energy to sit still for circle time and did not play with other children. He would not speak in front of his class, could not pedal a bike, cut with scissors, or use a pencil. Only 9 months later, and he is close to mastering all of these skills. He begs to go to school on days that he does not attend. He loves to do his workbooks in the morning with me and at night with Daddy. He can write his name, knows the sound of almost all of the letters and has even read some words by sounding them out (frog, zoo, cat, and dog to name a few)!
We have had so many ups and downs this year, but looking back, I cannot believe all that he has learned. I am excited to see what the next year will bring for us, but sad that my little man is growing up so quickly. Tyler, it is a pleasure to be your mom! Congrats on finishing your first year of school!
With his teachers - I was amazed that he actually let me take this shot!
Blasting Off to Pre-K (I had to do a count-down for him to stand there)!
Last day of school - at the picnic dinner, Dylan was able to catch a few fish!
The only shot with both boys at the picnic.
The rest of the night, Tyler was running as fast as he could or jumping hurdles (see video)!
Arthur hopes that this video is a prequel to his future high school days. Perhaps, Tyler can excel at the hurdles just like his Dad???
June 5, 2008
Overheard Today
While driving the car...
Me: Tyler, what do you want to get Daddy for Father's Day?
Ty: Um, a Christmas Tree!
Me: A Christmas Tree? Anything else?
Ty: Yeah, a little Christmas Tree!
Later that day, I started to sing the SpongeBob Square Pants theme song...
Me: Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Dylan: ME!
**(Dylan only has about 15 words in his vocabulary and doesn't answer questions yet)