Bennett Goes Racing!

Zach and Bennett made their way to the track for Bennett's first (of many I am sure) trips to experience some portion of the famed Indianapolis 500.  Since this was his first trip, we intentionally planned it for a quiet practice day to minimize crowds...it didn't disappoint.  It took a little time for him to adjust to his surroundings, but he had a blast!

 

The smaller crowds allowed him to get up close and personal with the pit areas - which was a highlight.  He also met several drivers (his favorite was Helio - who autographed the bottom of his matchbox race car), ate a hamburger and just enjoyed time with dad! 

 

The next day at school, Bennett was so excited to "share" his experience with his teachers and classmates.  Share is always a highlight for him - he takes it very seriously.  After talking about his day at the race track and showing classmates some memorabilia, there is time for "comments and questions" from others in his class.  The thought of calling on his friends and answering their questions makes me laugh.

Spring Sing and Art Show

We were thrilled to attend Bennett's first (and only) performance of the year...Spring Sing!  Their philosophy on student-centered work and exploration carried right over to his noon performance. 



Bennett was so excited to have his special guest, memaw, there to watch and he proudly reached for her hand to lead her to the JK art show.  The best stop, of course, was the cookie and lemonade station.  And special treat for me - we snuck in a little girls lunch once Bennett returned to his daily routine.

 



 

Each of the three JK classes created their own Jackson Pollock painting.  Bennett's contribution to this painting is yellow...we found it on his clothes and in his hair when I picked him up from school that day!

 

Class photo following their performance!  Each child had a line to say as a story weaved in-between musical numbers.

 

"Join Hands All Around the World" was their concluding song - so sweet.  I joked with Bennett's music teacher who is a dear friend that if it were just the boys up there all we would hear is whispers...thank goodness for those girls!

 

 

Bennett is second from the left.

 

Part of their spring unit on art included a trip to the IMA.  I accompanied the field trip and it was a blast!  The children did a fabulous job of recognizing types of art and responded so well to the many questions the tour guide asked of the students.  It is hard to believe two weeks from today school will be out for summer...we are ready for the pool and parks!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today we celebrate daddy turning 34!  Bennett loves knowing everyone's age and has recently started saying ever so cool and confidently, "...did you know I am 5 now?"  He, of course, is not.  I think the mixed-age classroom has him itching to get to the ripe age of five.

 

 

These pictures always make me think Daddy and his ducklings...

We are so thankful for birthdays - health, well-being.  An opportunity to reflect on personal growth and to EAT CAKE!  We are looking forward to celebrating daddy tonight!

 



 

Happy Birthday to a fine hubby and daddy...be happy, be bright, be you! 

 

 

XOXO

Growing Up.

We are loving the teases of warmer weather and longer days!  It is so nice to come home from Bennett's evening t-ball practice and still have an hour of sunlight and warmth to play outside before heading in for bedtime routines.  Now if we can just convince the warmer days to stick around...

 

It is difficult to believe we are in the home stretch of Bennett's first school year.  He has grown and learned so much over the past year - makes us excited for more!  We are looking forward to his Spring Sing and Artist Showcase in early May before moving on to JK Bike Day and Field Day to round out the school year. 

 

Elly Rose refers to gymnastics as "school" and inquires about going nearly everyday.  Last night daddy and Bennett joined us as spectators and she was SO excited to perform for an audience.  In other "big girl" news, over our stay-cation spring break, we potty trained Elly Rose.  She was more than ready for the task and has yet to look back. 

 



 

 If Elly Rose spots a camera or phone (especially Papaw's phone...he loves snapping pics of his grandchildren), she immediately says, "Cheese!" giving us the most interesting face to photograph.  I caught this one about half-way in to the full expression with my phone...

 

Bennett's bed finally arrived over spring break!  He was so very excited to have multiple possibilities in sleeping arrangements (includes a trundle) and he loves that his mommy and daddy (or both!) can lay next to him before bed.  He still calls for us when he wakes from nap or in the morning...I keep waiting for an unexpected Bennett appearance downstairs...

 

 Funny (or sad) story from the other day - Zach and Bennett upstairs picking out clothes to play outside...Bennett selects his t-shirt for the day and says he will also wear it to school the next day.  Zach encourages him to pick a different shirt to play outdoors because it is likely this one will get dirty and be unavailable the next morning for school.  Zach exits room, but hears some loud shuffling...Bennett followed Zach dragging his laundry basket explaining that all he needs to do is place the shirt in the basket after wearing, then it will be clean.  Hmmm...I might need to teach Bennett the next 5 steps required before his shirt is actually clean.

 

 

We enjoyed a super fun visit from Charley this past weekend!  We were lucky to celebrate her 2nd Birthday while she was here with her mama!  It was such a treat to spend some time together.  We really enjoyed watching the cousins play, and I hope we never go nearly a year between in-person visits again.  Elly Rose keeps asking, "Where is Charley?"

 



 

Lucky for us, we will have the opportunity to have the whole crew together for some extended time this summer.  Looking forward to more park, swim and playdates then!

Spring?

Thought it was time to sneak in a quick post before March gets away from me!  It is difficult to believe that Easter is one week away, spring breaks begins today, Bennett is all set for t-ball, Elly Rose has completed week 2 of gymnastics and the weatherman is predicting SNOW for the weekend...

 



 

While spring officially arrived yesterday, we have long been ready for it in our home.  Each time I hear the 5-day forecast my patience is tested a little more.  Not much we can do to change the weather, but goodness are we ready for spring.  Actual conversation today with a colleague concluded with, "Well, if we do get enough snow, lets meet here on Monday morning so our babes can sled together....over SPRING BREAK!"

 

 

Otherwise, we really are cruising along- thankful for our healthy family and hopeful to begin enjoying quality outdoor time together soon.  I am looking forward to the break with my babes.  Elly Rose and I had a nice morning together for a quick visit to the pediatrician for her 2 1/2 year well baby visit.  She continues to be our little spark plug and experienced a little growth spurt since 2 year appointment.  She is 35.5 inches tall (2 inches taller) and 26.4 pounds (1.4 pounds more).

She loves gymnastics, playing cars with bubby, watching the IU song on you tube and playing in her new little house.  For Bennett, the academic piece continues to evolve.  He is sounding out first letter sounds in words to try and understand spelling/reading, he loves to clap the syllables in words, and after a long, cozy 4 years in his crib/toddler bed is pretty excited about the upcoming transition to his big boy room.  I am so fortunate to be a working mom who is able to be on the same campus as Bennett.  This provides me with so many little opportunities to see him and for us to spend a little time together.  After a big bump to the head on the playground yesterday, he spent the afternoon hanging in my office...so incredibly thankful for this!

 



 

 

I can't leave out a big, "GO IU!" as march madness is in full swing as of yesterday and today!  This photo was taken exactly one year ago (notice the bare legs!?) as we watched round 2 of the tournament with family.  We are hoping to spend our next few weekends doing this same thing!