Scrimmage

For Franny's final soccer class, Coach Mike had the kids scrimmage. I think the concept of a sport having a competitive drive towards an end is completely lost on Franny; although, at age 4, I think this is a good thing, since it should all be about fun. Franny had missed the previous week's class, where he introduced them to some two-on-two exercises, which would probably have given her a better idea about how to play a game of soccer. As it was, she basically ran around and chased the ball and the other kids, not understanding quite what they were doing. But, as is apparent from the video, she had a great time, regardless. This class, led by the wonderfully patient and fun Coach Mike, was a great experience for Franny and one she really enjoyed. I am hoping she will be interested in another session in the Fall. We'll see!

Soccer from T on Vimeo.

Free at last!

A couple of weeks ago, Franny’s butterflies finally all hatched out of their cocoons.  We set them free and watched them fly up high into the sky.  I was a little surprised at how willing Franny was to let them go, but that just made the release all the more fun.  She was a little surprised that the butterflies wouldn’t be returning every night to sleep, as she had expected, but she was still happy to have them free.

 

It’s a butterfly!

Franny’s butterfly garden has been a test of patience, to say the least.  Once we brought it home, it took another two weeks for the caterpillars to arrive, another week and a half for them to eat up and build their cocoons, and then another week for the first one to emerge as a butterfly, which happened this afternoon.  That’s a lot of waiting for a 4-year-old! And while still two more remain in their cocoons, it was fun to finally see the transformation complete.  Since they are native butterflies, we will set them free once they all leave their cocoons. But until then, we will enjoy viewing them in Franny’s garden.  Just a little more waiting…

As time goes on

As each day passes, the special bond between Franny and Cole is becoming increasingly stronger.  The definitely adore each other, and often seem almost lost when they are separated.  Franny recently asked me when she would get married.  I told her when she was older and met someone she loved and wanted to spend all her time with.  She then told me that she wanted to marry Cole.  Sweet Franny—she makes my heart melt!  Times like these, makes me want to freeze time, because it’s hard to imagine that it could be any better and anything different couldn’t possibly be as good. But, everything is about to change—for everyone—in just a few short weeks.  But, I when I look at these two, I know that it will be nothing short of wonderful.

Princess for a day

There is no question that it is birthday season—we’ve already been to a number of fun parties in last six weeks, and there are many more to come! Few however, have been as intensely anticipated as the royal party that Franny attended this weekend. For the past week, Franny has been asking questions about what to expect at this event—what the kids would all wear and what they would do. The morning of the party there was no question she was both excited, as well as nervous. The kids came in their royal attire, dressed up as princesses, kings and queens, as well as a jester and a dragon. There was a great castle made out of large cardboard boxes, complete with tunnels and a dungeon; pin the lips on the frog prince; crafts to decorate a treasure box and crown; and a fun scavenger hunt to fill the treasure boxes.

It’s interesting to see what a big deal princesses are to these little girls—I really don’t think there is much distinction between reality and fantasy. The opportunity to dress up and become part of this world was a very big deal for Franny—to a level that I didn’t realize until I saw her little face full of both awe and anxiousness for nearly the entire party. All the excitement was a lot for her to take in, and by the end, Franny was thoroughly exhausted, to say the least—I don’t think a thousand peas could have disturbed this princess’ sleep last night! I hope her wonderment doesn’t diminish before we have the opportunity to take a family trip to Disneyland.

Princess Francesca

Franny decorating her treasure box with jewels

The castle maze

The 4-year-old sophisticate

What ever happened to criss-cross-applesauce?

Let the sun shine in!

Franny always loves to visit Grandma and Grandpa’s, but our recent stretch of beautiful weather has enabled even more fun--riding the four-wheeler, swinging on the tire swing, playing T-ball, and even just sitting around in the sun.  Hopefully, it will continue for a long time!

The need for speed

Within reason, Grandpa always accommodates Franny and Cole’s requests for a ride on the four-wheeler (Franny) or a trip out to see the horses (Cole).  Given his latest reactions, Cole will probably ride a horse before he climbs on the four-wheeler, but Franny absolutely loves it, especially when she is sandwiched between two of her very favorite people.  On our last soup night gathering, Grandpa pulled it out for Franny for a last-minute run.  Lucky girl!  It was non-stop smiles until she was forced to stop to take pictures!

Easter irony

Franny LOVES her new Easter dress.  She’s worn it to school, the park, around the house, and has even insisted on sleeping in it.  On Easter Sunday, however, I found myself with two dead camera batteries and unable to take pictures of Franny and Cole in their Sunday best at church service amongst all the beautiful flowers.  Although I could later get Cole back in his clothes, hoping to at least get a picture of them together on Easter, Franny refused.  She has since worn it probably everyday.  Of course, a four-year-old’s stubborness is not the easiest way to be reminded that Easter isn’t about the clothes, but I did find her timing remarkably appropriate.

Egg hunt of sorts

Franny's playgroup had a very fun morning at the Bethany Village Center.  Their morning began with story time at Bliss Cupcake, a very kid-friendly and fun place, where they read lots of fun books about bunnies.  Then, they began their Easter egg hunt.  Less of hunt, and more like trick-or-treating, the kids had a list of businesses where they went to collect stamps to turn in for a raffle and of course, eggs and treats.  It was great for the kids, as they got lots of fresh air and exercise walking around the area, and their fun continued for three hours (including lunch), rather being over in five minutes.  In the end, they got all the stamps and were entered in the raffle.  To be sure, all the kids want the prize of a dozen Bliss cupcakes.  We'll see!

 

The kids with their bunny tails at story time.  Cole didn't care much for his!

The kids checking out the treats at the local bakery/restaurant

Franny and her dear friend.  They held hands nearly the whole time!

Franny's party

This weekend, Franny finally had her long-awaited birthday party at OGA.  She has been asking about all the details, from which of her friends would be able to come to what kind of cake she was going to have.  Needless to say, she had the time of her life.  She was grinning from ear-to-ear from beginning to end (well, until she lost her pink balloon to the lofty rafters of the gym) and was flying high for hours to follow. For Franny--as I would assume with most other kids her age--there is an overwhelming joy that comes from being around other kids, which compares to none.  And, I couldn't be happier with the friends that Franny has chosen for herself--they are really great kids, as is she.  I had gone back and forth about whether to give Franny such a big party, but in the end I am glad we did.  Happy Birthday, sweet Franny!

Zone 1

Yesterday, during a walk in NW, Franny saw a little girl playing in a sprinkler, and of course, wanted to do the same. Although we don't have a portable sprinkler, we did the next best thing--Zone 1. The kids had lots of fun, and it was a great way to end a beautiful and fun-filled weekend.

Fun at the Pirate Park

Sometimes, words are just unnecessary...

Birthday joys

Isn't licking the spoon the best part of making any birthday cake?

Franny is 4!

Today was Franny's fourth birthday. Because she's having a big party on Saturday, we had just a small celebration, and Franny spent some special time with Grandma and Grandpa, opening gifts and enjoying some ice cream.  It's amazing how much she has changed over the last four years, and what an incredible and special little girl she has become.  I can't wait to see what the next four years will bring.

Park season?

It's probably early to actually declare Park Season officially on, but we are doing our best, making two trips to the park last week.  Franny and Cole--both always prefer to be outside--had a great time, to say the least!  And, while we undoubtedly have many more indoor days to come over the next few months, I think we have all shifted our sights to the outside and enjoying the Spring warming that is soon to come.   I can tell, these two can't wait!

On her last lap

Franny has been going to swim lessons since she turned one. Because she has always been in love with the water, it has always been one of the highlights of her weekly routine. Recently, however, her enthusiasm has definitely waned, and she has decided she'd like to move on and try something else. Since it is supposed to be all about fun, I completely support her decision to try something new and explore new interests. There is a part of me, however, that is very sad that next week will be her last swim session. Partly because she is such a great swimmer, and is so much fun to watch, and partly just because she has been going non-stop for the past three years and it seems to be such a part of her. I suspect that part of the reason she is wanting to move on is that she has reached a level where the songs and games are gone and they focus heavily on water safety. A majority of every class is doing U-turns, where they dive into the water and then swim back to the wall; and roll-overs, where they dive in and either float on their back or continue to swim on their back across the pool. Everything is geared toward being safe in the water, which is great, but I don't think the five minutes of play-time at the end of each class is quite enough for Franny's preference.

She has learned a lot, though, and the teachers she has had have been truly exceptional in their kindness, patience, and ability to connect with young kids. Franny has been swimming unassisted for just short of two years, and her skills in the water have improved tremendously. I hope someday down the line she decides to return to the pool, but ultimately that decision will be her own.

This past week, I took this video of Franny. She's the one in the middle; she starts with a sit-dive, rolls over onto her back for a starfish float, then rolls back over for a short swim to the wall, all of which she is doing completely by herself. Pretty impressive for an almost-four-year-old--but that's why we call her the little fish!

Roll-over and starfish float from T on Vimeo.

Once in a blue moon

Franny hasn't napped for months.  She has her quiet time everyday, where she will read books, do puzzles, color, and try on numerous, numerous ensembles, but sleeping has not occurred for a very long time.  Today, however, half-way into her quiet time she fell asleep.  And it hasn't been a hectic or unusual day--a fun playgroup at the SW Community Center and lunch at the Lucky Lab.  Whatever did it, I'm not going to even question.  The peace that comes with a quiet house and two napping children is indescribably wonderful.  Nothing compares to it.  And since I know it will not happen again for a long time, it's best to just enjoy it!

Grandpa to the rescue

Franny and Cole have busy schedules to begin with, but the Valentines Day holiday added two parties to Franny's week, as well as special events at her usual activities. Unfortunately, Cole was very sick for most of the week with a terrible cough and fever, which could have potentially quarantined us all. Thankfully, however, Grandpa came over during the early days of the week and stayed with Cole so he could rest and recuperate at home, and still allow Franny to attend her music and soccer classes and a special playgroup Valentines party. It may seem like small stuff to us, but to Franny these events were a big deal, and it was wonderful that she didn't have to miss them. And how did the week end? A special trip to the Train Expo and pizza at the Lucky Lab with Grandma, Grandpa, Daddy, and a newly recovered Cole. For these two kids, there couldn't be a better day. We know how blessed we are to have family close to help us, but it is even more special to see how much Franny and Cole adore them. I love our family!

Sweethearts party

Since moving into her Chipmunks classroom six weeks ago, Franny has started to open up more with both the kids and teachers.  She knows more of her classmate's names, has met new friends, and talks to her teachers, now.  So, when it came to preparing her Valentines for her class, it was fun to have Franny interested in taking a very active role.  She helped assemble the little foam bears that held a lollipop; selected each child's play-doh color, bear color, and Valentine; put everything in the gift bags; and topped each one with a bonus sticker--an idea she came up with on her own.  She really enjoyed it all and was very excited to take them to her friends at the Sweethearts party at school.  And, although the party itself was a bit overwhelming for her, I am very proud of her in the types of interaction she has obviously developed over the past weeks.  That's not easy work for one so socially apprehensive. It made me realize that I need to not get so frustrated with her when her shyness overwhelms her in what seems to me to be a simple and easy situation--she is figuring it out on her own time and her own way, which is exactly how she should do it.  And, it makes me very thankful that she is in such a supportive and caring learning environment where she can do just that.