Big Boy

A few weeks ago Luke moved into what is now 'the boys' room.  Noah was excitedly upgraded to the top bunk, and Luke couldn't wait to be in the same room as his brother.  I was dreading it a bit.  Luke often takes a long time to settle down in bed.  He'll roll around and sing for forty-five minutes just enjoying himself in the confinement of a crib.  But it was time, well, past time actually.  Things got delayed a little because our house has been under construction a bit.  So when all of that began to slow down we just went for it.

I was completely wrong about this boy.  He took being in a bed as serious big boy business.  And, I'm sure it helped that he was rewarded every time he stayed in his bed all night with a sticker and a mint in the morning.  Luke could keep Ice Breakers and Tic Tacs in business by himself if I'd let him. :-)  He did such a good job, and only missed out on that reward once.

Since the change I've heard Luke so many times say things like "Mommy, I love this room being mine," and (proudly) "I love sleeping in a big boy bed now."  Oh, and there's also "That room is for my baby sister.  I don't need it anymore."  It hasn't all been perfect as two little boys have adjusted to being in a room together, but it is smoothing out just fine.  And that baby sister.  How is it possible that she's arriving THIS month?  We all have some adjusting to do, including now having a 'baby's' room.

Soccer...Take One

We're right the middle of Noah's first soccer season.  Oh, I love being this kid's number one fan!

There was lots to learn as the season began.  I noticed immediately that Noah's ability to respect other's space was carrying over onto the soccer field.  So, along with dribbling and kicking, we've worked the 'contact' part of this fun sport.  This is one time it definitely is o.k. to run into others a bit!  Sports, so far at least, are also a fantastic social outlet.  Noah loves making new friends -- on his team and the opposing one. 

Every game, every practice, Noah improves.  It's just fun to watch that growth and development.  Most games Noah is pretty content to run with the pack. 

But he's becoming more involved and getting his foot on the ball every game.

He is also a kid who loves a good water break.  No complaints from this guy when he's called to sub out.

 

He's got a lot to learn, but he's already learned so much too.  Focus, sportsmanship, trying again (and again and again) and just simply giving your best are all traits I've been trying to teach since he was just a little guy.  I love that it's just being reinforced and further taught as we embark into the world of sports.  I thought being a player was fun, but this role of soccer (or t-ball or whatever other sport is on the horizon for us) mom is even better!

Field Tripping

It's only mid October, but Joy School has been full of field trips!  So far we've made visits to Apple Hill, the fish hatchery, a pet store, and the pumpkin patch.  Getting out with these kids to explore and learn is always a fun time.  We joined up with another joy school group to visit High Hill Ranch at Apple Hill.  Look at all of these cute almost kindergartners! (and a few siblings as well.)

We lucked out that the field trip was on the one and only cool day in September.  Trading shorts and t-shirts for jackets and jeans, even just for the morning, felt so good!  Those jackets came in handy when we got to go in the huge warehouse where all of the apples are stored.  The kids loved seeing their breath, and I loved learning that they can keep apples fresh for a year in there.  Amazing.

I call this guy my seventh joy schooler.

So far I've taught four weeks of joy school, and he's fit right in. What a difference a year makes.  Instead of trying to get my attention, he's sitting on the carpet and raising his hand to participate.  It's just darling.

A few more Apple Hill pics:

 

For the past month two of our joy schoolers have been out of town.  It's made taking a quick field trip really easy.  Wendy took the kids to the fish hatchery, and for our 'all about animals' lesson, the kids and I took a thirty minute walk around the pet store. 

Just this week, we took a trip to Zittle's Pumpkin Patch.  Look at those pink cheeks.  It was way too hot for October.  Oh Fall, where are you???  Fifteen minutes into our walk around the pumpkin patch both boys were asking when we would be done.  I kind of felt the same way.  Could we please just get out of there?  But we lasted through a tour, hay ride and choosing a pumpkin to take home.  And I even squeezed a smile out of these guys before they headed to the car without hesitation.

First Day

Noah started Joy School again today.  He's got a fun new group of kids, with just Everett being his only buddy from last year.  But the four boys and two girls in this mix are going to be such a great combination of happy, creative and sweet.

We're shaking our heads in amazement that the next 'first' picture this kid will take is for kindergarten next August.  Time is going fast, and it really is so exciting to watch Noah learn and experience so many new things.  Here's to a great last year of Joy School for this guy!

Baldwin Beach

We've been lucky this summer to squeeze in more than our fair share of beach days.

 Last weekend we spent a couple of days in Tahoe and made sure to stop at the beach for some fun. 

After walking from the parking lot to the sand Luke excitedly said, "Hey I 'wike' this beach!  It has 'wittle' waves, and I'm a 'wittle' guy!  Let's play!" 

Maybe those ocean waves at Manresa Beach were a little more intimidating for him than I realized.  At Baldwin he swam, but especially loved just sitting on the shoreline waiting for the 'wittle' waves to rush over him.

The water was cool, the air was warm and we were all happy as could be.

 

When We Weren't Off Playing...

Life at the house was practically perfect.  I loved seeing little bunnies running across the road on morning walks.  On a clear day we could look out and see the ocean.  And having some time (and energy) to finish a book and start another one felt so good.  But being all together with some of our most favorite people was, by far, the very best part.

I mean look at these faces.  They really couldn't get any happier...

  ...or any sillier.

Noah stayed pretty true to his early morning wake ups and was usually the first kid awake every day.  He squeezed in some extra reading time with Nate on a few occasions.

There was lots of time for games -- for everyone.

Noah's new favorite is 'Sorry' so Nate got all of the littler ones engaged in a game.

Everyone got involved for bocce ball. 

 Some of the kids and adults cheered the players on.  Those players were generous and let the littles throw out the pallino when it was time for another round.

This was the first time we've had our big Boyce family trip to Santa Cruz, but I don't think it will be the last.  It was the perfect place: not too far from home, a balance of awesome activities and relaxing, and loads of opportunities to be together.  We can't thank Grandma and Grandpa enough for planning a week that is now one of our favorite memories together!

Annie's Art School

Annie's girls make the most darling self portraits every year.  I was excited that she brought the supplies for them to create their masterpieces during our trip.  Art is not my thing (love it, but definitely lacking in talent there), and I've joked for years that when my kids are old enough I am sending them to Annie's art school.  Thank goodness art school came to us, at least for the first round!

Annie was super patient and guided Noah through his drawing. 

He felt like a big kid using oil pastels for the first time and worked diligently to get all of the skin color filled in.

 Look at the finished result!  Noah was proud of his creation and also excited that he was able to do something that his older cousins can too.

 Olivia, Abby, Sammie and Noah with their finished self portraits.  Just darling, right?

 After waking up from a nap and realizing he didn't have a self portrait, Olivia came through and made one for Luke.  He was proud and as appreciative as a two year old can be.  Thanks Liv for making his day.