The important things

Curriculum

Parent-teacher night for the boys tonight. Masons teacher glowed about the great group of fourth graders she has this year. We genuinely believed she loves them all.    As is typical in most curriculum nights, the teacher was busy talking about her style and approach, and we didn't get a chance to talk to her about Mason.

We then walked into Ermias' classroom. His teacher recognized us and began talking about him. She said that he is THE most popular kid in the class. She said that after recess all the kids come back with stories about Ermias. She went on and on about how personable he is, how he comes to the front of the class and dances during each song, and about his one dimple. It was apparent that he is no longer special because he comes from a different place, he is just a kid like every other who is special in his own way. She loves this kid. 

We asked if he had gotten over hugging and kissing inappropriately. She said no, not really. However he has stopped licking. It's just kissing and hugging.  But then she followed it up saying "but that is one of the things that most of the kids like about him. He puts his arms around them and they all love him."

He is a charmer.

Brothers

I snuck this picture after the boys went into their room to read together, as they do almost every night. 

I think Mason has realized that Ermi isn't going anywhere, and that he got trumped as the youngest, so we are now noticing some normal brother jealousy that wasn't there a couple of months ago. It's nice to have these pictures to look back on when we need them. 

Big Ten

Mason said that today's birthday party was "THE best birthday party EVER."

His entire soccer team plus four other guys, Ermias and two twelve year old girls (Kenzie and Kilye). 

They started off with soccer, of course, and then the laser tag guy showed up with 20 guns. 

It should be noted that in our family rules--which are proudly displayed on our wall--say "NO GUNS!" Evidently we took a break from that rule today. 

First day of school blues

http://youtu.be/mZH9pi2HKKE

Good friends speak the truth

The 9-9s

Our September 9a turned another year today. Mason hit double digits! And we again hit Red Robin to celebrate. What can I say? It's easy, they sing, and he loves it. 

Wheel selfies

From the Seattle Wheel. 

Soccer x 3

All three kids are officially in soccer now. 

Ermi was a little overwhelmed at the chaos that comes from ten kids on the pitch and a screaming coach. He made it through but was more than a little dazed. 

The coach was late so Felix and Mason started the drills. 

Kenzie now plays on the big field with 11x11. She did great! She played hard and moved from defense to mid to forward all in the first game. 

And, Masons team started up games again. They won 4-2. Mason scored two goals. 

Just to give us an even number we went to David and Daniels game. 

End of summer

Last weekend we tried to eek out a little bit more of summer and took everyone to Las Vegas. When we arrived back home at 9PM before the first day of school we realized we may have, in fact, found our limits. That said, I have a lasting memory from that trip: Ermias' face during the 90 minute Cirque du Soleil show. He sat complete transfixed, eyes bulging with a look of utter amazement. At one point he saw that I kept staring at him as he looked at the people hanging above on a wire and said, "don't worry Mom, I'm not scared. This is cool!" Oh how far we have come in 10 months that he can sit in a Vegas show and take it all in. I was as amazed at him as I was the performers. 

He got up bright and early today and made it to school, excited for the first grade. He likes his new teacher and has a couple of soccer buddies in his class. 

After school the teacher pulled Cindy aside and said he is working on not hugging and kissing all the other kids as some don't want to be touched. We reinforced that we kiss our family and only hug friends who want hugs. But if this is the issue that follows him throughout his academic career, I think things will be just fine. (At least for another few years.)

Whales

When we were riding back from Lopez Felix was sad that he never saw "his Orca." Lucky us, a pod appeared right next to the ferry. The captain announced it and we all got a show. 

Car rides

Vegas!

We had one more weekend left in summer so we headed to see Sarah. Sarita was in town too!