Amy’s Brain :: The Blog

How Madeleine sees the world August 28, 2009

Madeleine has recently started “using the camera”.  I always find it interesting to see what see takes pictures of.  Here are a few from over the summer.  They are from Mason’s last t ball game and my nieces wedding.  My assumption is that this is how she must view the world.  No wonder she love love loves shoes!

Making Music August 27, 2009

A few weeks ago we headed out to the New West Fest in good ol Fort Fun (aka Fort Collins).  We had lots of fun!  Madeleine rode the carousel, Mason rode the giant slide, Morgan got kettle corn and I got a fun new purse from Glitzy Gal Purses.  I love it!  I might need another one for spring!  We also spent a ton of time at the music section.  A music store donated instruments for the event and volunteers helped show kids how to play the instruments.  They had several instruments from each family (strings, woods, brass, percussion)!  Below are some pictures of the kids playing.  Mason tried everything and Madeleine only tried the percussion instruments.  I think it might be time to start Mason in some lessons.  His favorite was the clarinet.

First day of school August 26, 2009

Last Wednesday was Mason and Madeleine’s first day of school.  Mason started first grade and Madeleine ECE (preschool).  The both seemed to have fun.  Madeleine only went for three hours (with mom).  She got to meet her teacher, made a craft and  got to learn all of the school rules. We then had lunch, went shopping and followed it up with a nap before we had to pick Mason up.  Madeleine has jumped right in.  No calls from the teacher yet, I will keep my fingers crossed.  She is very social and I am sure she is making lots of new friends.  On the first day, while talking to dad, she says “I made friends with everyone, even the kids I did not meet yet”.

Mason lost his first tooth on his first day.  A few weeks ago (when the tooth was first loose) he made a comment that he really wished he could loose his tooth at school because you get a treasure chest.  I never thought it would still be in loose when school started, but it looks like it was waiting for the first day.  Mason’s anxiety about not having all of his buddies in his new class seemed to subside.  He realized that he still knew most of the kids.  After one week he seems to have made some new friends as well.

Summer Fun August 19, 2009

Here are some pics of the kids having fun riding their bikes this past weekend.  They had fun playing around while I moved a very very overgrown yard.  I still can’t believe Madeleine is riding a 16 inch bike.  She has had a small bike forever and has shown no interest in riding it.  A few months ago while we were buying bikes for Morgan and I, Madeleine was playing on a 16 inch bike at the store.  She was cruising, so a few days later we bought her a new bike.  Now she loves to ride. Mason is ready for a new one as well.  I am hoping to hold off until next year.  He cruises everywhere now without training wheels.

Today was the first day of school…I will post tomorrow on all of the exiting news.  Lets just say Mason came home with a treasure chest and a goofy grin.

Twas the night before school… August 18, 2009

And all through the house the creatures were stirring all through the house. Baths to be had. Lunches and backpacks to pack. First day of school clothes to be chosen.
Yes, tomorrow bring the end of summer vacation. I can’t believe it is already upon us. Mason will start first grade and Madeleine ECE (preschool). I can’t believe I have two kids in school. I feel like I am entering into a new era as a parent. I wont dwell on it because it brings tears to my eyes. They are getting so big.

As a celebration of the end of summer I left work early last Friday to surprise the kids with some end of summer fun. We were supposed to go swimming with our friends Elliot and Audrey, but the weather did not cooperate (it was threatening rain in Broomfield). We settled on some fun close to home. We went to the zoo. We had ice cream and rode the carousel. We laughed and played. Afterward we had just enough time to go to the pool for 30 minutes of swimming (it was sunny in Denver). It was a great way to spend a summer Friday. Here are some pictures to share.

Madeleine on the Cheetah

Mason on the black bear

How Madeleine Swims

Mason sliding and splashing

Growing Up! August 13, 2009

My kids are growing up.  And not just a little bit.  Mason officially has his first loose tooth and Madeleine moved to a big girl bed.  Both of these milestones happened last couple o f weeks.

Last Thursday, at Mason’s last t-ball game (the parents versus kids), Mason got hit in the face with a baseball.  The result, a loose tooth, the bottom middle left to be exact.  At the time we were pretty sure it was due to the baseball hit.  I was a little concerned that he would be toothless for awhile.  I was pretty old before I started loosing my baby teeth.  Upon further evaluation (this weekend) it was discovered that a big tooth is working its way up behind the loose tooth.  Mason is so exited.  He has been quite jealous of his peers and their tooth fairy rewards.  He has been busy wiggling and I suspect it will just a few more days.  Below is a picture of his goofy little kid smile.  It will be changing soon (as I have been reminded by my friend Cat’s recent post).

Madeleine moved to her big girl bed on Saturday, July 25th.  My dad brought the bed down from Fort Collins and we set it up on the floor.  We did not have the frame yet.  We have since bought the frame,  ripped the carpet out of her room and organized her room.  Just a few things left to do (curtains and accessorize).  I bought the quilt awhile back at Target, I loved the colors and textures (there is lots of corduroy).  I think it looks great in her room.  She is very proud and exited to be a “big girl” in a “big girl bed”.   It is hard to be the youngest kid. She is always trying to be big like Mason.

And next week they start school.  Wow has time flown.  They are so big!

Madeleine's Big Bed

Mason's Loose Tooth

Morgan’s Birthday August 10, 2009

Sunday, August 2nd, was Morgan’ s birthday (I am a little late posting this…it has been sitting in my drafts).  We had a fun filled day of miniature golf, picnic in the park, a move (g-force) and some quiet time at home.  Overall it was a fun day.

Morgan received a gift card to learn how to crochet, crochet needles and the exiting book “crobots”. He is going to make little monsters and robots.  I am exited to see the outcome.  I think I will join him in the class!  I have always wanted to learn to crochet.  My grandmother used to make me little toys and I loved them.  She also made dishcloths.  They were the best,  I still have some and use them.  So maybe someday soon there will be some new crafts to share.

Anyways….Happy Birthday to my dear husband.  Here is a cute picture of he and Madeleine golfing.

Princess Madeleine & Knight Mason August 3, 2009

Here it the final outcome of the Knight Tunic.  A little big, but he loved it. We had a blast last weekend at the Renaissance Festival.  Lots of food, rides and a laughs (and only a little rain).