Sunday, February 24, 2013

Pinkalicious

Simone is turning into quite the girlie girl.  It's funny to see the difference between girls and boys.  We didn't even have dolls in the house until about a year ago, but we finally noticed that our sweet girl loves to play caretaker.  When we can't find her, Simone is usually in her room playing with dolls or reading her favorite Ladybug Girl books.  She loves her dog, her brother, her Dad, her friend Macie and her Mama.  Simone just attended her first theatrical production - a play at the La Crosse Community Theatre based off the book Pinkalicious.  This book has now become required reading in the Swanson household.

Green Belt.

Cullen has passed the rigors of the white, yellow and orange and has just earned his green belt.  He recently certified in a gym with about 100 spectators.  The instructors asked the Little Warrior class a few questions and Cullen promptly raised his hand to give an answer.  Usually, like a typical four-year-old, he just rattles off some funny response off the top of his head.  But when Mr. Hickock asked the kids who could recite the fundamental moves this session, Cullen answered correctly telling the audience the series of five moves that they had been working on.  We were all very impressed.  Simone enjoyed climbing the bleachers, running up and down the hallway and eating cookies at the commencement.  Congrats on your Green Belt buddy!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Jameson's 4th Birthday.

Jameson Clark is now 4!  We were invited to an action-packed pirate birthday party.  The kids bobbed for apples, went on a treasure hunt and took turns hitting a pinata.  Tracy was busy being a hostess, so I was asked to take on photography duties.  Happy birthday Jameson - and a thank you to your parents for throwing such a fun party!

January Hijinx.

January seems to have come and gone.  We've gotten into a winter rhythm:  work, school and play.  Work and school are dull.  It's the playtime that brings the good stories.  Cullen is loving karate and is very into his Beyblades.  For those who are not familiar, Beyblades are sophisticated spinning tops that battle to see who can spin longest in the stadium.  Every Friday, Cullen is allowed to bring a "home toy" to share with his classmates.  Every little boy in his 4k class brings in their Beyblades - and the boys resemble a bunch of old man shooting dice at the park.   Simone is having a blast in her Music Together class.  Whenever we are in the car, she insists that we listen to her music class CD so she can sing along.  Our little girl is also into dressing up:  boots, jewelery, hats, etc.  Thankfully, the kids also have a blast playing together.  It makes for cheap entertainment on cold winter days and very happy parents!