My school hosted a family night for the staff and their spouses, kids, etc to celebrate the opening of our newly constructed cafenasium (dual purpose space for cafeteria and gymnasium). I didn't take many pictures of my teacher friends and their families- only catching a few moments when Jim and James enjoyed some hoops.
That's the Principal in the center. Good guy.
It was nice to see all the kids running around and to meet friends' spouses!
After the family night James couldn't wait to do some math homework, just because! What a great kid!
I received some fancy ice skates for Christmas (thanks Ana!) and I really wanted James to try skating. No pressure. Just enjoy it. And he was willing so I looked up the hours for a local ice arena that rents skates and we were off!
The ice arena had these support thingies so James was pretty confident scooting around. The actual skating motion escaped his efforts, but he'll learn!
And then he wanted to try without the support. I was patient and supportive. And I let him fall. It's good for him.
He just kept getting back up!
I used to skate a lot in my youth.. And I was excited to see if I could still skate well but I ended up needing to stick with James the whole time. One day I'll show him my moves :)
Proud Mom.
And we celebrated with ice cream afterwards. Of course!
We only made it skating once but maybe next year we'll get him some used skates and we can try the Blaine parks and warming houses.
Boys everywhere. That's what it felt like on some days. And they wandered everywhere in the neighborhood. I realized my Mom had it (somewhat) easier with us girls- our Barbie play was usually contained indoors :) and that's some QUIET play.
Summer and early fall were nice because if the windows were open I could pretty much hear/see everything. Few worries.
Until you look outside and see them all running towards you. Attack!!
And they're all pointed at you...
One day I looked outside and saw HOCKEY!
"I think I like hockey more than Nerf!"
Uh... Well, that didn't last more than a day or so!
I watched safely from inside, looking outside through the deck windows mostly. These kids aren't above shooting at Moms.
Another day, another Nerf battle.
Another day, some variety! Nerf, scooters, soccer, and girls!
And then the day that James played with Mauer, the neighbor dog. Mauer was Jim's nemesis. Mauer was always up to something, if you asked Jim. I laughed when I saw James playing fetch with Mauer, knowing Jim would feel somewhat betrayed. (Not really!)
James had a week of Basketball camp in July. I was very glad that he was willing to try. So far he's been more of an individual sport kid, so this was his first big kid team sport. (He did t-ball as a 4 year old but he probably doesn't remember that!)
Half days for one week. I would come to pick him up each day and he'd excitedly show me how he can run and dribble, how he can pass the ball, etc.
On the second day he was noticeably sweaty and tired! But so handsome :)
He received this bright tshirt and his very own Skyhawks b-ball!
On the third day I found them doing lay ups.
Group ending.
Parents were invited on the last day to watch them play "a game". His age level didn't play a game but really just practiced their drills. The other (older) groups were actually playing against each other.
I still cheered and supported James.
There was a tense moment when james' partner refused to do the drills with him. I was able to figure out from a distance it was because they both wanted to use their balls for their partnering. They ended up doing Rock Paper Scissors to find a compromise.
Back in business.
At the very end there was an awards ceremony. The kids clasped hands and made this bridge. James was the first one through and he was thrilled!
All week long we heard about Coach Buddy. At the end of each day I did see the extra support she was giving him. I asked James if we should get her a thank you gift. He immediately said "orange flowers!" I thought that could be difficult so red flowers were the second option.
I did find some and I brought them on the last day. James was ready to give them to Coach Buddy.
It was so sweet! First girl (besides his Mom) to get flowers from James!
And guess what? Coach Buddy told us that she just was hired at Woodcrest as the new gym teacher! I guess James has an automatic "A" now!
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