On the Other Side

Today I had Allison's very first face-to-face parent-teacher conference. I was insanely nervous on my way over to her school. The funny thing is, I used to get insanely nervous to talk to parents as the teacher. It was so strange to be on the other side of that table today.

Academically, she's above in all areas. This is good. This is not what they started the conference telling me however.

The first thing the two teachers did was look at one another and something like this went on:

Miss Angie: "Do you want to tell her, or should I?"
Miss Carol: "I can if you'd like, it's fine."

WHAT?!?! At this point I start my mini-stroke. What is wrong with my child? My baby, my angel, my perfect little being that you two obviously don't really know or have a clue about. Why am I even here? These two are idiots. That's it! I'm home-schooling through high school.

The big news is that Allison needs to quit interrupting her teachers and peers in an effort to be the care-taker and organizer of the classroom. I immediately calm down and realize these two loving, highly-intelligent women really do know my kid. That's her to a T.

They went on to tell me that she speaks about situations, thoughts, etc at a very mature level, but doesn't have the maturity socially to share these thoughts. Meaning, she wants to always answer the questions first, be the one that models the exercise, instruct other students on what to do, explain what the book means to the class instead of the teacher doing her job, and so forth.

They also said she's somewhat of a perfectionist and needs to enjoy the ride a little more. This is also true. She can get rather wrapped up in the details and process.

The conference then went on to her academic testing, where she excelled. She really does have a love of learning, which they also pointed out.

All that being said, she's a very happy, healthy, and hard-working child. They said she's beyond ready for kindergarten next year. I thought for my first time through the ringer, it went amazingly well, thanks to one amazing little girl.

The Last Day of a Fun Visit

This morning Papa Jerry and Nai Nai headed back to North Carolina, but we had a fun day yesterday before the sad good-byes until May.

Making Popsicles

Marble Run of the Century

(They were just a little proud of the height of the their awesome marble run.)

Two Cheerleaders this Morning

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A Day in the Park

This afternoon we headed to the park during Aidan's nap. I caught some great pictures that I wanted to share.

Sweet Austin!

Workin' Up a Sweat

Papa Jerry and Nai Nai are here, and we have had a day full of physical activity. This morning we went to Pump It Up before heading to pick up Nai Nai from the airport.

Then, this afternoon there was a "Just Dance for Kids" marathon in the living room.

Marshmallow Tree

This past Sunday we saw the cutest little marshmallow tree at church. The kids and I decided to make one this afternoon. It was a really fun project and made for a nice centerpiece on our kitchen table.

There was intense marshmallow placement.

And intense marshmallow eating.

Our Mashmallow Tree

Electronic Fun

Today we met our friends at IT'Z for lunch and some game-playing fun. Not only were there games, but fun rides also. Both kids loved the little roller coaster, and Allison went on a monkey ride that would raise and drop her repeatedly. I think she also now has a new passion for bowling. She could have done that all day. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Wack-a-mole - Perfect for Aidan

Snow Day

Did you know that it snowed yesterday in Houston? Well, in our neighborhood it did. It was "Snow Day in the Park", and both kids had a blast!

Making snowballs and a snowman

Drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies

Riding down the snow slide

Tyler was on an Aidan chase most of the time. He was a wild man. When Tyler caught him, he would throw his body on the grass in protest. Ahhh, two-year olds.