Fun Run

Last night Allison, Aidan, and I participated in her school's Fun Run. I should say Allison particiated. The plan was for Tyler to get there to take Aidan and watch while I run with Allison, as per her request. Thanks to a huge wreck on I-10, this was not possible. So, we all three started together. Two minutes in of us walking at Aidan's pace Allison asked if she could run. Thinking she might just jog ahead, I said, "sure!" She took off and left us in the dust. When I saw her turning the corner at top speed I decided Aidan and I should just wait for her at the finish line. We turned around, and by the time she came across Tyler had made it to watch as well. We were around 50 meters from the finish waiting for her, and when she came by Aidan starting running at top speed with her. It was pretty adorable. They both had a great time, and we celebrated our tough workout by eating Mexican food afterwards.

All Aboard!

Aidan's room is finally finished, somewhat. The red wall was holding me up. I have a great plan to take reclaimed fence boards and make a train track with them. While at Hobby Lobby today though I found this on clearance for $15.

I know it's not the perfect fit for the wall, but it's something interesting for now. Here's the bed on the great red wall. Aidan loves this red.

His curtains are from Land of Nod, and they are engineer stripes. I was so excited to find these! Again, my timing was lucky. I bought them half off. Under the left window you can see Allison's old table and chairs that she helped me paint.

Remember the hole in the wall that I filled in with a mirror and plywood. It's now a bookshelf for Aidan. He had a hand in filling it in with books, toys, train whistles, and other treasures. Under it is a toy bench that I love for quick pick-ups.

Finally, his train room would not be complete without his train table. Notice the dinosaurs supervising?

We still need to build a closet in the attic space. I envision a bathroom and closet in there, but that will have to wait. The closet alone is more reasonable right now. Fortunately he's only three, and most of his clothes can just be folded in his dresser until we get it done.

Aidan loves his train room. He and Allison have so much fun playing in there because he has quite a bit of floor space to set up his many train tracks, play legos and lincon logs, and so forth.

Will You Be My Valentine?

At school today both kids had fun parties. I was able to go to Allison's for a few minutes before heading over to pick up Aidan. She had so much fun playing one of her favorite games, bingo.

Aidan's "party" was earlier in the day, and parents didn't attend. He came home with plenty of Valentine cards though!

Here at home Allison was in charge of the card exchange. She made a Valentine's mailbox and instructed each of us to make home-made Valentine cards for each member of the family. She wrote some of the sweetest notes I have ever read.

Here is her note to Aidan (I spell-corrected for you):

Aidan

I love you very much. I hope you like Kindergarten and I will never forget you and you are my favorite friend. And I heard that first grade is boring because you don't get to go on the slide on the little playground. But I hope you like it.

Her note to Daddy:

Dad

I love you. I hope you like work because you went to lunch with your boss and I miss you when you go to work. But I like it when you come home. (She drew a picture of she and Aidan hugging Daddy at the back door when he walks in from work.)

Her note to Mommy:

Mom

I love you because you are sweet and nice and you do stuff for us. So that is why I love you.

She is really trying to transition from "Mommy" and "Daddy" to "Mom" and "Dad". She only does it when she writes, fortunately. I'm not ready. Right now she's behind me saying, "Mommy", so I think I get to enjoy it a little longer.

Can't Wait for Summer

Remember these days...(mid-winter 2009)

Aidan has the same wardrobe preferences. Today he was jumping on our bed in his swimsuit. What is it about sheet-washing day that makes the kids want to jump?

Doughnuts with Dad

This morning was Doughnuts with Dad at Allison's school. It was from 7:15-7:45 AM, so before the school day started. Here they are ready to go super early! (Check out Aidan's new pose for pictures. Isn't he per-ty?)

The 100th Day of School

Yesterday was the 100th day of school for Allison, and all of the Kindergarteners dressed up as little old ladies and little old men. It was adorable.

This is how Allison thinks a little old lady looks. I cracked up!

Mrs. Burns' Kindergarten Class