Random pics from the week

For the first time in several days, I have a few minutes to blog. Bob found me a work (CAD) project for the next couple weeks, so most of my computer time has been spent doing that. My non computer time has been spent managing an overtired kid. Parker continues to be super needy and cranky in the afternoons on some days. I'm looking for ways to squeeze in more sleep time. I'm also having a neighborhood 6th grader come over twice a week to amuse Parker while I work and help me prep for the evening and next day by picking out pajamas and her school outfit. She's generally pretty happy as long as she's busy and/or the center of attention.

She has a lot of fun with 'her' camera. It's our old digital that works pretty well occasionally.

Today she completed a project she's been thinking about for a while....a painted box. She's been asking me for a box for a while, a PLAIN box to paint. Today she couldn't stand it any longer so I found her a box and she spent her time after school painting it. I have no idea what it's for....possibly a home for a stuffed animal. It's so fun to watch her so engrossed in things like painting and taking (and reviewing) pictures.

The big thing last week was the pep rally and football game. If you can believe it, those thing are actually on the average kindergartner's radar. (talk about indoctrination...) I was able to get out of taking Parker to the football game by taking her to the pep rally. Not that she has any interest in watching football, she just knows it's a big deal and 'everyone' goes. She enjoyed the pep rally and said her favorite part was the cheerleaders, which surprised me...I thought she'd like the drill team the best. ..I think we'll probably continue to go to them...wait, is there another one in 2 days? Maybe every other one. I've ordered a school shirt for her, and we're anxiously awaiting its arrival. She's VERY into her school colors of Red! Black! and White! (also a cheer)

Our (Bob's and my) big deal last week was our 20k race. It started and ended at the arboretum and went around White Rock lake and through the adjacent neighborhoods. It was a very pretty course and the rain had finally ended so we had clear skies and mild temps.
Bob did really well....7th in his age group, 27th over all. He had a sub-7min/mile pace. I was #62 in my AG, and #837 OA. It was WAY more crowded when I finished than when Bob did, haha. Luckily New Belgium was a sponsor, so he had beer to enjoy while waited for me to finish. Our friends Allie, Todd, Holly and that ran it too and it was fun hanging out with them afterward....although I think this was the 'before' picture.
(is it lame to post a proof of a picture? If so, I guess I'm lame)

Homeschool Yoga

Last week Parker went off on a yoga tangent. She started doing stretches that she sees bob and I doing, some which resemble yoga poses, and I told her the names of some of them. She really like the idea that they have names.....cat, cow, mountain, etc. She can remember most of them too. I got her a kid's yoga book from the library and she used that to fill in her knowledge gaps.
Since I had not yet acquired the yoga outfit she requested (strappy tank top, fitted shorts), she improvised with her ballet clothes ...and tap shoes.


The next day I dug out her summer clothes and she was thrilled to have a proper outfit. Several outfits actually, which is a big part of the fun....changing clothes.

Notice that all these pics are in the kitchen....since they were taking while I'm prepping and cooking dinner.

Here is the commentary that goes along with the pictures and poses:
"Mom! Look at me! Look! Look at this one! Look! Take a picture! Watch! Watch me! Are you ready for this one! Take a picture! Look! Mom! Mommy! Look"

I have the outtakes uploaded here (click the picture):

Yoga

Ballet, soccer and skiing

Today was Parker's first soccer game. She's had 2 practices so far and today was the first game. At her first practice, she threw a fit and refused to get out of the car. At her second practice, she got out of the car, but cried at one point, and stayed by Bob on the sideline. Today, she cried while getting dressed, but didn't cry at the game (she may have been bribed with candy). She didn't play, but watched again, and participated in the team picture. So we're getting there. This will ultimately be good for her, I hope, once she gets over her anxieties and actually plays. Here she is in her uniform. I made her hold up 3 fingers because she's 3 years old. It's my way of date-stamping the picture, and it looks nicer than holding up today's newspaper.

In contrast, here she is on the way to ballet lessons (leotard is under the fleece, and ballet shoes are in her bag). She continues to LOVE ballet, and pays close attention to the teacher and does very well considering her size. A big part of why she loves it is that all the other girls are older....4's and 5's. They are learning their dance for their recital in May, and at their class this week, they performed it for the older jazz class girls, which was a big thrill for her.

And more ski pictures are trickling in. Bob found a ski rental place that would bring the skis to you, instead of having to go get them and lug them back to the condo. This is really the way to go. Here I am being fitted with ski boots. The condo we stayed at was the Highland's Lodge, by the way. Super super nice.