I started off consistent and blogging those first few days of January, and then the month got away from me. The kids eventually went back to school and it was nice to be in a routine. I often feel like I am existing in this strange space where we do well with routine and a schedule, yet I long for those sporadic days where we can do nothing. I suppose by the time the weekend comes, I'm ready to lounge in pajamas and nap and read, while Mason is eager to adventure and hit the town.
Mason's birthday was mid-January, so we celebrated him and had a relaxing day with presents and cake.
The following weekend we played tourist downtown Chicago and went to "The Beach". It's an exhibit set up at Navy Pier where they have a large ball pit to play in and the environment simulating the beach. We were lucky to be in the first part of the line before it opened so we got in with the first wave of people. Mason's sister's family didn't get in with the first group and the wait was too long. When we left we were shocked by how long the line was. I was grateful we got in and were able to play for an hour because I don't think the line the people were waiting in was worth it. Especially since there wasn't a time limit for playing, so there was no indication how long you'd have to wait. The kids had lots of fun, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, but it was rather challenging to get out of a ball pit when you're waist deep.
We walked to the other end of Navy Pier and had our picnic lunches in the Garden Atrium while enjoying the fountains and greenery. Afterwards we took the kids to the Chicago Children's Museum. We were lucky that the Museum and the USO were going a promotion so we only had to purchase one ticket ($15) and got the rest free. The kids had lots of fun! Theo and I went to an art workshop, and we checked out lots of exhibits. If it was a little cheaper and more convenient to our house, I'd see myself taking the boys more.
Theo recently because interested in sports, so we've actually joined the millions of other American's who watch football on Sundays. It was disappointing to see the Bears lose in the playoffs, but we're looking forward to watching the Super Bowl tomorrow night.
The kiddos are back in activities. Woodrow takes a gymnastics class while Max and I do a parent class in the room next door. Max really likes getting his stamps at the end of class. It's nice to have a morning activity before school. Theo and Woodrow are continuing with swimming lessons and Woodrow even moved up to a level 3! Theo's taking an introduction to basketball class and seems to enjoy it. The kids are all his age and skill level, so it's a pretty comfortable class. And Woodrow is taking an art class on Fridays before school. He's really been coming out of his shell and showed no hesitation going into classes on his own. A big step for our shy guy.
The boys are also both still involved with Cub Scouts and had their Pinewood Derby. They're cars raced well and Woodrow even took home a trophy for "Most Realistic" car for his Shark Design. We're so proud of both of them.
At school Theo continues in Chess Club, Book Club, Gifted Classes, and recently he started speech courses. Woodrow is in the Kindergarten Book Club, and I am loving leading his group. My mom has been coming to watch Max each week so I can go lead the Book Club for an hour and it's been a huge blessing to focus on the kiddos and not chasing Max around. I'm really loving my time with the little Kindergartners.
This past week, the temperatures plummeted in the Chicago area and
the kids had 3 days off of school! Ahh! It wasa strange week with them
only going to school Tuesday and Friday. But we got lots done. Some
homework, reading, worked on Cub Scout Badges, and played games.
Maximus has been in full two year old mode lately which is exhausting.
During the week off we all had colds too, which added a little extra
layer of bleh, but at least Mason and I could trade off nights awake
with little ones and naps during the day.
