a Thanksgiving date at the kids' table

LT insisted on sitting at the big table with the grownups so Adler got a some time alone at the kids' table with his little girlfriend to enjoy the fruit salad.

first little ski day

LT has been skiing once before at a park near our house but today was his first day skiing at a real mountain (Copper) and, as often is the case, his little brother got dragged along for the adventure.

Getting everyone and all their gear to the slopes was a bit of an ordeal to say the least. And we had to stop and get our passes on the way which made it even more of an adventure. But we did finally make it and the boys did laps each on the magic carpet. Kari helped Adler and I went with LT. They both did pretty well considering that they are just little guys and this was their first time. LT even put on the skis again that afternoon at Grandpa's house and worked on his new skills some more.

Halloween party at LTs big school

Adler and I were able to attend LTs big school Halloween party. We paraded around the entire school (K-12th grades) and then came back to the classroom for some Halloween art and spooky snacks.
My astronaut and fireman.
LT eyeing the yummy food with his bud, Tino.
Such cute kids all dressed up.

W R T

Yes, I am a teacher, no I don't know everything. Part of the reason I didn't enjoy teaching kids (besides preschoolers) younger than 3rd grade is because I was terrified of teaching kids the beginning stages of reading and writing. How do you teach them such an abstract topic? Well, here I am, with a kid of my own who is very interested in learning to write and I am still terrified. I am lucky for three reasons. First, he's in an amazing school that fosters kids interests and helps them learn to write if they are interested. Second, I was able to observe the Kindergarten teacher teaching the kids to write, so I have some tiny clue as to what to do. Three, LT is so self motivated that he is basically teaching himself. We may never make it past this stage, but for now I am completely impressed.
This is his play plan from about a month ago. I had no idea he could or would write anything. On my snack day I went in and was blown away when he sat down and wrote this by himself and then read it to his teacher to help fill in the blanks. A few days later I observed the Kindergarten teacher. The kids were doing their papers titled "Over the weekend I...". They were to draw a picture and write the words. She modeled and the kids helped her. Hers went something like this, "over the weekend, I rd m bk" "over the weekend I rode my bike". She wrote down (and left the copy on the board) exactly what the kids had heard and told her to write. In my head I thought writing had to be perfect spelling from the beginning, but I am now realizing that just hearing and writing the consonant sounds is an important first step. I was ready to tackle this the next time LT wanted to write. Instead, he beat me to it, alone. Below is what I found him doing one morning.
"LT, wow, can you read me what you are writing?" He said, "sure, Elephants name is Kite, he flies a kite". After he read it, he realized that he had forgotten the "is" and asked me to add it. Later that afternoon, I was upstairs putting Adler to sleep and came down to him with a pencil and little notebook. I asked what he was doing. He said, "just practicing my letters". He had basically made a pattern with several letters and was copying it over and over again. I am in no hurry for him to learn to read or write, but I am happy that he is enjoying it rather than struggling with it at such a young age.

Skis!

Brian and I decided this was a good year (for no good reason) to teach the boys to ski. We all have passes, to three mountains, we got the boys skis, boots, helmets, goggles, snowpants, mittens. I am really glad we waited to take LT because there's no way he would have enjoyed it last year, but this year he is really excited! We tried everything on one night and I couldn't get him to take them off. He's still cautious, but at least curious and interested. At Colorado Ski and Golf (where we got the boys skis), Adler took it upon himself to (in ski boots) jump off a bench. I think he's ready too. I am crossing my fingers for no injuries, lots of hot chocolate and at least a few runs down the magic carpet.

Drivin'

Hot Dog!

Adler and I have Thursday mornings together. We do lots of fun things, but sometimes we have to just run errands. Last week, we stopped at Whole Foods to get some food. Adler was hungry and so we sat down at their tables and had a snack. Brian was traveling. After a few minutes and several yogurts, Adler looked at me and said, "mommy, call daddy!" I said, "why Adler, do you have something to tell him?" He said, "YES! Tell daddy Adler really loves hot dogs!" The funniest part about this whole thing is that Adler has never had a hot dog. Brian and I don't eat hot dogs, but we have tried on several occasions at birthday parties to get the boys to try them, neither kid will touch them. I have no idea where this came from, but it was one of funniest moments.
After eating and chatting, we went out to the "pumpkin patch", which I think he liked more than the actual pumpkin patch we visited earlier this month. Go figure.

Magic

One of LTs friends from his little school invited us to the local puppet theater. The Denver Puppet Theater has been around for years and I drive by it several times a week, but I had no idea what we were missing. Wow, its pure magic for the little ones. Inside the theater is a full coffee shop run by the kindest couple and offering amazing eats (including ice cream!) As you wander through the puppet theater, there are hundreds of puppets and several little puppet theaters the kids can play in and with, creating their own stories with friends. Probably the most magical part of the whole place though is the yard behind the whole theater. Its filled with little kid tables, a large fountain and wandering brick paths through enchanted forests.
After eating their ice cream, the kids played in this patio area for a few hours, happily.

aLT, Bella and Nora chatting and eating ice cream.
And Adler... oh Adler. It was a warm afternoon, but not that warm. Adler nearly dunked himself in the fountain and then insisted on stripping down to only his green shoes and diaper. Such a goof. We have been back several times with various friends. Its such a wonderful place to have so close by!