I'm good in my head

Dominic purchased a lego ninja in the store today.

I overheard his ninjas talking.

"I'm really good at fighting! I've never done it, but I'm so good at it in my head that I just know I'll be good."

"I know what to do! Oh dear, that didn't work. I don't know what to do. You are just too good."

"I know, I'm awesome!"

Occupations

Dominic's occupations have changed with what is happening at the moment.

When he broke his arm he wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon.

When he read a book about turtles he wanted to be a marine biologist, except he wanted to study the dolphins. (This one has lasted the longest and comes back frequently.)

He wanted to be a cab driver when we were in Thailand.

And the list goes on.

So it was no surprise, that at breakfast this morning, we talked about occupations.

"Mom, I want to be a teacher when I grow up."

"That's a great job. What grades do you want to teach?"

"I'll teach three through eight."

"You don't want to teach Kindergarten?"

"No. I'm going to let my wife teach the lower grades."

He's aware that a couple of years ago Mr. White taught the lower grades, but this is the set up now and he wants to duplicate it, I guess. =)

I'm not going to break it to him that his wife might not be a teacher.

Funny kids

Caitlin -

I was driving home with Caitlin and a little friend of hers, Charlotte.

I overheard this conversation.

"Charlotte, did you know that my neighbors live NEAR me?!"

"Wow, my neighbors live near me too!"

Dominic -

"Mom, will you miss my cute face when I grow up? 

Cause did you know that your face changes when you grow up? 

Your face changed A LOT from when you were a kid."

Motorcyle Rides

I had picked up a friend, Leslie's kids from school so she could take her younger daughter to a doctor appointment. They returned at the same time as Jon, who was riding the motorcycle.

Charlotte (the five year old) was enthralled. She ran up to Jon begging to have a ride.

Leslie's first words were something along the lines of -

"I'll never speak to you again if you take my child on that motorcycle."

I guess she changed her mind. =)

We have a child's helmet and thankfully it fit.

 She's five, but she looks incredibly small on the back of that bike.

 Off on her great adventure.

 Caitlin was in tears when we told her she'd have to wait a year or two until the helmet fit. So Jon sat her on the front while he turned the bike around in the yard.

 Naturally Dominic had to have a turn. This is the first time he's ridden with a helmet on the actual road. Before it's always been in the driveway and yard. I sense a trend beginning.

 Hi mom!

 Can you see the grin splitting his face in two?

 Two of Leslie's three children opted for a motorcycle ride.

I think it was a hit!

Fun in the sun

This weekend was a bit packed for us, but still very fun.

Jon had a Pathfinder backpacking trip (photos soon) so I decided to head to my parents with the kids. It helps us not miss Daddy so much if we throw off the routine.

Dominic is cutting all four six year molars at once. Ever since he's been a baby he's run a small fever right before he cuts his teeth. A couple of nights ago he was moving a bit sluggishly and was running a very slight temp. By the next morning he was fine, but I felt I had to warn my mom since she's still recuperating, just in case it wasn't teeth related. 

She gave me a typical grandmother response -

"I'll take my chances so I can see my grand kids."

I'm so glad we went. It was a wonderful trip and the kids had so much fun.

My dad is great fun!

 

My mom and I were content to sit and watch all of the rough housing and reprimand when needed.

Caught in the act! Don't they look so innocent?!

My parents haven't finished the addition that they were working on earlier. Some rather major things have impeded its progress. But it's enclosed and connected to the house. This makes it a great play area for the kids and their cousins to go play.

 

Here are just a couple of pictures that I took while outside with them this last week. Not really enough to write a separate post about, but certainly cute.

 

Caitlin was pulling her leg up beside her in a way that Jon and I wouldn't have thought possible. I tried to take a picture, but she wouldn't really be still.

School Presentation

Just in case you didn't know - I'm immensely proud of my little man!

He had a presentation at school and it was precious.

All of the children did so well.

They gave an hour long presentation and it was fun and interesting. I was actually surprised to note the time when they finished. Dominic's reading skills seem to be improving so quickly and it's nice to see him enjoying reading and writing.

Dominic showing off his artwork that went along with his stories.

Dominic was so excited to show his sister his desk and have her sit by him.

It was around the time she use to take naps so he gave her his jacket for a blanket and his elephant that he'd brought for toy day so she could hold something and suck her thumb. He is such a sweet big brother.

 Caitlin eventually got bored and went to play with her friend Charlotte.

Good job, Dominic!

Singing

Caitlin woke up in a very good mood today. She's been singing about everything. I thought I'd write down a few of her lyrics that I've heard throughout the day.

"I have big bones, bones with guts in them. Lots and lots of bones in my legs"

(This was sung while sitting on the potty.)

"My children aren't coming. Oh no, what am I going to do? My children aren't coming and obeying me so I'm just going to leave them and get them later. Why won't my children come to me?"

"Oooooooooooh, I'm singing about stuff, lots of stuff. Ooooooooooooh!"

The weather is beautiful and she's been playing outside in the dirt by herself for hours. Every once in a while the singing will stop and I'll hear a frustrated squeal. It means one of the dogs have either licked her or sat on her dirt "project". She'll pet them and then push them away and resume playing and singing.