Wylie's Words

All of a sudden, Wylie has figured out how to spew out new words.  Months ago he was saying "gato," "uh-oh," and "mama" and those three words seemed to suffice.  Then during our road trip in June he had a bit of a burst, adding a handful of new words--"up," "down," "cracker," "apple," "Grampa."  He would sometimes say "hi" or "bye," a version of "brother."

Within the last week or two he has been trying out all sorts of new words:
-Sasa and Zachy (two neighbors)
-outside
-shoes
-Elmo
-happy
-Wylie George

He still insists on calling most fruits and vegetables "apples," but he is well on his way to being able to tell us what is on his mind.

First bike ride--Destination Donuts

Yesterday was a big day for Finn.

He woke up asking for donuts.  Once he realized Jason was taking the car to go help Joe and Robyn move into their new house, Finn decided we should bike to the the farmer's market for donuts.  The kid had yet to ride more than around the block and while the crashes and falls were dwindling, starting and stopping were still a challenge.  But he had to learn somehow.  So I got myself into super-patient mode, loaded Wylie into the trailer, and off we went.

At first I wasn't sure we were going to make it.  He stopped and started and crashed seven or eight times before we got out of our neighborhood.  There were numerous bouts of tears. We almost turned back.  Somehow the goal of donuts kept us going and I was so grateful we didn't give up.  Once we got to a good long straightaway and I took the lead so that we didn't have to stop at every intersection, it was a dream!  We were on a bike ride!

Two miles later, we locked our bikes and were thrilled to have made it to the farmer's market (B).  And Finn was just as thrilled to get back on his bike and keep going.  We rode to the library (C), then to t-ball (D), then to Subway (E) and met up with Jason, then home (F).  The kid rode six miles!  A great day.

Back to School for Finn

Finn is off and running with his last year of preschool.  The first two pictures are from his first day, September 4th.  He's warmed up quickly to his new teachers--Mrs. Toraco, Miss Terese, and Miss Katie.  Just like last year he's gravitating to the boys in the class and doesn't seem to realize there are girls anywhere in the vicinity. 

He says he loves story time in his new class.  Today, he told us dramatically, they did something very special--they read a story (about God) with no pictures.  The kids got to be the pictures!  He talked on and on about the puppets and "being the pictures,"yet never explained what the story was about.

Last week he was super excited tell us he had a job in the classroom--"calendar helper."  This involved, he told us matter a factly, looking out the window to report on the weather.  

Apple picking with Sara, John, and Lyla

Brookfield Zoo 5K, again

Click here to see pictures!

Brothers

This afternoon, Finn took it upon himself to connect the wagon to his big wheel via bungie cord, and tow his brother around the block! What a great brother! Or, could he have been trying to make up for cutting Wylie's hair yesterday?

Ever-ready play date

I love that Finn has a built-in, every-ready play date, Zach lives right next door, just yelling distance away.  What would Finn do without Zach?  I know that I would be spending a lot more time playing crazy, imaginary, four-year-old games.  Thank you Zach!