Strings! - Aug 30

This year as a 4th grader one of the things that becomes available to the students is musical instruments as part of their music class. They sort of mentioned this on the way out last year with some paperwork outlining what they would be able to choose from and how to go about getting an instrument, etc. Much to my total surprise, Chloe was IMMEDIATELY (and dead set I might add) on the Violin. Now, I don't know how to play a Violin and neither does anyone we know and as far as I know Chloe has never seen or touched one in person either. To say her selection was surprising to me was an understatement but I mean, she's pretty decisive and very intent on learning it so..here we are!

After a few visits to the local music stores we have rented Chloe a Violin and this week was their first actual class with the instruments. Let's just say I was very surprised at how LOUD this somewhat small instrument can be at home but Chloe does seem to have a natural knack for it. It's my understanding just getting the thing to make any noise can be a challenge but this kid watches one YouTube video and now she's showing us what to do. To me, playing a string instrument is like a secret special talent that only certain people are gifted with and I can tell you that I am not one of those people. Hopefully Chloe is. =)

Just a few snaps from the week. Have a great weekend, folks~

-B

The Clawmaster! - Aug 23

As the 2nd week of 4th grade concludes I can tell you two things for sure: It has taken both weeks to get used to the *slightly* adjusted school schedule and I honestly miss bowling every day with Chloe. Like, I found myself contemplating going bowling by myself but then I remembered it would probably be pretty borring not having a 9 year old to high five and the playing the claw machine alone at 40 years old might look weird. *shrug* =)

Chloe and I had always talked about taking a photo with ALL of the claw machine pulls from the whole summer. It's one thing when you win one or two things a week and just forget about it but it's kind of hilarious to see how many things we actually won. There were times when we won each time on the first try, and there were ten times in a row that we didn't win anything. It all balanced out in the end and I'm certain the bowling alley didn't lose any money on us. LOL.

Just a few photos to share, have a great weekend, folks~

-B

Summer Send Off! - Aug 16

Even though the last few days have been hotter than any other day this summer so far, summer is over. Well, summer vacation that is.

This week on Monday we would find out who Chloe's new 4th grade teacher would be and on Tuesday school officially began. FOURTH. GRADE. I have been telling Chloe for a while that it is super weird for me that she is going into 4th grade because that is the grade when I changed schools and it really doesn't feel like that long ago for me. Of course it was 30+ years ago but to think that she is now that same age is weird for me I'm not sure why. Anyway, we got to meet Chloe's teacher for a brief moment and find out who would be in her class this year. She did get a couple of friends she was happy to see and a few that she was sad would not with her this year. I'm sure she will have a great year and hopefully create some new friendships.

So as a fairly fitting summer send off, as if a grand finally at a fireworks show, Chloe got to spend the last few days of summer swimming and playing with her (2nd) cousin's. My cousin's, kids..? 2nd cousins, right? Anyway, hours and hours of swimming, a couple games of bowling and a long awaited smore's session later, SUMMER IS OVER. It was nice to get to visit with my Cousins and my Aunt for a few days and really fun to see Chloe having so much fun. Another weird parallel is that when I was around Chloe's age my Cousin's and I would swim just like that all day in that very same pool at my parent's house. I guess everything does eventually comes full circle. =)

As I mentioned on Tuesday Chloe would start back to school. As expected, the first week's schedule is a bit wonky but it was nice to me that Chloe was actually excited to return. Heather actually had to go out of town this week for a few days for work so It was just the two of us fending for ourselves. I definitely had a few nights of sleep anxiety as we rolled back into our usual schedule where we have to get up early and run through the routine. By the time you read this I believe it will all be under control. LOL

I didn't bring my camera along every day but I did manage to grab a set of photos I thought I would post. Have a great weekend, folks~

-B

Go On The Tone! - Aug 9

All. Dang. Summer.

That's how long I have been trying to convince Chloe to come with me to the R/C track. She actually came with my once about..3?4? years ago (I honestly can't remember but) it was not with the intention of actually getting her to DRIVE on track. I clearly remember being worried about leaving her sitting down at my table while I tried to race and I remember he coming up on the drivers stand right at the end of the race and me losing all concentration. LOL. This time(and it's been a few years coming) she has her own car to use and I wanted her to TRY driving on the track. I knew with absolute certainty that she would like it but she was fully convinced she would not even be able to do it. She was scared of other people, scared of things that made no sense because she never even tried it. If you know anything about having kids it's that, they don't want to do anything for the most part until you MAKE THEM. Then, once they experience it(good or bad) they will RUN with the result. If they like it, they want to do it again and again. if they dislike it, you will likely never be able to return to it again. It's weird but, it's true.

Anyway, with ZERO more available Wednesday nights until school starts, I was able to convince Chloe that coming with me to the track would be fun. I packaged it with the idea that she could bring her "screen" and headphones and if she was bored she could just watch videos all night but, I knew that would not be the case. We charged up the battery and I sent her straight off on her own. Right up the stand and with no input from me she just started going. Of course, I was walking the track constantly pulling her off the pipes and flipping the car back to it's wheels when she crashed but..she was doing it.

I already thought to myself in advance that I would not(for the most part) say anything unless she wanted my help. I know specifically from bowling that she does NOT want to be helped so if there was any chance of me ruining this moment, it would be from over "Dad-ing"(helping!) I somehow was able to just sit back and let it happen and just as I suspected, she was having FUN! As the night went on, I raced and she watched all the races intently. Every round we had a break and she was out there doing laps on the track. Eventually Chloe would make the comment of my night: "Daddy, can I come and do this AGAIN!?" lol. Well, eventually we will however school starts in a few days and..who knows when the next opportunity might be. That's okay! Mission, accomplished.

Just a few junky phone pictures to share, as usual please have a great weekend and...enjoy~

-B