I'm a leader now.

In a Montessori classroom there are children ranging in a 3 year age span. In Walter's classroom, that range is 3 year olds through 6 year olds. The children in their kindergarten year are called 'leaders'. As you know, Walter is 4. He came home last week as proud as can be, saying his teacher told him he is a leader now. I questioned this, saying that a traditional leader is a kindergartener. He said yes, however, he is the oldest of the half day children and is thus a leader. He said he now helps the younger children get ready to go outside and go home, as well as other things in the classroom. He is taking his new role and responsibility to heart...and what a kind, gentle heart he has.

Jer's mom, Joanne, turned 60 this weekend and we all had a great time celebrating. Jeremy's grandmother surprised her with the best gift a mother could ask for, she flew Jer's brother, Jon, home from NJ for the celebration. Joanne's surprised face was priceless and the smile from it lasted all weekend!

On Sunday, Owen decided he wanted to participate in his first wrestling meet of the year. I was concerned that he hasn't had practice wrestling other children his age, but he proved me wrong! He placed 2nd, tech falling his first opponent (this means he won by over 15 points!), losing in a close second match, and pinning his final opponent. Jer was certainly a proud coach!

Can you imagine a year without snow?

With the recent arrival of winter, Owen is over the moon. He can't wait to get out on Lake Nokomis and ice fish and play hockey. He runs out to sled whenever he can (including on the way to school in the morning) and just doesn't seem to ever get cold. We were driving by the lake one day and he asked me this. I told him, yes, I can and would like to...to which he said "WHAT?!"

A very special day has come and past, leaving Jeremy and me with a seven year old. Yes, our sweet Owen is officially seven. We had a wonderful day celebrating this big event. It began with presents and a breakfast of his choice (a fresh sprinkled donut, sausage & OJ), midday included a party with friends climbing at Vertical Endeavors, and ended with a family party with pizza, cake & more presents. He was spoiled and completely deserved it. He is a kind, big hearted, smart boy with a serious competitive streak and makes us so happy and proud.

Gyros!

My mom arrived Wednesday after a month in Kauai with my Grandma. Its always a party when Grandma is in town...we tend to get spoiled and this time was no different. A highlight of it all was dinner out at Christo's (the Greek restaurant that catered our wedding!) followed by the Wizard of Oz at the CTC. So fun! Owen was quite excited to have Gyro's for dinner, he even experienced his first cramp after stuffing his belly to the rim and trying to race Jer to the theatre.