Deception Pass

Jake, Jayden and I went to Deception Pass for the day about a month ago. Jake is so into critters and was trying to catch frogs/ lizards, or whatever would come his way. No luck today- just a dead turtle. Notice the shorts... that's a new phase this fall, He refuses to wear pants, as they are reportedly not comfy enough- ugh! And he was always my one that got cold the easiest... Jayden and I played Hide and Seek by the big trees. I acted surprised when I'd find her or she'd find me and she'd laugh hysterically. She is hilarious!

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby

The Pinewood Derby is an annual scouting event. Jake's car got a design medal, but wasn't very fast. Luckily, he doesn't really care too much about winning and had fun anyway. Jayden painted over her car from last year. It started out a brilliant blue. Then I left the room for a few minutes only to find it a "brilliant" brown (or like diarrhea as the boys said...). She later put on a bunch of huge Pooh stickers that were too big for the car and hung off the edges. Her car literally stuck to the track! I had to laugh. She didn't care, though, and was just happy to participate! The pix are of the actual derby and the derby trials (the night before).

Angel...or Devil???

Jayden's daycare provider Melissa loaned Jayden this costume. I had an angel costume already and thought it would be fun to take a pix of her in each costume. And... I'm happy to say she is MUCH more of an angel than a lil' devil (although she does have her moments!!) I have noticed her maturing more lately- being a bit less stubborn and demanding. She comes up and hugs me lots, reminding me that "I'm your Tweetie Bird" or saying "Me love you" (I keep reminding her it's "I" not "me", but who can be picky when getting such a compliment!!!)

Chuck E. Cheese Visit

I met my friend Lisa at Chuck E. Cheese back in November (I'm way behind...). Finally Jayden isn't afraid of Chuck E.!!!

Jayden Candy

I promise these are the last Halloween pix!

Zoo

It looked like it might rain all day, but Jake, Jayden and I went to the zoo anyway. It ended up being pretty nice... and the zoo was empty. Jayden really wanted to see the bears and Jake wanted to feed the birds, so we were sure to do both. The highlight? Watching one of the bears pee for about 5 minutes straight. Even for me it was fascinating... it just kept coming and coming... And... speaking of bathroom issues, Jayden loves the "just my size" sink in the bathroom- thus the picture.

SO PROUD!!!

OK- so Jake and I have worked our tails off (unfortunately not literally) this school year to improve his reading skills (math, too). Today his teacher gave him a statewide 2nd grade fluency test and he scored an 11. She said passing is a 7-8 (if I recall correctly). Finally, a glimmer of hope... It made my day. Until the car ride home when he announced that 3+3=9. Oh Lordy... I looked back to be sure that he was kidding and found that he indeed was not. So, my bubble was burst... But at least I had a few hours of glory... And I AM glad the reading is improving at least. I let him get a "mocha" (Italian Soda) at my coffee stand to celebrate after school. Look how stinkin' cute he is in this pix. It was taken in Sept., but I forgot to post it.