Sesame Street Live

I took the kids to see Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Superheroes today.  By myself, mind you.  I just wanted to put that on the record.  No, it wasn't impossible.  But, with a toddler budding into true toddler behavior and a pre-schooler who has enough energy to wear any sane person out, I feel I deserve a little credit.  Now, that I've established that...on to the show.

As you may already know, Maggie is in love with Elmo.  She even carries her own Elmo doll everywhere with her and sleeps with him too.  Between an Elmo and a lovey we have a lot to keep track of around here {to my dismay}.  But, what are you going to do?  It comes with the toddler territory in the Cibula family.

Maggie refers to Elmo as "La", you know "la la la la...Elmo's world".  And she has taken it upon herself to name her lovey "Boo" {also to my dismay, I tried to name it Pinky, but she had other plans}.  So, basically at any given moment at our house, you can hear Maggie searching aimlessly and calling out, "la boo, la boo, la boo?"  If you didn't know better, you might think I had a French baby.  With all that being said, Maggie was quite thrilled about our trip to see Elmo's show.

Jack, was a bit of a different story.  He told me on repeated occasions, that he, "didn't want to go to Elmo's Superheroes".  I assumed it was because he loves Toy Story and only likes Sesame Street at his 4 year old maturity.  And so I repeatedly gave him the whole speech about 'doing things that make other people in our family happy, even if it's not what you want to do'.  Come to find out, the Toy Story obsession and lack of Elmo obsession was not the problem.

Poor guy...the whole time he was worrying himself sick about the "noise" and being "scared".  Amazing what I can figure out when I take a moment to just ask.  Luckily all of his nervous energy was relieved when I explained that, 'Mommy got balcony seats this time'.  You see, when Jack was a little over two, we took him to a Sesame Street Live show and being the, 'great, I want the best for my child', Mom that I am, I got floor seats.  Big mistake.  Lesson learned and, when I bought tickets this go round, I did not repeat it.

So we had a very happy ending to a Friday...we all had fun, Jack was not scared, {he actually really enjoyed it} and Maggie had an Elmolicious time.

Maggie spent the first half of the show in this position.  Intermittently turning around to announce "La" and point to the stage.  I think she was in shock and awe.

La and Boo in all their glory.  We actually try to leave these guys at home, but I threw them in my bag last minute, just in case she got scared, and well,...she spotted them pre-showtime.

Hmmm...maybe this is why Jack had such a swell time...a $4 dollar snowcone.  At least we got a souvenir cup with it.  {and yes, that is a blanket on him, I learned two years ago that Elmo shows are FREEZING, so I came prepared this time}

During intermission I got suckered into this spinney Elmo light contraption {and popcorn}.  However, I was able to dodge the $10 Elmo balloon this year.  And by the way, that light was suppose to be for Maggie since Jack "just likes Toy Story toys".

After intermission, Maggie spent the second half of the show in her seat.  I was happy to know that the requirement to buy a ticket for anyone over a year old wasn't a complete waste.  And that snowcone cup  worked out nicely for Maggie's popcorn snack.

And for nostalgia's sake...I just could not resist.  My little guy has grown up so much from his Sesame Street obsessed days.  Maggie was just a little peanut growing in my belly at this show 2 years ago and Jack was a terrific little toddler.  How time flies.

T-Ball Time

Yes, we are still alive at the Cibula cottage.  We've just been t-balling it up!  {insert a "just corny joking" here}

Okay, as much as I would like to blame my lack of blogging lately on t-ball, I just can not tell a lie.  We've actually only had two practices.  But, it's no joke that we have been playing, just a joke that I can use t-ball as an excuse for my recent absence.

To be honest, I don't know what has really happened in the last 12 days.  Obviously nothing, hence the reason I haven't had any note worthy news. But, no fear, Jack and t-ball are here! Finally, you say,...something worth blogging about!

Like I said, we are on week two of practices.  And by practices, I mean one 60 minute practice a week.  Daddy is one of Jack's t-ball coaches for this first season.  How cute is that? We will soon see if that was a wise decision on our parts.  Anyone who has had a father/son coaching situation knows exactly what I mean.  Jack {and Daddy's} team is the "green team" as Jack likes to call them.  But, are officially called the Sand Gnats.  Really, gnats?  Neither Jack or Clay seemed as disturbed by that as me.

So far Jack likes going to t-ball, it's the backyard practicing that he doesn't want any part of.  {you know, because playing anything Toy Story inside is better than exerting yourself outside}  Hmmm...if only I could find a Toy Story t-ball set.  Might have to do some Googling when I finish this post.  {I just love how writing gets your mind flowing--why didn't I think of that earlier?}

But truly, the best part of all of this is watching my little monkey on the field.  It is quite entertaining and a bit endearing all at the same time.  It's basically all those typical 4 year old sports stories you hear and more.  Someone is making hills in the clay, another kid is experimenting with putting his hat on every which way (usually mine), 5 kids at one time run to the same ball, coaches are steering kids to the right bases because they have no idea which one is 1st or home, for that matter--they all look the same, etc.,etc.  Regardless, I think it's safe to assume, they are all having fun and Jack is certainly worn out after wards, so I'm thinking I like t-ball.

I decided to take full advantage of the practice Saturdays to get some pictures of the action.  Once games start I don't think me and my camera will be happily accepted on the field.  Although, they might not even notice with all of the other shenanigans going on.

Yes, that is 3 kids and 1 ball.  

The great debate...is Jack a left handed hitter or a right handed hitter?

How great is this father/son coaching picture? 

And here is a little of that hat experimenting I mentioned.  Jack is beside himself that his long time buddy,Carson, is on his team too. And you can see why.  Two peas gnats in a pod.

Possibly Jack's favorite part of practice...water break. {and please note the latest hat position}

Here she is...Jack's biggest fan.  I wonder how many of Jack's sporting events over the next few years, this little one will be cheering at. There is nothing like watching big brother.  And because it was only practice, Maggie got to do it from inside the dug out...talk about feeling special.

Last One

This was the "last one"...summer vacation that is.  We have had more weekend trips this summer than I care to count.  Always a pleasure and always a lot of work too.  There is so much to get together for these short little stints out of town, which in turn is so much to unpack upon returning. {Note to self---a couple looong vacations next summer}.  Don't get me wrong though, this last one was definitely worth it.

We ended our summer {it's still considered a summer vacation even though we started school, right?} with a visit to one of my favorite ladies in the world, GG {my Grandma, the kid's Great Grandma}. I can never get enough of that wonderful woman.  She is truly a gift from God and so special to all of us.  My kids immediately take to her and it's no wonder why.  Not to mention, her house on the lake is full of adventure.

And "adventuring" is just what the kids did.  Jack spent a majority of his vacation searching for a lost treasure {that boy's imagination had us all in explorer mode}.  And Maggie contented herself with adventuring up and down GG's hardwood steps...over and over again.  Both kiddo's were in agreement that rock tossing in the lake and a boat ride were pretty exciting too.

No need to use your imagination to picture the fun, I've got it all right here...

Ever since Magpie was a baby there has been something about the wind that has fascinated and soothed her.  Now as a toddler, it has the same effect on her.  I just love it!

Jack took the front and center seat on the boat and outwardly wished for giant waves.  And this is where we had a little impromptu lesson on oceans vs lakes.

Sweet GG with two sweet grandchildren.  {I love how she matches the kids--totally not planned, well, the kids were, just not GG--see I told you she was perfect without even trying}.

The infamous stairs.  Oh, and how could I have forgotten to mention her infamous loot?  And her infamous shoes?  Maggie has somehow managed to become a hoarder of sorts.  Okay, so we brought Boo {the lovey} and Elmo with us from home.  The purse, shoes, and baby doll, she found around GG's house and WOULD NOT part with them.  They went up and down the stairs and everywhere else with her.  And guess how many times we put those too big shoes back on her feet and repacked her little purse?

One of my favorite parts of GG's house...the fact that anytime of the day you can just walk out the back door and down to the lake.  This was a perfect after breakfast trip.  A little morning sunshine and the shedding of pj's never hurt anyone.  Apparently, we forgot to pack our modesty.

Back To School For Two

We are officially back to school at the Cibula house.  As always, so bittersweet.  It was definitely needed...we strive on routine around here, but hard to believe that each of my babies are growing up this fast.

The big difference this year...it was back to school for TWO!  It's kind of incredible to think that this was Maggie' first day of pre-school and Jack's last first day of pre-school.  The latter is what tears me up.  Next year is going to be tough.  But, for now, I am learning to juggle two school bags, two snack calenders, two sets of party dates, and basically two schedules in general.  This Type A Mommy's head is spinning right now.

We spent the Friday before school meeting teachers, perusing the halls, and meeting old and new friends.  I am relieved to say that I am happy with both of the kid's teachers {I can get a bit picky}.  Jack's teacher, Ms. Mary, is super academic, very structured, but soft spoken at the same time.  Perfect for my little monkey.  And as for Maggie, well let's just say I made her needs known via a friendly little letter to the director.  Thankfully it all worked out in my favor.  Her teacher, Ms. Meredith, is warm, loving, young, and energetic.  An absolute perfect match for my Magpie.

But, I am happy to report that all went well for both.  Jack was a little unsure when we reached his classroom door on Monday morning.  Change is not his thing {nor mine}.  But, certainly no tears, but not exactly a giant smile either.  He was slow to step inside, but once in the door, this loitering Mommy saw that all was well and his smile had reappeared.  Jack has never been one for a lot of description, so basically all I got out of him at the end of his first day was, "Sophia is my best friend in the class" and "Playground time is my favorite part of the day".   Take it as you will, but I am just happy that both comments were positive!

And then there was shy little Maggie's first day.  I will not lie, I was bracing myself for this one.  Would love to tell you she walked right in without a tear, but we all know better than that.  No Maggie, opened the flood gates even before I could get her 3 feet from the door.  How do they know?  The great part though, was Ms. Meredith snatched her right out of my arms before I had a chance to 'talk too much'.  So basically, I said "I love you Mags" and "Mommy will be right back".  And just like that she was an official  pre-school student in the toddler room.

It won't surprise you that I did do some loitering and peeking there as well.  And this is where Mags pleasantly surprised me.  She was out of her teacher's arms, standing next to the puzzle table {observing}, no tears in her eyes and Elmo in a head lock.  All was well.  Sweet Ms. Meredith came out to tell me, "Maggie was doing great!"  I then skipped out of that school with a smile plastered on my face and NO kids attached to me for the first time in a loooong time!

Since then, when we talk about school Maggie smiles, points to her hand constantly where she got her Elmo stamp the first day and tells me about the "bay" {baby} she played with.  As long as I don't see any 'no' head shakes, I know we are good!

So, I am foreseeing a great school year for two {can't believe I am saying that}.  All Jack wanted to know was, "Am I go to learn new stuff?"  I'm pretty confident that is a yes.  And all I wanted to know for Maggie is, "Will she be loved on?".  And I'm pretty confident that is a yes also.

Cheers to two kids in school and two mornings to myself!  {I love them both dearly, but seriously, we all needed it}