Reading BOB Books

This afternoon Isaac stumbled across his BOB books and commented to me about how long it had been since he read them. He pulled them out and started reading. It makes me so happy to see and hear him reading and sounding out words, I can't even explain. But at the same time I saw him sitting there in his size 7/8 clothes and I can see in how his legs are positioned a much older Isaac, like a 14 year old Isaac! Love it and it breaks my heart all at the same time. After reading the four most challenging books in Set 2 of the BOB book Isaac said "I love reading these books. It's just so, good!" That's too good of a quote to pass up for me, so there it is for all to read. After reading five of the BOB books he moved onto one of the math workbooks I bought that are like what they use at Satori--Singapore math--and did some work with the tens and ones place. I love that he enjoys learning so much! Hopefully a little self-motivated reading and math over the summer will get him ready to get back into the school swing come August.

Last Day of Swim Lessons

Today was the last day of swim lessons, and it was safety day. They learned about life jackets, how to put them on, float in them, what happens when you fall out of a boat. The picture at right shows him before the teacher flipped him over to simulate the experience of falling off a boat with a life vest on. Below left Isaac is swimming back to the wall. The teacher said he did really well in her class, but needs to work on keeping his body straight when he kicks, instead of twisting at the hips. Something to work on at the Lake this summer. Bottom left Isaac is about to dive in, which turned out to be more like a jump
with his arms out, but he did it! The teacher also taught them how
to sink down to the bottom of the pool and push themselves back up again--bobbing. Overall, Isaac seemed to enjoy swim lessons.

Family Night at the Climbing Gym

Tonight Isaac, Paul and I went to the climbing gym. For his birthday, Isaac got a harness and then we bought him a helmet and rock shoes with some of his birthday money. He is all decked out, though after tonight and his fascination with it, I think a chalk bag and ball are next on the purchase list. Though I have seen Isaac climb a couple times before, I was amazed at his stamina: he would climb a route, zip down and then immediately get right back on the wall. We arrived around 6:30p and climbed until 9p! I forgot to bring the camera--do-d0-head mom--but I was able to capture a few decent shots with Paul's Pocket PC--AKA ritzy phone. They are a bit blurry, but here they are anyway.
I was so inspired by Isaac's climbing, that although I hadn't planned on it, I decided to hop on the wall and climb a couple of routes. Tried a more challenging one first and made it 3/4 of the way up when my legs were shaking too much to go on. So I tried an easier wall just to get the feel of it again, it has been over 6 years since I last climbed, after all. I rang the bell and rappelled down. Isaac was upset that he had missed me climb, so up again I went--the things we'll do to appease our kiddos...Paul also hopped on the wall and spidered up a couple of routes, he sure made it look easy! I think we'll go back next week and Paul and I will be more appropriately dressed for climbing. At the beginning Isaac wasn't sure he wanted to go all the way up, but when we pointed out the bell at the top he could ring--to let everyone know he made it--he couldn't get on the wall fast enough, with a big smile too!
Lots of fun, and it was so nice to be out all together doing something as a family. As you all know, we rarely have that opportunity, maybe we can make it a regular Tuesday night event. Cheers to more family time! Our friends Andi and Linda were also there with their two girls Izabella (6) and Sydney (4) so Isaac had a chance to climb with friends. Being older, Iza is a bit more experienced than Isaac and will provide a little friendly competition and something to aspire to. You can see Isaac and Iza on the wall together in the second shot.

What's Up Doc?

Should have included this in the previous post...While hiking Isaac took it upon himself to break off a piece of grass and put in his mouth like this. Each time he passed other hikers he would take the grass out of his mouth like Bugs Bunny's carrot and crack them up with "What's up doc?" I guess that means he is enjoying his new Looney Tunes video. T-t-that's all folks!

Hiking the Aspen Loop Trail with Grams

My mom took Isaac hiking on Mt. Lemmon today. They hit the Aspen Loop Trail, a three mile loop, which Isaac conquered with minimal complaint and effervescent enthusiasm. I stayed home and took a nap after my three overnights in a row (I took an extra overnight for a co-worker). Despite several mishaps, including slipping into the water and getting drenched, Isaac had a great time and came home telling me "I got really hurt on the hike," oh-so seriously ;-) Really, he was filthy dirty and minimally scraped up. Grams says he was a great trail guy and politely greeted all the other hikers on the trail, including those who walked by while they ate lunch--Isaac in his underwear--while his shorts and shirt dried from his spill: "I slipped in the water and my clothes got soaked! Now I'm eating lunch in my underpants." Of course, when Grams suggested this resolution to their dilemma he said "But then when everybody comes by they'll see me in my underwear, I don't want them to see me like that."
Evidently, it was too good a story NOT to tell them...Isaac wanted to do lots of rock climbing and did some, though many of the rocks he aspired to climb will have to wait a few years for strength and deeper understanding of consequences. After plowing through the hike, seemingly with ease, they were able to convince another hiker to take their picture together. I am so glad to foster and encourage Isaac's love of the outdoors and hiking. In fact, Grams and Isaac have been camping out on the back porch the last two nights, really roughing it on the futon just outside the back door. But he is quite gun-ho
and maybe next visit we can all do an overnight camp on Mt. Lemmon. I know Grams is all for that! However, as Grams told me just now, she enjoys doing anything with Isaac. We are off to spend the evening together now that Isaac has gone to bed. More fun tomorrow I'm sure!

Visiting the Splash Pad with Grams

My mom arrived yesterday afternoon and this morning after I got home after my overnight we decided it was time for Splash Pad initiation for Grams--she's not a big fan of the heat so the cool water would be just the thing! To be honest, I'm not sure who had more fun, Isaac or Grams. There was a lot of splashing and goosebumps (despite our expected high of 106 degrees today) and squealing to boot. I snapped a couple of pictures after we were finished. This first one demonstrates what happens when you twist my mom's ear...I think sometimes she must be younger than me with all the silly and fun things she comes up with when playing with Isaac!
The second photo is just a nice picture of Grams and her grandson hanging out on the boulder at by the Splash Pad. Grams says she comes to visit us all, but the smile in this photo, tells me who she really comes to see! But I don't mind, and neither does Isaac! More fun to follow tomorrow!

More Swimming With Friends

After swim class today, Isaac and I headed over to see one of my best, dear friends, Sandi. I'd call her an "old" friend since we've been friends for 13 years, but neither she nor I are "old..." Sandi and her family relocated to the Kansas City area 4 years ago, leaving me stranded and so sad, but are here visiting for a week or so. Isaac and I headed over for a visit and a swim in Sandi's parents' pool. Sandi's boys Nathan (7) and Justin (5) were so sweet and kind to Isaac. I just wish they lived here so the boys could grow up together. Isaac has great friends here, but it would be nice to have more "guys" to hang out with now and then.
The boys played in the pool for close to an hour and a half, while Sandi and I chatted, caught up and got in the pool ourselves. After our swim, we went in for some lunch. The boys continued to play afterwards until it was time for us to go home. We hope to be able to squeeze another visit in before they head home next week, after all this is a rare opportunity for the boys and for Sandi and I! I got a couple of good shots of Isaac getting more brave in the pool and trying out water wings for the first time. Enjoy!

The Whole "Cheesy" Gang

Swimming lessons day two...Seemed like they learned a lot today, compared to yesterday, but I guess when you only have 8 classes you have to move pretty fast. After getting the kids all wrapped up in their towels, we lined them up for a quick group picture. They were all saying "cheese," though Evan and Collin much more enthusiastically than Kira and Isaac. I must say it's a pretty cute bunch, but I must also acknowledge my bias. More fun and swimming tomorrow!

First Swimming Lesson!

Isaac, Kira, Evan and Collin started their swim lessons today--they are "Eels," I think the YMCA still has the same names for their swimming class levels as when I was a kid. Six kids, one teacher and 30 minutes for the class. We'll see how much he learns...But if he likes it we can always have him take more classes. It was really exciting for me to see him in his first swim lesson. I know that swim lessons were the start of a long, continuing, love of swimming for me. I guess I kind of hope that Isaac shares that same passion, but we'll see. Swimming is such a healthy and not injury-prone sport, so of course the mom in me is all for it. I'd be swimming regularly still, if I could figure out how to fit it in my schedule. Anyway, here's a picture of the group and Isaac after his lesson. After the lesson, I asked Isaac if he learned anything new. He told me "Yeah, now I know how to swim." Heh, heh, heh. If only we could all learn so quickly! ;-)

Almost Famous

A couple of weeks ago Summit Hut--an outdoor retailer in town where Paul has worked for 7 years--asked if Isaac could pose for some pictures for a newspaper article in the Tucson Citizen. Isaac was so excited because he was going to be "famous." The article came out in the paper today...For those of you afar you can check out the Tucson Citizen website at:
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/body/54889
Then click on the thumbnails on the upper right to see pictures of Isaac and I. I plan to buy the paper today and maybe I can get a picture of the newspaper article up later today.

As an aside, if anyone would like to leave comments and doesn't know how, at the end of each post there is a "comments" button and if you click on it you can post your own comment! I like comments, because then I know people out there are actually reading and looking at my posts. Off now to Isaac's first swim lessons! Hope to get some pictures of that today, too.

Isaac's Art

Today while I was on the phone with a friend, Isaac drew this picture. I was just blown away! I know I am most certainly biased, but I thought it was pretty cool. Isaac made certain to show me where Hawaii is and also added the Bermuda Triangle. How he knows about the Bermuda Triangle I don't know...The things below the Triangle are octopus legs, because "they are evil and dangerous." The thing above the Triangle is an alien spaceship. I love to see his creativity expressed through artwork! Hope you all get a kick out of it, too!

Mmm...Yummy Boy

I LOVE pictures of Isaac like this, and try to capture them whenever I can. I know it's nice to see what he's "doing," but sometimes I want to focus on just his face, I think it shows who he is at this moment in time. Plus, this is the kind of picture that I love for scrapbooking. I am super biased, but he sure is yummy!
On another note, last night Paul and I did go out to a lovely dinner and even saw a movie in the theater together (we haven't seen any movie in the theater that wasn't a kids' movie, since February of 2006). However, we neglected to take pictures of us, despite having brought the camera...But I promise to try to get a picture of us up soon!

Me and My Boy

I took this picture of Isaac and I after we finished playing at the splash pad. We took this picture, and a few others ;-) then sat on the rock behind us a had some water. I am such a lucky mom to be able to do this kind of fun stuff with Isaac. I loved every minute of it!

Splash Park Action Shots

Isaac and I hit the splash pad at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park today. He was so patient with me sewing most of the day yesterday so today I thought that it'd be fun to get out, oh, and I promised! We just discovered this park by going to a friend's birthday party (see "Focused Face") and since it's so close to the house and we can go run and have coolin' off fun for free, why not? Here are a few action shots. Isaac was absolutely awesome letting me take lots of pictures. His only complaint was he wanted me to go play with him--which I did LOTS--I just also took lots of pictures. The park is a blast and has a kids play ground just a few steps away so Isaac and I went back and forth a few times. If you live in Tucson, check out this park! Come splash with us!

Ohhh, shiny!

Today I did a lot more sewing on Isaac's costume. I finished the tunic, hood and helmet. Let me tell you, it is SHINY! Isaac is thrilled and is wearing it outside in the blaring afternoon heat...I guess he doesn't mind. I only allow it in short spurts, punctuated with glasses of ice water. The only part left to make are the pants, but I have another more pressing sewing project that will be my next priority. Once that is done, I'll go back to the pants. The whole ensemble is titled "The Horned Knight."

In addition, we had a couple of "surely" interesting conversations today. The first was on sword fighting and went like this:

Isaac: "If skeleton pirates were real, that is surely one thing I would be doing to save you, and the neighbors."


The second was as follows:

Isaac: "Remember I saw a princess at the...at the...at the Street Fair?
Me: "Yes, Cinderella."
Isaac: "She's from Disneyland."
Me: "No, she's just a woman who has a Cinderella costume."
Isaac: "If she was a girl, I would surely dance with her."

I guess "surely" is the word of the day. If anyone ever says to you that chivalry is dead, you can tell them they are SURELY wrong!

Sir Isaac

Aside from watching movies, Isaac's favorite thing to do is to get dressed up. Luckily, I'm relatively handy with the sewing machine. This knight outfit is really a combination of many different costumes I've made. The pants are from his John Smith costume, the tunic is the first costume I ever made him. The chain mail hood I made for his birthday this year. And the armor with the horns on the shoulder is something I recently made. Isaac used some of his birthday money to buy some fabric for me to make him some new costumes, the armor is the first part I've completed. I have many other sewing project for him and for others on the table, but I guess it'll keep me busy this summer--as if I need help keeping busy! When I'm not sewing, I'm scrapbooking. Perhaps one of my next posts should have some of my scrapbooking work in it. Paul said the next thing I should add is a picture of us, and I will, as soon as the most recent one isn't from last June! We'll go out to dinner for Paul's birthday this coming Tuesday, so I
hope to have a picture of us to post next week. Incidentally, Isaac and I were recently talking about our summer plans to visit the Lake and he asked me if everyone can go there or just our family. I explained that only our family can go, but that that is a lot of people. I drew a rough family tree and only did the line that reaches him, explaining that each of my grandmother's siblings also had children that had children who now have children. He seemed to semi-grasp how many people that involves. Then I told him that when he gets married to whoever (I wrote a ?) and they have kids, (I randomly drew 3 lines to represent their children) they will all be able to go to the Lake and Pine Ridge, too. Isaac was OK with all that, but informed me that he won't be having 3 kids. I said "Oh, only 2?" "No," he answered. I said "Oh 5, 6, 7, 18?" and he replied "Five. Write what I say." So he proceeded to name his 5 children on the spot. The oldest will be a girl, Jenny, the second born will be Sir (he pronounces it Zir) Sinbad, the third will be Rebecca, the
fourth will be Sir William, and the last will be named "after me." I said "Sir Isaac?" He replied, "No, he'll be named AFTER me." I explained that that would mean his son would have the same name as him. Isaac accepted this after some explanation and an example (thank goodness for JP!). Then Isaac told me, he would write the name on the family tree as he knows how to write that--his name--already. I got a nice little laugh from that.