Well, That Was Easy

Matt's friends are starting to ride bikes without training wheels. We took a deep breath, took the training wheels off, and held on to the back of the seat. It was time for our little bird to learn to fly.



Apparently, he didn't really need to "learn" how to ride a two-wheeler. He simply took off, and rode down the street. Daddy ran after him for a while, just in case.

Matt didn't need any help, and continued to zoom around the neighborhood. He was having a moment of absolute freedom and joy.

It was quite apparent that he had outgrown his little 12" bike, so we presented him with a new, 16" bike on Easter Sunday.

Nolan, of course, inherited the 12" bike. It is strange to see my "baby" riding a two-wheeler: it makes him look like a big kid. Very soon, his preschool years will be forever behind us.

The trite old saying is right: the days are long, but the years are short. It sure went by in a flash.

In Which Strategizing is Not Nolan's Strong Suit

My Dearest Nolan,

If you are going to sneak into the kitchen to secretly snag some junk food, it might be a good idea to make sure you can get down again. Because, you know, if you have to call for Mommy to get you down from the counter, you are probably going to get caught.

XOXO,

Your Mommy

In Which Perfect Silence Reigns

In an event so rare, it ought to be televised on the evening news, Nolan took a nap.


The dog followed suit.



And Matthew, well... Matt didn't sleep, but he quietly watched TV and sucked his thumb for an hour. Despite the future orthodontic bills, I was tickled pink. I spent the next hour folding laundry and listening to the wonderful sound of silence.

The Amazing Spiderman

Spiderman, Spiderman,
Does whatever a spider can
Spins a web, any size,
Catches thieves just like flies
Look Out!
Here comes the Spiderman.

Is he strong?
Listen bud,
He's got radioactive blood.
Can he swing from a thread
Take a look overhead
Hey, there
There goes the Spiderman.

Playground Days

Spring is coming in fits and starts - a week of horrible, snowy/sleety/rainy/windy weather followed by a day or two of 50 degree, sunny weather. When the sun peeks out, we rush out the door to the nearest playground to run off some of that little-boy energy.

I love playgrounds, though I always forget how dirty the boys get in the spring.


Matthew is extremely adventurous this year on the playground equipment, even trying to climb on top of the tunnels, and climbing on the outside of the rails. I have a rule that he's not allowed to do it, but every once in a while I catch him at it.

They really do love playing, and I love the reduction in the general level of rambunctiousness that follows a morning at the playground. Plus, I can get some cute pictures at the park!

Question and Answer

Hey, why is the dog green?


Oh. Boy.

(Hopefully) the End of Mini Might Hockey

Matt had an opportunity to play during the intermission of an NHL game. It is a pretty cool opportunity, and Dennis drove him up to the HSBC Arena in Buffalo to skate during the intermission of the Buffalo Sabers vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game.

The five children who skated during the intermission were going to try to score a goal off the Saber Tooth mascot. Saber Tooth did a really great job of making sure each child had a wide open shot at the net (without making it obvious to the kids that he was letting them win). Matthew shot his goal, scored, and was absolutely elated.


I was really proud of my little five year old boy: he skated in a packed NHL arena, which had to be a little intimidating. He was absolutely thrilled, and had a great time - though he did think the arena was too loud!

One little dude in a big arena!

Boys and Dogs. And Hockey.

Teddy Bear Tournament

All the teams lined up for the opening ceremonies. The Canadian National Anthem and The Star Spangled Banner were played.

A representative from each team was called forward for the ceremonial glove drop. Being "Mighty Mites" and five years old, every child rushed forward for the glove drop. It was really a glove mob.

The horn blared and the first game began. Jamestown vs. Fredonia. No official score was kept, but the kids knew who won at the end of the game. They also knew the exact score, and who had made the goals.

Frequent line changes meant lots of time for everyone to play, and for everyone to hang out with buddies on the bench (Matt is #7).


The horn blared again, and the game was over. Everyone shook hands and left with a smile.


By the end of the second tournament day, some little guys are just worn out.


Everyone gets a medal. Everyone is proud of playing so hard. Smiles are everywhere.


A strong Daddy is appreciated for long walks back to the car.

When the little guy gets home, all he wants to do is ... play more hockey.