PEDINALES (4 YRS OLD)

Daddy, momma, and S took a road trip to Pedinales State Park today, to go swimming on the Pedinales River. The short 30 minute trip took 2 hours to get to the park.

The car's GPS system took the long way to the park and on the way, daddy, momma, and S saw a motorcycle accident. Daddy stopped the car and help pull the motorcycle out of the ditch and then daddy, momma, and S drove the motorcycle couple to their house, which was 3 miles pass Pedinales State Park. The motorcycle driver looked like he seriously injured his shoulder and perhaps broke his colar bone. His wife was in better condition with no serious injuries.

When daddy, momma, and S finally got the park, it was lunch time. But after a quick bite, everyone headed down the path to the river. S loved it! 150 ft down from the entry was a deep watering hole, probably 4 ft deep. Someone had tied an "acrobat trapeze" bar off a tree and the kids, including daddy, swung from it into the water. S must have swung off it it 100 times (probably less). Daddy encouraged her to try swinging from it while it was spinning. Somehow, all S got was a few scrapes on her knee from the entire experience.

Walking back to the car, she said it was the best thing she had ever done! High praise for a 4 year old! (P.S.Where did she get this dare-devil streak?)

1ST DAY OF SCHOOL (4 YRS OLD)

Starbright, S preschool, kicked off their first day of school celebration this Monday. Momma and S went to the party. There was a car wash and sprinklers to splash in. The zoo man even made a visit. S had a good time with her friend Susannah.

The next day, Tuesday, was her first day for the new school year. There were many new Rainbow and Star faces. Unfortunately, Susannah was not one of them. She changed her schedule to M,W, F.

When momma, asked who she would play with, S answered Susannah. When momma explained that Susannah is changing days, S responded with "Eva." At pickup, momma asked who S played with, she said Eva. But, followed up with an unhappy voice, and said,"Today is Eva's last day. She's going to Kindergarten."

S is still struggling to learn "social rules" of the playground. Momma's not sure how preschool will be for S now that both Susannah and Eva are gone. From watching S try to befriend Sage and Evie, she's going to have a hard time adjusting. Sage and Evie often exclude S from their games and S often doesn't understand "why," nor get the hint.

Momma think S will have some "lonely" times on the playground. Daddy thinks S will just have to learn to adjust. Momma guess better now than later.

SCHLITTERBAHN (4 YRS OLD)

For daddy's birthday, Daddy, momma and S celebrated it at Schlitterbahn. S was hesitant at first, but took to "tubing" immediately. She rode the "Rapid River" twice and the "Congo River" once. She loved playing in the kiddie area with the small slides and since then has asked to go tubing again.

Momma and daddy think this is a must for next summer!

TODAY (4 YRS OLD)

Today was probably S best day. Daddy's home. Momma made breakfast -- egg in a hole. Daddy, momma and S went to get dumplings. Afterwards, S went swimming with daddy instead of taking a nap. Her friend Susannah and Susannah's family came over to play and eat the rest of the Ethiopian food for dinner. To top that, Aunt Phu and Uncle Joe drive into town to spend the night. What more could a four year old ask for?

P.S. S even got to see the play Aladdin at the Scottish Rite Theater yesterday!

4 YR OLD THINKING (4 YRS OLD)

After the play date with Sarah Francis, Momma said, "I like this neighborhood (Meridian). We should move into this neighborhood." S responded with, "We should move in next door to SF. Then, I can walk to her house every afternoon to play."

After daddy's dinner party, S said, "daddy, I like your birthday party!"

I asked S who her best friends were tonight. After listing the usual suspects, she added Sophia. Sophia?, I asked. Yes, she said. I decided Sophia is my new best friend. She played with the Grismore children, Sophia & Thomas, for the first time tonight.

After seeint the Aladdin play, S asked, "Why does the cave talk?" Momma answered, "it was because it was magical." S seemed content with the answer.

LITTLE HELPER (4 YRS OLD)

S is becoming bigger helper around the house. In preparing for daddy's birthday dinner on Friday, S helped peel the carrots (all five of them) with the vegetable peeler. Today, she washed out her car seat in the tub by herself after spilling milk on the seat cover.

Regularly, she puts her dishes away in the sink after her meals. She understands that she needs to put away her toys after playing with them. (The key word is "understand.") But overall, momma likes the fact that S is learning to take care of herself and her belongings.

P.S. Momma hopes that her own (positive) attitude in keeping the house neat and clean passes on to S.

BACK HOME AGAIN (4 YRS OLD)

After a week away, S is back home again. Momma was worried about how she would adjust to being home, going to school again and sleeping by herself.

No worries about school. When S saw Susannah, she immediately came up and hugged her. Since then, momma has dropped her off to school without any whining or clinging from her. (What happened?)

However, S took a week to get use to sleeping by herself. For the first week, she was up several time at night looking for momma. When asked why, she responded with, "I was lonely."

P.S. When asked if she enjoyed her week on the beach with Mimi, Poppy and her cousins. She responded immediately with yes. Followed up by Ariana was put in time out. When asked "why?." She said, Ariana and Miranda were having bad days.