AJ's Birthday Celebration

Due to our crazy schedule, we had AJ's birthday party last weekend. He invited a few friends to go and play laser tag and then back to our house for a sleep over. I was a bit nervous about having 4 teenagers in our smallish house, but it actually went well. 

One of the kids sat on a cheap bookcase and broke it, and we had to get the carpet cleaner out a few times. But other than that it was pretty uneventful.  The kids AJ invited were really nice kids and everyone got along. 

Charlie and I were in charge of the cake baking. Charlie is putting the finishing touches on the cake. 

When you are 13, you light your own candles.

 Here is the elaborate fort they made to sleep in. It was huge.

 And this one decided that leftover birthday cake would make an excellent breakfast the next day. Yup, he is my kid.

We Have New Family Member

I know you are thinking- Wait what? Another animal? (I know Shawn is.) 

The other day Charlie pointed out that I had a cat, AJ had a guinea pig and he had nothing. Our neighbors wanted to find a new home for their hamster, so I couldn't resist. He came with several names (depending on which kid in his former family you asked), but Charlie wants to name him Pang. I don't know why. 

And as far as Shawn is concerned, allow me to point out that we both had hamsters as kids and we turned out ok. I am sure it will be fine. 

Charlie's First Official Playdate

Charlie and Malachi are very good friends. It probably has a lot to do with the fact they are old souls. If Charlie is 5 going on 30, then Malachi is 5 going on 40. He is a very sweet kid and gives Charlie a run for his money when it comes to negotiations. 

The playdate started out well enough. But the best laid plans of taking them to a movie got changed when I found out that I would be the one taking AJ to his soccer tournament. That normally wouldn't be a big deal. However, it was about an hour away and so poor Charlie and Malachi ended up spending 2 hours of the playdate in a car. And did I mention Charlie gets carsick? He does. He did. Twice. 

 Playing with chalk on the driveway.

 Tricycle and scooter practice.

 Dropping AJ off at his soccer tournament.

Charlie showing his buddy his new hamster.

A Future Librarian

Report cards went him yesterday. During dismissal I heard a second grader tell her friend the following:

(In an excited voice) If I get straight A's, I get to go to Disneyland!
(In an equally excited voice) Or, the library!

The Power of Suggestion

Making cookies with Charlie. I know they look like gingerbread men, snowflakes and Christmas trees. But actually, they are ninjas, ninja stars and the trees ninjas hide behind. Because who would make Christmas cookies in March. That's just ridiculous.

At Least He is Listening to The "Life is Full of Choices" Lecture

Charlie just told me the following:

I am going to marry (a girl in his class).  I told her to choose between me and (a boy in his class). I told her choices, choices. She chose me.

No More Reading!

One of my students was reading one of those "Weird Fact" books and informed me that dragonflies are fried with onions and served as a delicacy in some countries.

Yes, I am failing him. Thanks for asking.