7 Ryan 7

These years are just flying by. I can't believe Ryan's already SEVEN!

He suggested donuts as a treat to share with his class for his birthday. 

I thought that was a fun, unique idea.

On Saturday as we were getting ready to leave for his party, we discovered this turtle [or tortoise] in our yard. It's a mystery how it got there or why. There were various theories. Some believed it was an abandon pet. Others believed it was just a wild animal who happened to be our yard. Mostly, we were just confused by this rare turtle sighting. I mention it in relation to Ryan's birthday, because this happened ON his birthday AND I was thinking of getting him a pet turtle for his birthday [decided against it] AND he loves turtles! What a random, yet well-timed, birthday turtle mystery! 

[Burke moved it to a grassy area near a pond. Hoping for the best for the little guy.]

Burke took Evan to soccer. My parents went along to watch Evan play. Ryan and I went to pick up the cake and balloons. Then we headed over the the Curious Kids' Discovery Zone to set up for his party.

Once the guests arrived, we started the party with pizza and fruit.

Then cake and ice cream.

 Ryan opened his presents from his sweet, generous classmates.

Then the kids were released to explore the Discovery Zone. The climbing wall, lighthouse tower, and water table are permanent exhibits.

This train station was part of their current traveling exhibit about the wild west.

Sad because he's in jail.

This pin wall is a favorite piece at the Discovery Zone. These [creepy] impressions were made by Ryan and Evan. Can you tell?

We concluded the party with a spin on the carousel.

22 Celebrants!

Family picture before we headed home.

Ryan wanted to have veggie burritos for his birthday dinner. So we did, and added other Mexican fare to the menu. We called it a Mexican Fiesta. After dinner, he opened more presents from kind, generous family members. Thank you Ggpa & Marge, Grandma & Grandpa, Nana & Lolo, Sue M, Betty, Mary, Barb, Sue D, Carol O for supporting and loving our Ryan!

Evan's gift to Ryan was a new unicorn nemne, which Ryan had his eye on.

Cute expressions in this picture.

Nana & Lolo saved Evan's day by sending him a special, consolation gift, since Ryan was being showered with many, many gifts. Well, he LOVED it. It kept him busy all night, and into the next day. He put this together pretty much by himself. I'd never seen him so focused on independently assembling Legos by following instructions. It was quite impressive.

We had brownie sundaes as a birthday dessert. 

 And the sun set on Ryan's 7th birthday!

Then next day, Ryan tore into this expansive art set - 

a thoughtful gift from Aunt Mary, Joe & Michelle.

We got him big boy digital clock. 

After about 5 years, we bid a fond farewell to bunny clock. 

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR 

FUN, CREATIVE, SMART, THOUGHTFUL, KIND LITTLE BOY!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH, RYAN!

Evan Lost His First Tooth

Evan lost his first tooth on April 14!

We were getting ready to brush teeth before bed. I knew it was coming close to coming out, so I asked him if he wanted me to try to pull it. To my surprise, he said yes. I used a tissue and gave it a gentle tug. He made a sound like it hurt, so I backed off, but I had definitely gotten it started. There was a little blood, and when he saw that, he began to worry. It got to the point where the tooth was still attached, but lying horizontal in his mouth. He didn't want me to touch it anymore, so I didn't. I had a feeling that he'd mess with it and it'd probably come out in the next few minutes. Sure enough, bedtime stories he exclaimed, "It came out! It was just on my tongue!" 

Lots of excitement and hugs...

... and checking out the situation in the mirror. 

My sweet baby's first tooth gap.

Doing an I-lost-a-tooth dance.

Next he was worried about the tooth fairy coming in his room. He said something like, "What if I see her? My eyes are open a lot at night because I'm bad at sleeping." To alleviate his worry, we put his tooth under the couch pillow, so she wouldn't have to come in his room. He was happy to get a note reassuring him that she was friendly. She also left him a new "nemna."

As you might suspect, this was a bittersweet moment for me. No more unadulterated baby teeth smiles in this house. Even after 5 days, the gap is striking to me every time I notice it. Despite my pleas, these boys just keep growing. He has three more wiggly teeth, so more of the same soon to come...

[Speaking of unstoppable time, Ryan celebrated his 7th birthday yesterday. Birthday blogpost forthcoming.]

Easter

We had a quiet Easter at home, just the four of us. 

Ryan made this in a "drawing animals" club at school. He drew it at school, colored it and wrote the message at home. 

We colored eggs.

Ryan gave the wax crayon a try.

Evan applying stickers.

A finished product

Evan made the traditional ugly egg, which is dyed every color combined. I don't think it's actually very ugly. Whatever color that is, I kind of like it.

Easter Scene

Evan finding hidden eggs.

Ryan found his basket!

Even Burke had a basket to find.

The Easter Bunny brought Burke Oberon, a seasonal beer from a local brewery.

New "nemnes" among the Easter basket goodies.

The dark brown basket on the right is nicely organized.

The light brown basket on the left is not only emptied, but the grass is strewn about. 

I bet you can guess which basket belongs to which boy.

We had beautiful weather on Easter Sunday, so we spent a little time at the beach. When we told them we were going to the beach playground, they cheered and said, "best day ever!" Evan is as happy as can be when he's outside. 

Weeeeee!

Spider on the swings with my guy!

I don't even know what to say about their ability to ham it up and strike crazy poses.

Thankfully, they usually give me one great, traditional picture.

In conclusion...

Music Men

If you have a few minutes this morning and would like to be entertained, please enjoy this mini-concert by Ryan and Evan. They do not take formal lessons on any instruments. Burke and I casually explain techniques and theory as it comes up. This is the result thus far...

Evan cannot get enough of the piano. He plays A LOT! When he's not near a piano, you may catch him playing the air and humming the tune. I give him one explanation and he thinks it over for a bit, and then he practices. Next thing you know, he's memorized it. He's pretty much teaching himself. If you know Evan at all, this process will not surprise you. 

Ryan is not showing as much interest in the piano, when he does, he likes to create his own melodies.   Emphasis is currently on the creating process, not being bound by the notes on the page. I think this is part of the reason why he likes drums so much. Freedom! If you know Ryan at all, this will be not surprise you either. 

It's pretty musically noisy in our house lately, but it's a good noise. Luckily, Burke and I are very accustomed to the sounds of rehearsals.