October 31, 2009
October 30, 2009
Nations Day
School — Sydney is always practicing something to memorize! Whether it be a song, a verse, a poem — whatever it is, we hear it 100 times before the big day. Half the time, Reagan knows it by heart too after hearing it so much. So lately, Syd started singing in French. What the heck is that all about?
Well, today was Nations Day at Sydney’s school. In the month leading up to this day, each class throughout all grades learns things about a specific nation. Sydney’s class went with France. Last year she had Mexico. There are a few hundred countries so I am not sure if she is going to get them all by 8th grade! As part of this, the kids practice a routine and perform it in front of the whole school with parents invited to attend as well.
The school was off for the 2 days prior to this because of snow. So the hiatus probably caused a few quirks because they didn’t get to rehearse the days before the show but they made it happen! Sydney had to be the leader that starts the circle — she was chosen for her attention to detail. I think they call that OCD when you get older.
Nations Day from Brandon Fuller on Vimeo.
October 28, 2009
October 24, 2009
Halloween Party
Sydney strutted her cat costume to Campbell and Helene’s annual Halloween party tonight!
October 23, 2009
Scream Scram 5k 2009
We got down to Wash Park in the heart of Denver around 5:30. A late day race — don’t get to do those that often. We met up with Simon and Kelly and their kids. Sydney and Ava had to pose for me near the lake to show off their costumes. Ava was a mermaid (Ariel?) as I recall. She was cold for this picture and kept her coat on. Sydney was sporting her new cat costume after abandoning the pirate mask I had bought for her weeks ago.
They had a 100 meter kids race before the 5k. Sydney lined up and took off. She was at the finish before you know it. Of course, it was a short distance. They gave the kids a sack with goodies and a ribbon. She was excited but she quickly turned that into a frown because “the race was too short”. She wanted to run further. She said it should have been a mile. Ok, then! Need to find her a miler to compete in.
Tada! That’s Sydney and I pre-race. Ready to go! I was sweating in that mask already. I had a bunch of people take my picture. Look, its Jack! And they would come running over. While it was just a store-bought costume, it was cool to get some fanfare. Others had no clue who the character was.
If the mask wasn’t a big enough handicap, how about pushing a double-wide jog stroller with two 40+(?) pound kids in it!
We went through the food lines and got some hot Mac-N-Cheese made fresh on the spot by Noodles and Company and then some pizza from Mici. Nice hot food as the weather turned to cold quickly. Justin and Kelly picked up their awards and then I got Sydney a picture with the race winner. I told her — this guy won the race! She was impressed. But then I later told her that this guy used to own 2 Subways — that was much cooler to her. Its her favorite fast food joint.
October 21, 2009
October 19, 2009
Pumpkin Time
The girls had the day off school so we headed over to Anderson Farms for some fall festivities! How about some bucket train rides? Ok!
We rode the tractor wagon out to the pumpkin patch so the girls could pick out their pumpkins to carve. However, Mom couldn’t resist setting them up for an annual portrait.
The multi-mile corn maze is the claim to fame here in my opinion. So we had to go do some once again this year!
Children of the Corn!
Sydney was amazed that a goat could climb stairs. Did you know that? He was up walking around over head. Luckily, he didn’t have a potty break up there.
Spent time at other attractions but it was finally time to get home so we headed out. Kim and I will go back and get the kids — one of these days.
October 18, 2009
Everybody Is Faster Than I Am
Sydney doesn’t even break a sweat and pulls off a 2:28 at Denver!
But she found the time to make a sign to cheer me on as well!
October 15, 2009
Daddy Daycare
Kim’s step-father Ron passed away. We decided it was best if Kim and Kayla flew to Indiana to attend services. That would leave Sydney and Reagan home. Alone. With Dad. What?
While I am always trying to improve my Dad skills, I never have to do everything. I never make lunches. I don’t do laundry. And so on. Now, it was all on my shoulders for about a week. Let the games begin! I don’t cook anymore either. I don’t think the stuff I am capable of making fits my healthy diet. So we went out a lot. Sydney even went to places that she had boycotted just for the sake of Reagan and I.
But it paid dividends! Who else gets to go to the pool with water slides late on a school night?
We had movie night with friends too!
On the last day, they saved Denver from a rather large blue bear that had attacked the convention center.
We wrapped up the day picking up my registration for the Denver Marathon the next day. The girls had a great time collecting all the schwag!
Kim arrived back home that night — relieved to find out that I hadn’t set the kids off in a large silver helium balloon to float over Colorado!
October 14, 2009
Back To School — For Dad!
Reagan and I had the opportunity to help out in Sydney’s class today.
I picked up lunch for Reagan and I and we went into school and sat with Sydney’s first grade class and ate lunch. Got to learn all about lunch time all over again. Then we went outside for recess. Reagan liked playing with the big kids. I got involved in freeze tag and had all the kids chasing me around. I escaped by climbing up a pole where nobody could get me. The playground moderator said she had never seen a Dad do that move before.
After we went back into Sydney’s classroom and I helped with reading groups. This is where the kids divide up and take turns reading a book to each other. A parent volunteer helps guide them and such. Sydney was a star. She was the best reader in the group. Made me proud. The boys have some work to do — especially because they goof off constantly. However, Sydney is little miss helper and tells them what they miss and to pay attention. She is a tough cookie!
October 11, 2009
First Snowfall
The temps dropped and we awoke to white stuff on the ground. The girls immediately found all their winter gear and were outside enjoying the day. We usually get the first snowfall on Halloween night. So maybe this will get it out of the way so we can have a nice day for trick or treating!
