Brothers

So we are learning about the brotherly dynamics around here. A definite love hate relationship between my two sons. They always want to be together but can't stand when they are in each others space.

Hunter is always looking up to big brother and wants to do everything he does. If Hunter gets a sticker, he always makes sure his big brother gets one as well.

The other day Hunter grabbed a balloon that belonged to Alex, ran outside and let it go. Alex was devastated. We got the balloon at a restaurant we went to after kindergarten orientation and they gave it to him as a special gift. I have never seen Alex so upset.

The next morning the boys were downstairs watching TV together. Alex came running upstairs to look to see what hunter did. We go down and our lovely Hunter got hold of a pen and drew all over our leather coach. The swirls were very artistic and the rice flour he grabbed to hide the writing really added to the whole scene. I would have taken a picture but Brian's head was about to blow up. It really takes a lot for him to get upset and this really did it. Anyway, we found out Alex tried to stop his brother and tried to clean up after him so he wouldn't get in trouble. Did I mention the water everywhere mixed with the rice flour and ink.

So one moment they are ready to kill each other and the next big brother is trying to cover up little brothers mess. It was strange to comprehend all this. At first I just wanted to scream at them then I took a step back and really looked at what was happening. they are really little human beings finding their way in this great huge world. They will torment one another but in the end I hope they will always be there to help one another.

Stamps anyone?

We started getting back into hiking last year. We have some great trails near our house. One is the airline trail and I'm now discovering many many more. Our town started a Hike and Go Seek. There are 5 trails we need to take a clues that help us find an object we record on a "score" card. The first trail we did the clues led us to a letter box. Well when my 5 year old found a box hidden that contained a stamp and ink pad he was besides himself. He had been balking at the idea of "walking" and it was "stupid". Well this now has turned him into liking hiking. He now wants his own stamp and keeps asking to find more trails with stamps.

I heard about letterboxing a while ago but never had time. It seemed fun to follow clues and find boxes hidden away on beautiful trails but just wanted to enjoy hiking without the quest. Apparently we will now be letterboxing. Alex has already figured out his and his brothers stamps.

Today Alex and I played hookie from school and work and we decided to complete one of the hikes on our own. There were two trails we could have taken one very short and the other was quite a hike (get it?). The longer one's quest was a letter box and he decided that we MUST do that one. We spent almost 2 hours hiking to and from the box. What a special time I had with him!! He read all the trail markers to ensure we were going the right way and always kept us on course. We discussed evolution and he corrected me when I mistakenly said dinosaurs aren't real (I meant they are extinct) and he corrected me. We also found the most beautiful beaver pond full of wildlife. We saw trees cut down by the beavers and explore the teeth marks and examine remnant wood chips from the beaver activity. It was truly nature at it's finest. I was even scared by a wood duck.

I think letter boxing is going to be a major factor to get Alex out on the trails without to much fuss.

Happy Hiking Everyone!!!

Deep Sigh

Well, Alex had soccer today and it was as if had been playing with those other kids for years. He did a great job. It was like he found his place. He listened to the coaches, paid attention and followed through with everything. Of course this was his first time ever playing but it was so wonderful to see his smiling face on the field.

As we were walking to the car to go home I said to him "You did a real good job!" He says to me "I know." I'll need to work on his modesty a bit.

Holding My Breath

So I guess it's happening, I have become a soccer mom.

Alex has been taking swim lessons weekly since October. He's starting soccer on Saturday which now conflicts with his last swim lesson. I'm hoping for rain so he can complete his swimming and then start soccer next Saturday.

I'm holding my breath that he takes to soccer. I need to have him have an outlet for his unending energy. He hates following directions and can never be told what to do. I always need to direct him to make things his ideas in order to get things done or there are major tantrums from both of us. Still trying to figure out where he gets his stubbornness.

He has been asking to learn how to play soccer for two years now. I really hope he likes it. I hope the coaches are there because they want to be there. I need this to be an incredible thing for him.

Swimming he's not too excited about but he needs to learn to be around the water because we go canoeing and hopefully kayaking in the future. We also go hiking near rivers so I will not budge on swim lessons they are a must!

So I'm holding my breath that this soccer program will live up to his expectations.