last day of school

Enoch had his last day of school. Enoch's class dressed up as owls from some baby owl book. It was cute. We took Enoch out of school so it would be easier for us as we start interviews and then go on our road trip. I think it's good that we're pulling him out now, but I also think it's good Enoch got in 2 months of school, and I'm glad Sharon made it happen

michael's garage

Glad Sharon took this picture of Michael's parking garage. What a cutie!

Pumpkin painting

Recent photo of Sharon helping the kids paint pumpkins

Last karate class

Enoch's last karate class was today. He got his white belt! It was very cute to seem him so eager and serious with his bowing, getting in straight lines, getting in fighting stances, and throwing little kicks and punches. The gym didn't impress us enough to keep paying for it after our groupon ran out, but I think the 11 classes were a fun experience for Enoch and good for him. I think we might start up again when he gets older. Good job Sharon for finding the groupon and signing him up

Goalie

Enoch had a melt down in his soccer game today. He just has no desire to be aggressive and run into a group of kids and kick wildly. He loves to play at home with me but he just doesn't see the thrill of playing with 12 other kids on the field. During the game he started crying and said he didn't want to play anymore.

Luckily, Sharon had the brilliant idea to make him the goalie. He loved it. He even stopped a goal once, and had a giant smile.

Goodnight stories

It's always so fun for me to watch Sharon read the kids books. She's a great mother.

Brushing teeth

Enoch eats breakfast and lunch at school. Sharon was worried about him drinking juice and chocolate milk and never brushing his teeth after those meals. We tried to tell Enoch to brush his teeth after breakfast at school, but I think he was too embarrassed to do it. We kept encouraging him, and today he came home so proud that he had done it. What a good habit... All thanks to Sharon!

homework

Sharon helped Enoch out with a homework assignment to build a house and draw family members inside. Ever since I was a kid I hated stuff like that. It's only worse now. Luckily Sharon is there to help the kids with such miserable things... thanks!

Peter on the bicycle

Sharon told me her back was hurting today. I asked why -- she was crouching over to hold Peter on his bicycle as he and Michael rode along. I would have no patience for that but I know she can't resist. She loves her boys!

Primary program

The primary program was today. Enoch had the following line:

"I can gain a testimony of Jesus Christ by singing primary songs."

I know it because Sharon practiced with Enoch over and over again. He had it memorized and said it very well without needing help. He was very proud of himself and it was very fun. He was one of the only kids in his group to memorize his line. Good job Sharon and Enoch!

Grand rounds

Had a grand rounds today about pediatric insomnia. The gist of it was that most cases of bad sleeping are due to poor habits. They are resolved by parents adopting things like bedtime routines. Pretty much every single little trick or tip that was discussed for good sleep was something that Sharon adopted long ago with our kids. Good job, honey!

swimming kodak moment

Sharon insisted we bring the camera on the last day we all went swimming at the community pool. Not something I would have put forth the effort to do, but I'm glad we have the video now. Thanks honey

First day of school

Sharon was running around town all day today. Enoch started preschool today, which means he needs to be dropped off and picked up every day. That sounds so tedious to me that I don't think I could do it... but Sharon is excited for Enoch to have the chance to go to school and she does it willingly. At least she did it today... :-)

Karate

Sharon bought a groupon for Enoch to do 11 karate sessions. I was skeptic at first, but when I saw Enoch at his first session today, nervous and shy at first and eventually smiling as he practiced punching into the air, I knew it was a great thing for Enoch. Thanks Sharon!

Water balloons

I always love seeing that Sharon had fun with the kids while I was at work.

Swimming

This is a picture Sharon took of Enoch's last swim lesson this week. Taking a 4, 2, and 1 year old swimming by yourself is not easy, and yet Sharon told me seeing Enoch swim to her with his face in the water was the best part of her day.

Taking care of the sick ones

This week Enoch Michael and Peter have all gotten sick. Nothing terrible, but they've all gotten fevers and gotten grumpy. Sharon is wonderful for being a great mother to them and caring for them while they've been sick.

Fun at home

These pictures encapsulate some of the fun at home Sharon helps make happen

Burnless children

Turns out Sharon got a pretty bad sun burn on our last day at the beach. I also got a bit burned, but not nearly as bad. The kids, though, only got mildly red, if at all. And that's mainly Sharon's doing. Sometimes we bicker a bit about whether or not the kids need sunscreen when they go outside, and sometimes Sharon gives in and lets me take them outside a bit without it. But when it matters her caution prevails, and our kids came away from 4 days at the beach basically burnless. Good job.

Fun mama

I'm grateful Sharon is willing to spend 3 nights in an RV and 4 days on the beach with our little kids. Vacationing with little kids and bringing a 1 year old anywhere, especially the beach, is exhausting. But it's worth it and I'm glad Sharon has the energy for it.