Monster Golf Party

Emily's birthday party was held this year the Tuesday after her birthday at Monster Golf - the only place she wanted to have it. Monster Golf is an indoor miniature golf course done with black lights and glowing paint, oh and fake monsters to scare the kids. We had a pizza party first, the kids got to play arcade games, then Emily got to leave her hand print on the "birthday party" wall, followed by golfing. The kids had a great time. It is still hard to believe she is 8 years old.

My Words are Haunting Me

This afternoon Matt called me into his room because the repair I made to his Lego fire truck wasn't correct, that is was missing a part. So, I pulled out the instructions and saw the part I didn't have. I asked Matt where the part was and he told me in the kitchen, where I first "fixed" the truck. I told him "go get it, so I can fix it" to which he replied "but I am not your slave". I asked him what did you say and he repeated it. Yes, I have used this phrase with the kids when they have asked me to do things - like get a drink, get me this, get me that. I tried to explain to him that I wasn't asking him to be my slave just get the part he left in the kitchen. The conversation was very light hearted, no sassiness from the boy, so in the end I got the part and fixed the truck. With Matt, I really do have to watch what I say and how I say it because I KNOW it will come back to haunt me some day.

Matt & Machines

For years, Dave has wanted to take Matt to a Touch Truck event held in the parking lot of the Garden State Plaza Mall. All kinds of trucks/machinery is brought there so the kids can climb on and "investigate" them. Finally, Dave was able to take Matt and they had a great time. The picture in the middle is of Matt with the Bergen County Sheriff - who let Matt wear his bulletproof vest...very cool!

Time for Planting

Yesterday while Dave was at work, the kids and I decided to get our hands in the dirt and make something "pretty". Emily helped me the most with the repotting of the flowers into new containers while Matt was more than happy to assist with the spreading of the mulch. It turned out very nice and a garden for Emily to finally take care of - which she has been wanting for a long time. After we finished the garden, the kids made stepping stones from kits we got last year. They'll be ready to put in the garden tomorrow - they needed 2 days to dry. It is so nice to do projects like these with the kids.

Fiesta Birthday

The last Monday of school was a fun day for the whole school. The Preschool had a Fiesta party while K - 5th grade had a beach party. Because it was their final party of the year, I got to be in the classroom as a class mom. Matt so wanted to celebrate his birthday with his school friends so we brought cupcakes as the sweet treat for the party. The cupcakes were made into a pull apart cake form that had a construction theme on top. It was Matt's choice. We had a great time and look a rare picture of me was taken with my boy.

Dangerous Ride

It has been over a week since Matt had his "incident" with the slide ride at the local carnival. You can barely tell the injury occurred. Dave is still having guilt issues about it. Matt is pretty much over it however I can guarantee that while at the Meadowlands Fair tonight he will not be going on the slide ride. Yesterday while we were driving past the fair, Matt stated "there is that dangerous ride". When we said maybe they could go to the fair, he informed us that he won't be going on "that ride". Dave was very quick to agree with Matt. I don't think Dave could handle the torture of watching him go down the slide. Someday they may both get over the event. Only time will tell!

Dylan's Candy Bar

We took the kids to the city one Saturday afternoon and headed to Dylan's Candy Bar on the Upper East Side. Dave is very good at finding things and places to visit in the city. This particular store has been featured on "Unwrapped" on the Food Network with Mark Summers. The rabbit they are standing by is all candy and the walls going down stairs along with the stairs have all kinds of candy in them - so cool. On the upper floor, they have an ice cream/goodie shop. We exited the store with a bag filled with candy. YUM!!

Matthewisms

Matt is pulling out all the stops today....although he did get in trouble this morning for his first "curse" word - I won't say which one but it was a biggie and very unexpected.

On a lighter note, at lunch, I asked him where he wants to go to eat tomorrow for his birthday and he said "hibachi". I told him I didn't think so because we just did that for Father's Day. His reply was "Please, you'll make my heart sad." Awww. Then Emily whispered in his ear, which I heard. So, he tells me Charlie Brown's to which I asked is that his idea or Emily's and he responded "that would be mines". He's a sweet and funny kid. Someone told me the other day he is either going to be a politician or a comedian....he'd beg to differ - Firefighter.

Matthewisms

Matt just told Emily and I, "When I grow up and am a firefighter I am going to have a rescue dolphin and everyone will want to pet my dolphin". A boy can dream but I don't think dolphins and firefighting go together.

TRAAAAAINS!!!!

On Saturday the 12th, Emily and I had a baby shower to attend so the boys headed off on their own adventure. About an hour from our house, there is a model railroad display called Northlandz. Matt was in absolute train heaven. The boys had a great time and Matt insists that both Emily and I have to go with them the next time. I can't say I am as thrilled to go as Matt but anything for my boy.

Preschool is History

Matt is officially a Preschool graduate. His closing program was on the 15th of June and he was hilarious. One of the first things that happened was that the microphone the kids were passing as they said their name and what they want to be when they grow up blew. So, the kids were told to say it loud enough for "the people" to hear. Well, it was pretty quiet until it came to Matt who very loudly and proudly said "My name is Matthew David Wessel, when I grow up I want to be a firefighter." The parents who know Matt weren't surprised that he was "audible". Well, let me tell you Matt has such personality that showed through the entire program...every song they sung he bopped his little head to and performed every hand motion with great exaggeration. I have to tell you I couldn't stop smiling and laughing. Did I cry at the thought that this is my baby leaving Preschool and heading to Kindergarten? No, but my heart was tugged a little at the thought.

Matt we are very proud of you. We know how much you love being home and going to school every day was not always liked. Next year is going to be a big adjustment from 1/2 day mornings to all day school but we know you can do it and will have a ton of fun. You'll also be amazing entertainment for your teacher. We love you little guy!!

Academic Achievement

It was a year of uncharted territory. Although we had a peace about having Emily return to general education to repeat first grade, I always had questions bouncing around in the back of my head like "is this the right thing to do?" "will she make the adjustment back?" Well, Emily proved it was the right choice. After a lot of homework, class work and tests, she ended the year by receiving a certificate for academic achievement. Basically she had to average an A/B average for all 4 school grading periods and had to receive all "satisfactory" markings. She did it. Emily also took the 1st grade NJ required testing and received a proficient marking in Mathematics and an advanced marking in Language/Arts. One main reason for her success this year was her teacher, Ms. Palummieri. She was exactly who Emily needed for her transition from special ed into general ed. We will never be able to thank her enough for all she did for Emily.

Emily it was tough, I know there were times you felt overwhelmed by the amount of work expected and sometimes our homework sessions were a little "uncomfortable" but you pushed through and accomplished so much. We are very proud of you. Look out 2nd grade here she comes!!

Field Day at Washington School

The last Friday in May was Field Day for both Emily and Matt at their school. Emily was very excited because it was basically a play day and not a "work" day. I was able to be with Matt in the morning seeing I am one of the class mom's for his class and I had to bring in the morning preschool's breakfast of bagels. The kids had a great time. I was able to see Emily run a few of her races which included a leap frog race - boy, did that bring back memories of childhood. In the one picture, Matt is at the right "prepping" for his next race - his class got to run three races. Matt's class was done at 10:45 seeing field day is done on a half day of school. As soon as he was done, he was ready to leave. We stayed a little longer for me to be able to get a few pictures of Emily doing T-ball hits. It was a perfect weather day, not too cool but a little cloud covered so it never got too hot. Next year, Matt will be able to be there all day to participate. All in all a very fun day!

Matthewisms

I decided to use the title "Matthewisms" instead of funny family sayings seeing most of the funnies come from one source - Matthew.

The other day as we were walking back to the car after getting Emily from school Matthew got frustrated with me because I was unable to hear what he was saying to me so he emphatically said "Just look with your eyeballs". It was so funny I started to laugh and repeated back to him so I am suppose to look with my eyeballs and does he want me to hear with my eardrums. Well, this has now become a staple statement of Matt's when he wants you too look at or see something. I love his sayings, they make my day a little lighter.

Emily Is 8

Well, it is official Emily is now an 8 year old - no more car seat. Her statement of the day which she said to just about everyone was "Today's my birthday, I'm 8, no more car seat". Emily's day started as requested - a pancake breakfast with a candle in it and her presents by her plate. She also told us how she would come down the stairs and say "where is everyone?" and we were to jump up and say "surprise". Well, we fulfilled her request. For her gifts, Matt gave her the princess from the Princess & the Frog and we gave her a stuffed gecko. Emily's main gift is an American Doll that she gets to go to the store in NYC to buy. The doll's name is Emily, for real. Emily chose her outfit for the day - I'm sure you are not surprised that is was a dress. She wore a button that said Birthday girl. Emily took cupcakes to school for a little party in the afternoon. Of course, she needed to take extra cupcakes for the principal, her former preschool teacher, Mrs. Santos, the school secretary, Dawn, and a few other teachers. Emily is such a giver which is great character trait but it isn't so great on my wallet. Fortunately, Dave didn't have to work really late so we headed out around 7:15 for a late dinner at Red Lobster, Emily's request. She told the host it was her birthday then proceeded to tell the waitress it was her Birthday and she would need a cake at the end of her dinner....hilarious. Of course, so the waitress wouldn't forget she told her after she ordered her chicken tenders "don't forget the cake". We all shared a slice of cheesecake...and they did sing to her. It was a really nice day. It is hard to believe that the baby in the picture is the same little girl today. We love you Emily, Happy Birthday!

Five Guys...What?

Time for another Matthew "funny". This morning Matt asked me where he was going and I told him it was a school day to which he replied "bummer". As I told him to get his shoes on he asked once again where he was going and I told him school. He asked "When are we going to Five Guys?" Five Guys is a burger joint, so you can imagine my confusion as to why he was asking when we are going there and it is only 8 in the morning. So, I asked him "You want to go to Five Guys?" To which he replied, "When are we going?". Still confused, I asked him, "You want to go to the hamburger place?" A very frustrated Matt responded "What is the place Danny gave us tickets to?" As a gift Danny, our contractor and husband to the kids babysitter, Victoria, gave us tickets to an amusement park.....ready for this....it is Six Flags. Matt confused Five Guys and Six Flags. Hey, they both have a number and a single word in their names. Matt was very disappointed when I told him we wouldn't be able to go today that he needed to go to school. I love this little guy....he makes life very entertaining.