The Police by Matt Wessel

This week Matt has had many encounters with the local police - not in the way you think - he is only 4! The kids school usually has a local police officer stationed with the crossing guard when school is dismissed. Each day has led to some interesting "conversations" he has had with the policeman on duty. So, the first day he saw one Matt went up, extended his hand for a shake (mind you he shakes with the same hand that he sucks his thumb) and said hello. Day two - as we were walking to the school to get Emily, I pointed out the police car and the policeman talking to another man. Matt walked up to the policeman extended his hand (wet thumb included) and as he was shaking his hand said "nice police hat". I think the policeman was thrown off by the comment....how many kids acknowledge a hat. As the policeman turned to look at his hat in hand, Matt said "that's a big gun". The policeman, the other gentleman and myself chuckled at the comment. Before we could make any verbal comments, Matt said a matter of fact "goodbye" and started walking toward the school. Day three - while walking in the crosswalk toward the school, Matt walked to the policeman, who was directing the children, his hand extended said "hello" and then "you've got a gun". Yes, that was the end of Matt's conversation with him. Does anyone else notice a theme developing of Matt checking out the policeman's guns. Day four - while walking with Emily back to the car, Matt notices a police car and points at it. As we near the car, the policeman puts his window down, Emily goes to the window and asks the policeman, "did you catch any bad guys today?" The policeman chuckled and said "I actually did this morning". Matt was listening in and then said "cool back seat". I laughed and told Matt that is not the seat you want to be in, that is where the bad guys go - he said "oh" and walked on toward our car. Today, we didn't see any police officers at school but we did see one assisting a utility truck. When the officer got out of the car I heard Matt in the backseat say, "its a grandpa policeman". Why a grandpa you ask? The police officer had grey hair. Matt fascination with the police has led to some pretty funny comments. He did tell me the other day that he is going to be a policeman when he grows up so I guess he is doing his "research" early.

Is that Our Emily

When I take pictures of the kids, I'm always thinking of how I can use them for a future scrapbook page - thinking about but not necessarily "seeing" the picture. This is from our vacation to Williamsburg. It wasn't until I "saw" the picture that I was hit by the fact of how "grown-up" Emily is. Yes, I know she is only 7 years old but where did my baby/toddler/preschooler go - this can't be her. But it is her - reality has struck and Emily has already started with the "attitude" (sometimes good, sometimes not) of an older child proving to me she is growing up. So many times I get caught up in our day to day activities that I don't realize the time that has gone by - example Christmas is in just 3 months. Didn't we just start summer? I hear the comment made by parents so often that time goes by fast so enjoy your kids and I agree with them without really thinking about it. Then, pictures like these come along and prove that fact to me like a slap in the face.....my kids are no longer babies, no longer toddlers and Matthew, the youngest, is on the cusp of "leaving" his preschool years. I can't stop time and don't really want to but I think I'll "look" and really "see" some more pictures as I take them in the future and enjoy my kids. Emily you are such a sweet girl and I enjoy watching you grown. Love You!

Climbing the wall...literally

I've told you that Matt has recently made real strides in overcoming fears and doing the daring. Well, here we are again. The one local park has a small climbing wall. Matt took a little time before he decided to even venture over to the wall but once he did he was all over it. He had a few "slips" with his feet but that was due to wearing crocs - not a "good" shoe for the task - while climbing. Matt was so proud of his accomplishment he made me take photos of him climbing every section of the wall and getting to the top....I spared you with just 2 pictures. Great job Matt....keep being adventurous.

Down The Fire Pole

Matt was thrilled on our recent trip to Pehle Park in Saddle Brook when he realized that the playground has its very own "fire pole". He didn't notice the pole until Emily went down it first while playing with another girl at the park. Once he saw it though, it was over......"fire pole here I come." I'm always amazed by the changes that occur in the kids when it comes to new tasks and accomplishments, I don't think last year Matt would have had the "nerve" to lean out onto that pole all by himself. The "fire pole" kept him occupied for a while, until he realized he could climb the rock wall. Great job, firefighter Matt.

First Day of School

It is hard to believe that the kids have started school. This is the first year our school district has started school prior to the Labor Day holiday. It was little unusual getting ready for school in that we just returned home from our last family vacation in Williamsburg, VA the evening before school started. So, we had no days of "hype" leading up to it. Emily was still a little unsure about the school because of not having been there in 2 years and not having met her teacher (she lnew her name only). Matt was ready to go....what a change in attitude from going to his preschool. Dave was off from work their first day so we both took them to school. Emily met her teacher, Ms. Palummieri, who I must say is absolutely gorgeous - model material. Emily already gave her a Littlest Pet Shop frog on the first day. We went up to Matt's classroom with him but he was ready to go without us. He was picked up at 10:45. He is already charming his teacher, who he knew from Emily at PreK 4. He told her when she said she would put his thermos in his lunch bag, "you are such a good teacher". Emily we picked up at 1:05. She was not so forthcoming on her day. I asked her if she had a good day she said "it was okay" and when I asked if she liked her teacher she said "she's okay". We took the kids to their favorite restaurant, Charlie Browns, for a celebratory lunch. All in all it was a great first 1/2 day of school. Here is to a great school year!