Sources of Their Pride

Since school began, Gage, obviously, has been learning quite a bit. His accomplishments are definitely a source of pride for him lately as he shyly grins when telling us a tale. For starters, he likes to point out letters everywhere and as he finds them, he ends his 'story' about the letter with "when I was 3, I couldn't do that... but now I'm 4 and I can do a lot more." As far as doing a lot more, he is also quite excited that he doesn't need a 'start' anymore on the swings. Not only can he keep himself going as high as he wants on the swings, but now he can also get himself started. (this all happens in our backyard after school, as preschoolers are not permitted on the swings at school) Lastly, the boy who we thought would never get the hang of pedals is off on his own two-wheeler in a matter of a couple of weeks-- I think convincing Dad that he just needed a bike to fit those long legs of his was the hardest part :) And Gage proved that idea to be right on. One of the grand things about the camping season coming to a close is that people throw out all sorts of perfectly good things--either because they don't want to mess with it back at their homes or it's served its purpose. Grandpa Cable, somewhere, wrangled up two bicycles that are perfect: one is red and one is purple. One came with training wheels and one came with pedals :) We put the pedals on the bike with training wheels and Gage was set. (Now we just have some time to get Leila's first two-wheeler in perfect shape for her) How cool is it that Santa can concentrate on all sorts of other presents for Christmas now? :)

Leila's source of recent pride is showing off how much she knows. She likes to match things up. She races to find a book or something else that matches whatever TV show is on and then she just squeals like a broken record, delighted that she has the characters figured out in multiple ways. She is also proud of herself to play the vocab game that she invented (maybe she'll be another teacher in the family). Whenever someone comes over or gets home from work, whether it be Austin, me or someone else, her first mission is to walk around touching objects and telling us its name. Her pronunciation is cute at best, but, buddy, she is certainly trying. Lastly, her lightning speed is another great source of her pride that she wants to show off. Parking lots, Target stores, driveways, school hallways... if she sees open spaces, she's off... and I mean, she's off... like a lightning blink of an eye. She's proud of herself, and I'm exhausted :)