Mommy's Birthday Letter to Drew - Age 9

Dear Drew,

It's the last year in the "single digits" as you have excitedly been reminding me of.  Before long, you won't want Mom to read to you at night, you won't want to fill me in on your day-to-day activities and you'll look at me as if I have two heads.

But for now I'm going to cherish the way you still play with your toys - mostly the broken Spider-Man and the Minecraft Mini Figures - full of imagination.  Whether it's to have them run through whatever video you're watching on the iPad, building battle scenes or reading with you - I love that you're still so into all things small and continue to use that imagination of yours.  Life is still so full of wonder for you - I love your innocence about it all.  I wish we could bottle up the innocence forever for you - to shelter you from the world we live in.

Third grade - now the oldest in your class, you're starting out the year so very excited about what this means for you.  I hope you work to be the leader I know you can be.  Continue to stand up for others, but don't let them bully or take advantage of you.  I love the words you use and how you use them - continue to use them for good.

You've always been a sensational child, but now I'm experiencing life through your eyes and seeing how sensational life can be.  It brings me such joy to have our chats, hear your perspective on things and hear your political views.  You have so much to offer all of those whose lives you touch.  Just remember not everything is perfect and there are good days mixed with the bad.  Work on overreacting less and being grateful for what you have.

Wishing you a wonderful final year in the single digits!

Love you my punkin!
Mom

Super Bowl 50 Comes to Town

Last weekend we enjoyed the opening of Super Bowl City in San Francisco.  Santa Clara is hosting Super Bowl 50 this year, but the pre-game fun is in SF.  We planned to give the free Super Bowl City a shot first and if that didn't excite us we were going to head to Moscone - home of the NFL Experience ($$$$).

Well 10 minutes inside SB City, we fell in love.  We spent the better part of the day cruising the fun and booths.  Like the Bud Light Booth...

Football and hand is made out of cans

Another from the Bud Light booth

Since we were in the beer booth, of course Dave and I had to start the "pregame fun" with a beer.  Mind you, it was maybe 11am at this point. 

So we continued our walk around and spotted a line - the first of many.  And we decided to get a fun picture of Drew as a Denver Bronco.

Bronco/Raider Rivalry lives on

While in line to take a picture as a Bronco (yes they had a Carolina Panther there also) Drew spotted a zip-line activity.  We told him we'd check it out and that could be the one event he did while we were there - expecting it to be an overpriced attraction.  SURPRISE!! IT'S FREE!!! 

We simply needed to head to a different tent to sign up for a time slot and sign the waivers.  On the way over I snapped a pretty shot of the Ferry Building all decorated.  The skies were so clear and blue on this day which was a treat after a bunch of rain earlier in the week.

Ferry Building

Another shot looking to our left of the CBS Sports area that we would hit up next.

Once we got our time slot (3pm - about 3 hours to kill) we headed over to see what the CBS Sports field was all about.  Who knew there were more activities!?  We were really in awe about all the fun that was to be had.

Drew/McFadden on the 50 Yard Line

The big activity - yes another line - was to run down Lombard Street (San Francisco's famous crooked street) and try and catch a football at the end.  We'll go with the fact that Drew caught the ball... since this photo - yes we got a free souvenir of the "catch" - looks like he might have actually caught it.

Drew's first catch attempt

Dave tried his Lombard Run... and he was showing off for the camera, and jumped out of frame.

Dave's Lombard Catch

After hanging out in CBS Sports area, we decided to walk and see what else there was to find...

More Beer :)

By this point Drew was starving so we decided to pick up up a pizza at Boudin - a ridiculous wait for just a small pizza.  but then we snapped a few more photos after the child was fed.

The boys staring at the large painted building

While I was in line for Drew's lunch, the boys stood in line to get the family shot in front of the big 5-0.  I got a text while waiting for the pizza that I needed to get out there quick for our photo.  It worked out - we got the big picture.

After eating, it was time for Drew to report to the Zip Line!  It was supposed to be a Father/Son event however Dave weighed in 5 lbs too heavy and had to stay back.  So Drew braved it alone.  No Fear!

Ready for the Zip Line

And he's off!!!

Here is the GoPro Video that we got as a souvenir - again FREE!

I have to say Super Bowl City more than blew me away.  There was still so much more to do but we didn't take part in due to the lines.  Drew had enough by that point and so we let him burn off some additional steam at the playground before we decided to call it quits for the night.  The crowds were getting heavier and it was getting colder.  While we missed the Chris Issak concert and the fireworks/bridge lighting, we had an absolute blast!  And it was entirely free!  (Not the beer or Drew's pizza however).

Mommy's Birthday Letter to Drew - Age 8

Drew,

Well since you won't stay in that bubble preserving that little boy you once were, I get the privilege of watching you grow up before my eyes. You are wiser and more mature than your years - and I have to remind myself regularly you're only "8".

I absolutely love our little chats in the wee morning hours and as we read Harry Potter at night (we are on book 5 now). And your heart... You have become quite the sensitive little boy!  Anytime I have a tough day, you come up to me just to give me a hug because you sense I'm stressed. It melts my heart and puts everything in perspective. Thank you for that! I hope you continue to do that for others. And when I get hurt (my shoulder) you actually cry out of concern that I may have to go to the doctor.  It's amazing to see this change in you this year.

And yet you are still you. You love your little figures as you play, read, or watch your videos. You still idolize your Dad and do whatever you can to make him proud. As much as you groan about school (2nd grade - really?!?) we both know you like it. I love watching you interact with your friends, often being the leader.  It warms my heart how you look out for your friends and defend them on the playground.

While I hate seeing you grow up so fast, I'm blessed to watch all these changes in you.  I can't wait to see how you continue to grow - physically and that spirit within you. Just please let me cuddle and kiss your sweet face for a couple more years.... like 20 or so. I'm not ready to let go of my Punkinhead just yet.

Love,
Mom

First Grade Progress

I missed the first trimester update - so I'm going to include 2 trimesters in this report card post.

"Grades" are maximum 3, X means they aren't graded on it.

Language Arts                                                                                                            1st      2nd

• Segments words into recognizable phonemes (cat=c/a/t)                                  3        3
• Uses letters, letter patterns, long/short vowels to blend into words                   3        3
• Reads common irregular sight words (ex the, have, said, give, of)                   3        3

Reading Comprehension/Literary Response/Fluency

• Student reads and understands grade level appropriate text                               3        3
• Reads aloud with fluency in a manner that sounds like natural speech              X       3
• Retells the central idea of a story using beginning, middle & end                      3        3
• Identifies and describes plot, setting & characters                                              X       X

Writing Strategies, Applications, Conventions

• Spells short vowel words & grade level appropriate sight words                        3       3
• Writes in complete sentences                                                                               3       3
• Uses descriptive words when writing                                                                  X      3
• Uses appropriate punctuation & capitalization                                                   X        3
• Writes on one focused topic (autobiographical, observational & fictional)        3       3

Listening & Speaking

• Listens and gives a focused response                                                                   3       3
• Stays on topic when speaking                                                                               3      3
• Relates an important personal experience in a simple sequence                           3     3

History/Social Science

• Demonstrates understanding concepts                                                                  3       3
•  Participates in activities and discussions                                                             3        3

Mathematics
Number Sense

• Counts/reads/writes whole numbers to 50                                                           3       3
• Counts/reads/writes whole numbers to 75                                                           X      3
• Counts/reads/writes whole numbers to 100                                                          X   X
• Compares & orders whole numbers to 100 using the symbols < = >                   X     3
• Counts/groups objects into ones & 10s (3 tens, 4 ones = 34 or 30+4                   X     3
• Counts & writes by 10s                                                                                         3      3
• Counts & writes by 5's                                                                                           X     3
• Counts & writes by 2's                                                                                           X    X
• Creates and uses fact families (6+2=8, 8-2=6)                                                      X     X
• Commits to memory & recalls basic addition & subtraction facts to 7                  3    3
• Commits to memory & recalls basic addition & subtraction facts to 12                X    3
• Commits to memory & recalls basic addition & subtraction facts to 20                 X    X
• Solves addition & subtraction problems w/ one and two digit numbers                 3     3
• Understands the use of symbols +, -, and =                                                            3     3
•  Estimates & measures length, weight & volume using nonstandard units            3    3
• Tells time to the nearest half hour                                                                          X    X
• Identifies/describes/compares 3 dimensional shapes & objects                             X    X
• Organizes, represents and compares data by category on graphs & charts             3    3
• Describes, extends, and explains patterns                                                               X   3
• Makes decisions about how to set up a problem                                                    X     3

Science Classroom/Lab

• Demonstrates understanding of concepts                                                               3     3
• Participates in activities & discussions                                                                   3     3

THE FOLLOWING ARE GRADED BY  CHECK OR N (needs improvement)
Visual & Performing Arts

• Participates in music                                                                                            check, check
• Participates in fine arts                                                                                        check, check

Physical Education

• Demonstrates appropriate social skills                                                                check, check
• Actively participates in activities                                                                        check, check
• Demonstrates age appropriate large motor skills                                                check, check

Social Growth/Life Skills

• Exhibits a positive attitude                                                                                 check, check
• Respects people and property                                                                            check, check
• Cooperates with others                                                                                        check, check
• Follows School rules                                                                                          check, check
• Follows Directions                                                                                              check, check
• Demonstrates listening skills                                                                              check, check
• Takes personal responsibility for behavior                                                          check, check

Work/Study Skills

• Contributes to classroom activities                                                                     check, check
• Exhibits organizational skills                                                                              check, check
• Completes class assignments                                                                               check, check 
• Completes and returns homework                                                                         check, check
• Exhibits neat and legible work                                                                              check, check
• Works independently                                                                                            check, check
• Demonstrates effort                                                                                               check, check
• Accepts responsibility for individual learning                                                   check, check

First Trimester Teacher Notes
It has been a pleasure getting to know Drew over the last couple of months.  Drew has made a smooth transition to First Grade and has made many friends.  He participates in classroom activities and enjoys sharing.  Drew generates neat and careful work, however he sometimes has a hard time completing his work in a timely manner. Next trimester we will continue to practice reading with fluency and expression as well as using our retell strategies.  At home, continue to practice reading with fluency and expression.  In math, we will focus on patterns as well as addition and subtraction facts.  I look forward to a great year with Drew!

Second Trimester Teacher Notes
Drew has made good progress to date.  He can easily grasp new concepts that are taught.  He is able to segment words into recognizable phonemes, use letters to blend into words and read grade level sight words.  He is reading above grade level with fluency and comprehension.  Also, Drew is able to retell in detail what he has read.  In math, he's able to count, read, and write numbers to 70.  As well as solve basic addition and subtraction facts.  Drew does need reminders throughout the day to focus and complete is work.  Also he enjoys sharing and class discussions..  Keep up the good work!

In both parent teacher conferences we discussed that Drew's a perfectionist and he needs to overcome this - to stop being so hard on himself.  This is why he has a hard time finishing class projects - it has to be "just right".  He is still prone to meltdowns when things aren't just right, but they are improving.  As of the Sprint Parent Teacher Conference, he's reading at level 28 (they want 1st graders reading at 16 by the end of the year).

Needless to say - back to back "straight A's" make for some proud parents!

Ben 10 Halloween

In the spirit of playing catch-up on blogs, I'll be consolidating this post which is Halloween Eve (there wasn't any school on Halloween) and the big night.  Drew was Ben 10 for Halloween this year - an older cartoon that is on Cartoon Network during off hours.  Dave and Drew shopped for this costume the day after Halloween last year, and scored this one for a killer discount.  Problem was he was more into Ben 10 last year compared to this year... and even then not really.  Good news, the costume still fit, barely.  Drew's had a massive growth spurt over the past several months.

Here are some pictures from Drew's school Halloween Parade.

Drew's class making their first round (he's center - white shirt brown pants)

Ben 10 (aka Drew)

Pause in the Parade

Ben 10 Makes 2nd round

 And then the following night was Halloween.  Living where we do there is quite a few homes to hit for trick or treating, so I go prepared...

Dave stayed behind this year to scare the neighborhood kids- his favorite thing to do.  Julie and I took Drew and Christopher until they were ready to drop.

Drew & Darth Vader... I mean Chris

Trick or Treat!

Drew had to have Curious George for the weekend from School

Drew actually called it quits pretty yearly this year.  In years past, he's emptied his bag and gone out for a second round.  This year he was done after the first candy dump.  Worked for me - I could finish the wine sitting down.

Halloween for the Over 21 Crowd

More catching up... Halloween for grownups.  Dave and I celebrated another Halloween party at our friends Brian and Stephanie's (Drew's old daycare).  As always plenty of stories to share and remember, but not necessarily G rated for the blog. 

Here are the highlights - I was Hermione Granger from Harry Potter & Dave was the Punisher.

Punisher & Hermione - before the party

The full Costume

All the ladies (I'm bottom center)

The guys - Dave is back center

Steve & the Punisher

Hermione & the Punisher again

Costume of the night - the troll

Brian & Ms Kirsten (Drew's old Preschool teacher)

Jonelle & Travis - I mean Kool Aid Man & The "ew" girl from Jimmy Fallon

20th High School Reunion

It's about time that someone catches up on a few blog posts.  This one goes back to last October when we celebrated the Antioch High School Class of 1994's 20th High School Reunion!

It was a blast catching up with friends some of which I've seen over the years, but many I haven't seen since walking the halls of high school or graduation.  Dave and I helped set up early on, so we didn't get to join in the pre-reunion fun taking place at a nearby hotel.  We were able to join after the reunion - when I'd had more than my share of drinking.

Here are a few photos.

My name badge with my senior portrait

Photo Booth Fun

Jeana, Irene and I - more photo booth fun

Me, Jason & Heather

Jeff & I

Chad & I - before the Fireball shot

Jenn, Me, Andrea

My DD & I

Ladies Night: Andrea, me, Heather, Irene

The HS gang at the hotel after the reunion

 Rumor has it they're thinking about having another one for the 25th....