How is it September?

New Superman Boxing Gloves from our friends, The McSweeneys! He loves them!

All the critters end up in our bed by midnight!

New haircut

Testing out a recliner.

Bathtubbin’

Window art with glass markers from Nana and Papa.

Friends came over for dinner and it was a later night-he and Tyler crashed on the floor! Gloves on and all.

Hello, September. We are counting down the days until the heat breaks. It’s already showing some signs of relief. This weekend it was “only” 89 degrees. Ethan is really enjoying school. Based on his teacher feedback, he’s a great listener and is working really hard on writing. He received his first “homework” last week which involved tracing the letter “R”, upper and lowercase, and coloring pictures that start with “r”. It came back in his folder with a smiley face! Each night we practice tracing his name on laminated sheets. He is learning how to keep the letters in the correct order. After he’s done, he likes to draw pictures.

I’ve observed him a few times through the door at school and he is taking to the computers more this year. He wears the headphones and plays various educational games. Last year, the older kids were usually at the computers and this year, Ethan is older and certainly seems to be enjoying them. The difference a year makes! He has jumped right into school routine without hesitation. So great to see him enjoying school.

Since getting back home, we have resumed chore days. Each day he (and Tyler) have certain chores to do and if they follow through, Friday is “Chore Treat Day”. Tyler even knows what Friday means! They get to pick a sucker from a treat bag. Chores are as follows:

Making bed every morning: Ethan-it’s not pretty but he’s learning! He has specific ideas on where his pillows will go.

Putting toys away-Ethan and Tyler. Ethan is great at it. Tyler protests. Work in progress, that one.

Getting dirty laundry hampers, dropping clothes into washer, and putting clean clothes away: Ethan and Tyler. Both do GREAT! Each one helps with the other’s laundry duty. It’s pretty adorable to watch.

Feeding Charlie: Ethan and Tyler-they do great unless it’s a fight as to who gets to scoop it first. It gets heated.

Setting the table: Ethan-he’s claimed ownership of this one, which is fine. 🙂

Clearing dishes: Ethan and Tyler. Occasionally the good cups end up in the trash and the paper plates end up in the sink. And sometimes food gets tipped onto the floor-Charlie thanks them-but perfection isn’t the point. Work is work and they are earning their keep!

Groceries: At check-out time, each kiddos grabs items to place on the belt. They are really eager to help with this one!

This past Friday their chore treat was a sucker at the hair cut place. They each got shorter cuts. I have to get a photo of the two of them soon. I used to take more photos of them with the big camera and I would like to get back to some shooting. Maybe this week??