school playdate

where we live now, everyone knows everyone. for several generations back. being new is a little challenging to say the least. people are super nice, but there isn't a lot of room in their lives for new people. as i have shared about this during pto meetings (more about the general assumption that people know where the "middle school" is when no name is given, etc. instead how closed a community this seems to be), some of them have been inspired. they are creating a 'new family' night for people who are not just new to the school, but new to the area and provide a packet with coupons, maps, favorite parks, kid attractions, sports, etc. to further our ability to 'connect' with other parents from the school, some of the pto members put together a schedule for the summer of planned 'playdates' at three local parks on a rotation. they sent home the complete schedule last week before school got out. today was the first one - fittingly, at the elementary school. there was a pretty good turn out and the rain stayed away.

manning's favorite word - "no"

i just love his little smile.

maddux is pretty excited to be able to swing on his own and was getting a little more courageous with his 'tricks' today. first, he was dipping his head backwards and kept hanging upside down. then, he started swinging on his belly. and then he ate mulch. literally. if he wasn't so obviously hurt, i would have laughed and taken a picture. he had a huge piece of mulch under his upper lip like it was an enormous buck tooth. he did cut his lip a little and wanted "go home and look in my mirror." once i cleaned him up and he got a drink of water, he was much better. he even wanted to go back to swinging on his belly.

these park playdates are a such a great idea! i was able to meet a few of madelyn's classmates and it is all very relaxed. and madelyn was super excited to take the boys to play at her school. love.