Memorial Day Classic

I've been trying to garner the motivation to run a 5K for a while now. I originally targeted the Shoney's 5K this past spring - (Because, come on, what's better than an appearance by Shoney Bear and a post-race buffet?) - but we ended up having a scheduling conflict that day. Instead, I settled on the Memorial Day Classic in neighboring Hendersonville, Tenn.

Aside from some minor setbacks like locking my keys in the car prior to the race, things went well. I beat the goal I established for myself in terms of finishing time and went home with an age-group medal to boot. I believe the last age-group medal I received was when I was a teenager. The guy who finished in first place asked what my next race was going to be. My thought was, "To the fridge."

The advantage of having locked my keys in the car was that Erica came by with the kids after the race. They arrived in time to hear my name announced as an age-group winner. I want to lead by example for the kids on many things, including the importance of taking good care of your body. Based on his comments as I arrived at the car, Graham was clearly impressed.

"Congratulations! I wish you had gotten first place, but second place is pretty good, too."

I took this before the race, not as I headed toward the finish line. That would have been impressive.

I was pleasantly surprised to head home with an age-group medal. 

Preschool Graduation

Our expressive little boy graduated from Tots Preschool on May 26 during a program that included the "Pomp and Circumstance" processional played on the Preschool Director's iPhone, several enthusiastic musical performances by the kids, and a fun certificate ceremony. Oh, and snacks. Aubrey particularly liked the lemonade and sheet cake.

Graham was the most demonstrative graduate. He called out his classmates' last names as they went to get their certificates. Imagine several variations of sayings like "Way to go, Doyle!" He also provided something of an echo as the Preschool Director offered her closing remarks ("Yes, thanks for coming.")

We watched Graham experience tremendous growth during his several months at Tots Preschool. Most notably, he started sounding out words and has begun the reading process. He's also gotten much better about shaking off injury (i.e. toughening up a bit). We were consistently proud to hear how well he treated his classmates and that he worked not to exclude anyone. Okay, he occasionally fell into the "No girls allowed" trap. We see that one at home, too.

"...and strum your guitars." He's not off script; he was supposed to be playing air guitar at this point in the song.

A close-up of the graduate. 

Aubrey was all smiles for her big brother.

Graham and his teacher, Ms. Jamie. 

"and wave your arms." Again, on script. We heard him rehearsing this song in the car several times leading up to his graduation ceremony. It has become a family favorite. 

Welcome to the Neighborhood

After a quiet first week in Indian Hills, our neighbors extended us a warm welcome to the community. First, we received a poinsettia and some cookies from our next-door neighbor. A few days later it was homemade chocolate chip cookies from the neighbors down the street. That's some quality Southern Hospitality. 

Two of a Kind

Graham and Aubrey get plenty of quality time together, and they tend to make the most of it. If it's quiet, something's wrong. Most often, they're loud, spirited, and bordering on out of control. 

It took us a few days to set up Graham's bed. In the meantime, Graham and Aubrey discovered that G's mattress made for a fun makeshift trampoline.

Two things help us to survive grocery store runs: the race car carts and the free samples. 

A Typical Day With Aubrey

Okay, so there's no such thing as a "typical day" with Aubrey. You never really know what you're going to get. However, there are a few safe bets of things that are likely to happen ...

Aubrey LOVES to "drive." She asks if she can drive seemingly every time we get in the car. Sometimes she even makes the request while we're inside the house: "Go outside. Drive." Here she is asking for the keys.

Most often you'll find Aubrey trying on someone's shoes, but occasionally she branches out to other articles of clothing. Here she is trying on Erica's winter vest and putting her neck through the sleeve.

Aubrey still seems to enjoy eating food off of the floor rather than from the table. Naturally, she dumped the food there first. 

Hockey Night

Erica and I wound up with prime seats to the Nashville Predators game the night before we closed on our house. Graham told our realtor he was a big Predators fan during the final walk-through at the house, so our realtor gave us his tickets to that night's game. Unfortunately, it started too late for G to attend; given some of the crowd's colorful cheers, that's probably a good thing. 

Preschool

Graham started preschool on Dec. 4. He attends TOTS Preschool three days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. He's enjoyed his new school and has adapted well to his new surroundings.

Graham covered himself in a blanket as we drove to preschool on the first day. He called it his "African living home." I was concerned he might be scared about school, but there was no hesitation once we arrived.

Graham was a good sport about taking photos outside the school on his first day. On the second day he said "no pictures today" as we walked through the door. 

Aubrey held up her goldfish as a show of support while Graham held up his "First Day of Preschool" sign.

Aubrey made herself at home at Graham's preschool on day one. 

Graham took advantage of her "only child" status while Graham was at preschool, stealing G's blanket and his car seat.

We're fortunate to be able to do a family drop-off at preschool each day. Here's a photo from one of those subsequent drop-offs.