Happy Halloween

Fall Soccer

Daniel coached.
Sam played offense.
Sam played defense.
Sam played full contact.
He had so much fun and can't wait for spring season to start.

Brave

We went to the State Fair this year and had a great time. We ate and ate and ate and looked at every animal and booth and exhibit. We even rode a few rides despite my distrust of traveling amusement parks and their employees (who I'm sure are upstanding citizens. I've got a great example for you one of these days.)

The whole time we were there Sam kept begging me to let him do this bungee trampoline contraption that allowed you to jump about three stories high. I told him it was too scary. I told him he wouldn't like it. I told him he could do it when he was older. I told him I'd buy him another caramel apple instead. He begged and begged and begged until I was sick of it and he wore me down. I told him fine, if he wanted to so bad then go for it.

He did great until they buckled him into the harness. Then he turned pale. His lips started to quiver. Tears welled up in his eyes and he begged me to get him down. I, the sympathetic mother said, "No freaking way Sam. You have been begging me to do this for three hours. I've paid seven dollars and you are going to jump as high as you can and if you pee your pants I'll kill you."

He jumped.
His pants stayed dry.
And he loved it.

He was so proud of himself and wants to go back next year and jump higher.

Sam, not Samuel

We had the first day of "real" preschool back in September. Sam had been going to a preschool/daycare a couple of days a week for the last year. This year I decided it would be better for him to go to a preschool my neighbor teaches. It is still only twice a week and the teacher does a great job. He learns so much. The downfall is that I don't have a babysitter for the mornings after I work. This is where you all complement me on what a selfless mother I am. Go ahead, I'll wait.



So anyway, Sam informed his teacher that he is "Sam, not Samuel." He has made his preference known to all who will listen lately. We still call him Sammy, Samuel, and Booger, but he says none of those are his real name.

He has lots of preferences. I let him choose all of his new school clothes and there is a distinctly militaristic theme to them all.

He misses Juno while he is at school. They are becoming really good friends and they occasionally fight like siblings. Examples: "Mom, Juno is looking at me. I told her to stop, but she is looking at me!" "I told Juno that I didn't want to fight, but she started it." "Mom! Juno stole my toy/sock/underwear/bread. Make her give it back." "Mom! Sam is teasing me. He waves treats over my head and won't share his cookies." You know, the usual.