6 Wide Down the Mountain

The Martino family is now 6 wide down the mountain!

Giuliana and Marco both tried downhill skiing for the first time last week. They both took to skiing with ease and seemed to really enjoy it. I think the younger you start them - the better. The little kids don't seem to have any trouble with crossing their skis, etc. Marco earned himself a mid-day nap on my chest. And, Giuls fell asleep while eating her crackers in the lodge at the end of the day. They were happy & pooped!

Gabby and Rocco are both skiing like champs and ready for more challenging runs.

There is a lot more snow in Tahoe this year compared to last. So, we decided to buy season passes for the family. We were able to get them up the mountain 4 times over the holiday break which was nice. It's a hop, skip and a jump from our house so it's quite easy to cruise up for even half days of skiing after school or the kids weekend basketball games.

Now we just have to HOPE for more rain storms in northern California this winter, bringing even more snow to the mountains!

Oh, and check out this ADORABLE photo some guy took of Marco and Dan on the chair lift. Marco's face is SO CUTE! Their chair lift buddy had this tiny little digital polaroid camera... pretty cool.

Snowfreakingflakes

My two oldest children learned to make snowflakes in school over the past two weeks. For some unknown reason, they decided to teach the third oldest child how to make snowflakes over the weekend, while my husband was in Las Vegas for work (riiiiiiiiiight!).

I kid you not... I had three children making snowflakes faster than Buddy the Elf. There were paper scraps everywhere. EVERY WHERE.

EVERY. FREAKING. WHERE.

Paper scraps covered the table, the countertop, the floor under the table, the floor under the counter... they migrated over to the sofa.... there was a trail from the sofa to the table to the counter. Paper scraps were falling out of blankets, out of play kitchen toys... I even found them in kitchen drawers.

It is AMAZING what can happen when you try to give your toddler a quiet bath and leave the older kids to keep themselves entertained.

Sweet Moses.

I guess I should be thankful they were making snowflakes instead of pulling each other's hair out.

But, by the time I got them in bed and looked around (exhausted... and after a very long weekend w/daddy being gone)... I wanted to cry paper scraps!!

But nope... I just picked them all up.

Only to wake up Monday morning and find that child #2 has already been awake for 45 minutes and was on snowflake #52.

ARGHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Paper scraps EVERY WHERE... AGAIN!!!

Is it awful that I was bursting with joy to drop them off at school Monday morning?!

Rocco's Pre-K.indergarten Graduation

 

Rocco graduated from pre-kindergarten today.

I can't believe my baby boy is going to be a kindergartener in the fall!

His school held a super-cute graduation ceremony. They put together a nice slideshow of all the kids, they sang songs, they were all dressed in little gowns and caps, and cake was served afterwards.

Rocco had a great experience at his school. He went to school 3 days a week from 9am-4 or 5pm. He loved it and had made a number of friends. There were maybe 4 or 5 little guys that he talked about often - so we know he was maturing in that he was able to develop true friendships... not just parallel play anymore. This seems to happen later for little boys than girls (based on our own experience, of course). He gravitated toward one friend more than the others, so we had that little boy, Ian, over to play at our house once, and Rocco also played at his house once too.

I really liked Rocco's teachers. I loved the school. I liked that they provided so many opportunities to learn and practice writing and numbers and science projects, etc. But, they always made it FUN. Rocco frequently came home with worksheets completed, and sometimes an art project or two. It was obvious art was not a serious area of interest for him though! ha!

We also learned that Rocco was a good friend to his classmates. We received an email from a parent of one of his classmates. This mother told us that her daughter would often get teased by one of the little boys in the class. And, she proceeded to tell us how Rocco would stick up for her little girl, Mary, and that he would deflect the other little boy so he would leave Mary alone. This mother seemed so thankful for Rocco's kindness... and Mary clearly thought Rocco was a champ. I was SO PROUD when I read this email from Mary's mother. I knew we were raising a kind, sweet, little boy... but this just reinforced it. I told Rocco all about it and how proud we are of him and the young man he is becoming. He was clearly very proud and talked about this for days.

All in all... I think our little guy is ready for k.indergarten.

And of coure, with each life milestone like this... I can't help but feel a strong pain in my chest and a heavy heart. Matteo should be here too. He should have had this pre-K experience. He should be going to k.indergarten too. The pain just never goes away.

Rocco's 1st Year in L.ittle L.eague

We decided to sign Rocco up for L.ittle L.eague.

What a JOKE! HA!

Let's just say that 5 year old boys have little to no interest in playing baseball... unless they are actually hitting the ball off a tee. Or, more accurately... I should describe this as whacking at a ball on the tee.

Rocco was excited about the experience... his uniform pants, his new shoes and a nut cup (as his daddy told him - he thought this was hilarious).

But, we learned quickly that outside of his moments at-bat, he just did not yet have the attention span for the game of baseball. The things he did love about the entire experience really had nothing to do with the sport itself.

He loved:
* playing with the dirt on the field
* finding good rocks while standing on the pitchers mound, in the outfield... and much to his parents surprise... even stopping while running to 1st base to stop and pick up a rock he spotted along the way (and subsequently, getting an out).
* playing on the play structure next to the baseball field at every break, inning change... basically every possible opportunity, we had to gather the little boys from the play structure and direct them back to the field. Good times.
* hitting the bat on the dirt, trying to crush rocks
* playing 2 games against his best pal, Reid
* and of course, every at-bat opportunity was something he really did enjoy (thank goodness it wasn't a total loss!)

If any of us get bad...

ROCCO: "Mom, if any of us get bad... you should just start putting us in handcuffs!"

ME: "That is a brilliant idea, Rocco!"


[[Reason #172 why little boys have no future in babysitting!]]

 

Rocco & Gabby Ski Video

Here's a quick video of Gabby and Rocco skiing together. They called it racing... :))

A day of skiing!

I decided that we needed to take a quick trip up the mountain for a day of skiing fun! The kids have never been skiing before. And, I really enjoy skiing... so why not, right?

We had planned to make the 1.5 hour drive many times, especially during school breaks... but it seems the plans always got put on hold because someone got sick, or there was another child activity or commitment that had been made.

OH, and it is also not an easy thing to just drive up the mountain with your kids when you're a breastfeeding mommy. You are constantly attached to the baby, and having that sort of freedom (when they won't take a bottle) just does not exist. Well... stay tuned for that post next, because Marco is also done with the boob! YAY!

Anyway, I took the two big kids up into the Cascades for a day of skiing fun. We ALL had a blast. And, I think I created two little skiing monsters, as I practically had to drag them off the mountain.

Gabby LOVED it and while she was frustrated for the first 30 mins of her lesson, one hour into it - she was hooked! Rocco also loved it and clearly had no fear, as the little guy preferred to go speeding straight down the bunny hill without doing any sort of turning action. Gabby was good at continuing to practice her turns even well after her class had ended.

I can't wait to take them both up the mountain again for some more skiing!

Oh, and for the record, Dan was busy at home being super-daddy with the two little kids. It was a gorgeous sunny day, so he took them on a trail run and out for ice cream. (And watched a lot of hoops and enjoyed naps on the sofa!)

Can horses blowup?

Rocco: Mom, can horses blowup?
Gabby: Rocco, horses CAN'T blowup.
Me: What do you mean... can horses blow air up into the sky? OR, do you mean blowup... like explode?
Gabby: Mom, he thinks horses can explode! Horses can't explode!
Me: Gabby stop.
Rocco: I MEAN CAN HORSES BLOWUP! EXPLODE?
Me: No! No... horses don't just blow up! You crazy little man...
Rocco: No! I mean... if they have a missle in them?
Me: Rocco?! No. Completely impossible.

And people say girls are complicated!? Little boys sure can be strange and curious (but funny!) little creatures!

I learn something new every day...

Rocco: "I wish I could spit out my stomach and grow a new one."
Me: "Wait...what?" 
Rocco: "Mom...you need to know these things. Starfish do this all the time."
 
I swear... I don't know where these kids learn these things sometimes. But, I learn something new every day.

Rocco's Bad Dream

I can count on two hands the number of times Rocco has come into our room in the middle of the night because of a bad dream, or whatever.

Last week, Rocco came into my room around 3am. He said he had a bad nightmare, so I told him to jump into my bed and I'd snuggle him. Dan was traveling and I never get to snuggle Rocco, so I jumped at the chance to sleep next to my little guy and have my arm around him, snuggling.

In the morning, I asked him what his nightmare was about. He said "Mom... I had a nightmare that I woke up and went into the playroom... and there were two Nana's!"

I couldn't help but laugh, granted I tried to hold in my laughter, because I wanted him to know I was listening and could understand why he was scared.

But the fact that his nightmare was due to him seeing two Nana's?! TOO FUNNY!! Nana is our most commonly used nickname for Giuliana. And well... I guess it could be a nightmare for poor Rocco if there were in fact two of her!

I couldn't wait to share this nightmare with Dan... he busted out laughing the moment I told him.

Oh Rocco... you're one funny kid!!

Rocco needs his sleeping bag?

Rocco (from upstairs): "Moooooooooom!!"
Me (downstairs): "What?"
Rocco (still upstairs, getting annoyed): MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Me: "Whaaaaaaat?"
Rocco: "Can you get my sleeping bag down?"
Me (looking at Dan): "I'm feeding Marco right now. Do you need it right now? It's day time!"
Rocco: "Yes! I need it right now. Can you get it down for me?"
Me (getting annoyed): "Well... you're going to have to wait. I'm feeding Marco."
Rocco: "Well, when can you get it down. I need it, mom!"
Me: "Rocco, why do you need your sleeping bag so bad, right NOW?"
Rocco: "Because I want to sled down the stairs head first in it."
Me: "Dan... did you hear that? What is wrong with that boy? You need to go talk to him. This is insane."
Dan: (laughing hysterically.... and more laughing... and yes, more laughing) "I think he must have seen that on TV last night when the kids caught the end of "A.merica's F.unniest H.ome V.ideos".
Me: "Oh my gosh. What's next?!?! Seriously?!"

This child keeps us on our toes. Seriously.

Little Boys & Tools

Never underestimate the intelligence or brains of a 4 year old boy. While dad's away, they know exactly where his tools are, which tools to use for what and how to disassemble and fix small motorized vehicles and appliances. Amazeballs!!
  
I walked outside to discover Rocco disassembling the seat on his small 4 wheeler, to get to the battery, so he could recharge it. I was shocked... he had all the right tools out (and knew where to find them... I don't even know where to find them!), and had taken the screws out, etc. 

This is not the first time I've discovered him with a tool or two of daddy's, without telling me what he was up to. 

Let's hope he works on his plumping skills next... I could use a good, reliable plumber in the house too! 

Writing skills keep improving!

Rocco is getting so great at writing his letters and numbers.

One year ago, he had little interest in saying the alphabet, much less practicing writing letters or numbers. Now, not only is he holding his pencil like a first grader...but he seems to also enjoy practicing his writing. Getting to practice on a marker board definitely helps with the motivation a little bit too.

School days also result in a few letter or number oriented worksheet activities. I always enjoy seeing the work that comes home and he's always so proud to show me... as if to say "look how hard I worked at school today, mom!".

Rocco is also improving so much with his letter sounds, and number and letter recognition. So often, I'll find him watching and listening as Gabby reads books. And at times, he'll pretend to read books to himself. If Gabby says "Rocco, you're not REALLY reading.", it will start a little spat between the two of them. Regardless, he is realizing the connection between writing and reading and that is what I love.

No more training wheels for Rox!

As of Sunday, 9/9/12... Rocco no longer needs training wheels on his bike! Dan worked with him for about an hour, at the request of Rocco himself... and there he went... doing another big kid thing. So, so proud of this little guy!

If only Matteo could do it too... [sigh].

Heartbreaking Goodbye

It is always SO truly, incredibly difficult to say goodbye to our favorite au pairs who have lived with us for a year. They truly become an extension of our family. The kids look up to them and almost treat our au pairs as if they were their older siblings.

We had to say goodbye to Michalina yesterday. She was definitely one of our favorites.

Gabby and Rocco had to say goodbye in the morning, because they both had school.

As Rocco hugged Michalina, he said "I'll see you again someday in Heaven! And, you can meet Matteo there too!"

And well... that just tore me up inside...for so many reasons.

It's fascinating and heartbreaking to me that such a young little man (4 yrs old) understands the concept of a big goodbye and has such solid beliefs. The fact that he connects *the end of time* with seeing and being with his brother in Heaven... and that he is sure everyone who is important to him will get to meet his brother up in Heaven too, when we're all reunited... bone chilling to me. Love this kid.

Rocco started pre-Kindergarten!

Rocco started pre-Kindergarten!

He's at the same school, but a different classroom with a lot of the friends from his old classroom. preK means he gets to do more big-kid stuff... practice writing his full name, practice writing letters and numbers, and classroom projects and experiments.

He's very excited about preK and is quick to boast that he's now preK, in the big kid classroom that Gabby was also once in when we first moved here.

ARMY GUYS… with missing heads?

In May, our home was invaded by these little green men… army guys. Rocco love them. LOVES!

Rocco attended a birthday party last April, and there in his party favor bag were his first ever 5 army guys. Gammy saw him playing with them in May when she was visiting, and proceeded to tell Rocco all about the big bag of army guys she had at home. The original owners of these army guys she was referring to were my brother’s Mark and Dave. Gammy told Rocco that she would send Rocco the big bag of army guys when she got home.

Well, the minute Gammy left, Rocco started asking about the army guys. Much to our surprise, he would even ask to call her so he could find out when she was going to send them. Finally, the army guys arrived… and they have been played with every day since. Lots of battles set up on bedrails, in princess castles, in doll houses… even fighting super heroes. He’ll also use them as targets when shooting his nerf guns. And, Rocco and one of our neighbor boys also spend hours setting up and playing army guys with their tanks and airplanes in sand dunes and dirt piles. The imagination has gone wild with what these army men can and will do.

 

The funniest moment was when Rocco discovered one of the army men with a missing head (I’m guessing the result of my brother’s pyrotechnic skills)… he came running over to me yelling “MOM, MOM!!!! This army guy’s head is missing!!” I looked and said “Oh, wow… yikes!” Then, he ran off yelling “HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”

I almost fell off my chair in shock and laughter! Of course, I pulled myself together rather quickly to do some proper parenting of the moment. But, it was definitely a Rocco moment I will never forget… I think he thought he shot the army guy’s head off.

Summer Soccer Camp

Gabby and Rocco both went to the Seattle Sounders Soccer camp in mid-July. It was a half day morning camp, so we’d drop them off at 9am and pick-up at 12noon. They had such a great time! Not only did Rocco tell me he loved it, but every day after camp he’d go out in the front yard and kick around the soccer ball… so cute! This was his very first camp and it was a big success. In addition to the camp, both Gabby and Rocco have been in a weekly soccer league since spring. Gabby is taking a break during the fall, but Rocco chose to continue.

Last winter, I was not planning to send Rocco to any camps this summer because his pre-school program operates year-round. But, due to the fact that I have a newborn who hates riding in the car, and his school and camp are in two different directions, not to mention I was also busy with work at the time… I needed one daily drop-off and pick-up location in order to keep my sanity. It was a VERY good decision! J

Gabby also said she had a lot of fun at soccer camp. I think she also picked up a few new skills at the camp which is great. But, even more, I think she might have enjoyed all the give-a-ways, and the fact that one of her best friends from school was also there. It was a really well run camp and I was impressed with the set-up, coaches, location… and yes, all the give-a-ways. Each child picked up a brand new soccer ball which they got to color/personalize, a camp t-shirt, a Seattle Sounders scarf, and insulated lunch bags.   

Gabby and Rocco have also been participating in a weekly soccer league since spring. With school starting, and spending 6 hours at gymnastics each week... Gabby decided to take a break from soccer for the fall. But, Rocco has chosen to continue with his soccer Saturday. 

Rocco must think I'm not so bright...

Rocco & Gabby have soccer camp this week. Dan did the drop off and pick-up yesterday. And, since he’s traveling for the rest of this week, I took over that duty today. On the way to camp this morning, Rocco said “Mom, do you know where you’re going? I’m pretty sure you’re going the wrong way, Mom.” I had to assure him that I DID in fact know where I was going. Then, he proceeded to ask me the same questions two more times.

Once we arrived at camp, I walked Gabby and Rocco to the area where all the kids had dropped their backpacks and belongings on the field. I had Marco with me in the infant car seat and so I set it down next to me while I watched them set their items down. I was looking forward to seeing them run into the group huddle, etc. Anyway, the second Rocco put his backpack down, he turned and looked at me and said “Mom, you’re supposed to leave. Then come back and get us later.” How crazy-funny is that!? He’s FOUR. Was he somewhat embarrassed that I was possibly going to *hang out* at his soccer practice? OR did he think I didn't know what to do next? Gosh. I was slightly offended (after laughing hard inside!). Of course, there were a bunch of moms just hanging out watching. I think I got the boot though!

Kids can be so funny!

Snails on the loose!

What would the world do without little boys!?

Rocco caught a bunch of snails outside. He put them in a bucket. He then came inside and brought the bucket into the house with him (without me knowing about this lovely bucket of snails) and set it on the kitchen counter.

Well… about an hour after he came inside, he came running over to me with his empty bucket, and the conversation went like this:

Rocco: “Mom! All my snails are missing!”

Me: “What do you mean? Where were the snails?”

Rocco: “They were in this bucket?”

Me: “Well, just go find some more… snails will crawl out of a bucket, buddy.”

Rocco: “No! Mom! They were in this bucket INSIDE! I put it on the counter!”

Me: [eyeroll…and nursing Marco thinking about an impending snail hunt IN my house] “Rocco, please tell me you’re kidding… did you seriously bring snails in the HOUSE?!”

Rocco: [running over to kitchen counter where he had set his snails] “No – I brought them INSIDE, mom! And, I put the bucket right here and now they’re gone! WAIT… mom LOOK!! My snails are all over the bananas!! Look mom, LOOOOOK!!! That’s SO COOL!!” [laughing so hard]

So… if you should ever have a little boy bring a bucket of snails into your home, I hope he rests the bucket near a fruit bowl as my little guy did. Sure enough, the snails were all found (let’s hope ALL the snails!) on the bananas! Rocco thought this was super cool.

I on the other hand was very relieved we didn’t have to perform a major snail hunt and cleanup. Thank goodness snails are slow little creatures!

Here's Rocco with one of the little snails.