Whatever I Say Day

While making our summer bucket list for kids, AJ and I found an idea of having a day in which the child gets to pick whatever they want to do for the whole day. I thought it was cute, but didn't put it into action until AJ reminded me - several times. I could tell how much he liked the idea, so I thought that it would be fun to try.

Well scheduling is difficult... we first found a day in which we could do a half-day "Whatever I Say Day" and agreed to follow up soon with a full day as well.

AJ seemed more interested in picking where he could eat than the activities he wanted to do. It was adorable. He had fun planning for quite a while before we even left the house.

He decided that he wanted to go to an arcade. He wanted my brother Mac (8) to come along as well. So after some preparation, we all hopped in the car and went to Boomers, a large arcade with go karts and other attractions.

The boys had a blast in the arcade. They took turns picking which game to play next and played very well together. We put all the tickets into one big pot and split them between the boys for them to pick prizes. We ended up eating there and AJ made sure to get dippin dots ice cream, as he so desired. He made a point to let me know that he should get "whatever he wants today". It was sooo cute! He had some cotton candy as well.

We went outside and the boys rode on mini go-karts and a train. We then had to head home to make it in time for a family dinner, so we didn't get to do the laser tag that they wanted to do. They were very happy with our trip though - we'll go back and do that sometime soon as well.


I loved the idea and I know AJ had a blast getting more say in what we did - without me saying we were too busy and couldn't do what he wanted.
Great idea! Can't wait to do it again! =)

The nametag from AJ's kindergarten class...
All done, he's a big first grader now!!! =O

Wish List

I told AJ to make a list of wishes and here's what he came up with:

1. Monsters, ghosts, and bad guys aren't in the Earth.
2. Mario, Princess Peach, Daisy, and Yoshi are real. And Toadette, Toad, all the good guys from Mario. And if Blooper's nice, I'll let him be real too.
3. Henry & Kathleen are nice and friends with me, not mean.
4. There are no bad friends at my school.
5. I never have to do work when I get old to a dad.
6. There was a surprise party for my mom and dad.
7. Mom and Dad would never die because you guys are the best mom and dad in the whole world and I love you very much.
8. Wubzy, Daisy, Widget, & Walden are real too.
9. I had a heart collection of all the heart things and I had a gold heart necklace.
10. I had every sparkly heart in the Earth.
11. The world would live in peace, love forever.
12. I had wings so I could fly, and Alli.
13. We were staying here at Long Beach at our house and we didn't have to move.
14. The Earth to sparkle and shine.
15. I had a real golden crown with yellow and blue stars on it. In the middle, big, it says, "AJ's mom and dad are the best".
16. I had every DS game I like.
17. Alli would play with me very much and stop not playing with me.
18. I had a heart and start and dad and mom batch that are gold.
19. My dreams were always good.
20. I could be one of the persons not allergic to anything.
21. Everybody in the world was nice and good and never wishing bad things like destroying the world.
22. I had a big back yard with a slide in it.
23. Spiders weren't scary and weren't really in the world.
24. I could stay in Long Beach forever and ever.
25. I had this circle watch thing where when you touch someone's hand, you change into them. But mostly I don't really want that.
26. My talking magic gold fish was back.
27. Roller coasters weren't scary.
28. Every day was a good day.
29. Mom had all the money we need so she could buy anything in the world. And then she wouldn't have to say, "No we can not go there because we don't have enough money".

I was quite impressed with his thorough creativeness. =)

Amazing Treasure

Sometimes I awake in the middle of the night and hug you tight. I thank my lucky stars for you, baby. I'm soooo glad you're here with me. So grateful for every moment we've shared. I feel like the most blessed person in the world for having you come to me. What an amazing sight to see. You are my greatest treasure. I love you baby.

Love,
Mama

Summer Bucket List for Kids

While the little ones are home for summer, keep them stimulated and learning while also having a ton of fun. Here are some ideas of different things to do. Use it as a checklist to mix things up and keep your summer fresh.

• Go to the beach and/or pier
  
• Go to an arcade
• Play at the playground
• Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
• Set playdates with friends once/week
• Play games and/or cards
• Visit somewhere new, you've never been to before
• Go camping, even just for one night
• Go to the pool
• Visit an ice cream shop
• Fly a kite
• Complete a puzzle
  
• Go for a walk
• Ride bikes and/or scooters
• Make crafts and/or stamps
• Make a poster for your bedroom
• Visit a museum
• Go on a scavenger hunt
• Color a picture for a friend
• Play computer games (especially educational ones)
• Complete challenging worksheets/puzzle books
• Make dinner together (let them be the chef, you assist)
• Let your child put YOU to bed (switch roles)
• Camp in the house - make a fort
• Let your child run the day (where to go, what to eat, etc)
• Have a treasure hunt in the house or outside in the yard
• Make up a dance or just dance freestyle
• Have a party for yourselves
• Teach them something new (ex: how to tie shoes, etc.)
  

Also, don't forget to make a summer bucket list for adults too =D

Enjoy!!!

Hey Mom....

"Mom. I'm putting a sticker on my foot...

So can you hush up please?"


-AJ =)

Get Out There and Dance!

AJ had 4 dance performances in the past 3 days. Watching them was breaktaking....

When you get out there and dance, you brighten the day for all who can see.

Perfect or not, it's the participation

and effort that truly impacts those around you.

Many of us stand along the wall because we are too embarrassed for how we may look.

However, when you simply let go, get out there and dance, its one of the most wonderful feelings one can experience.

You were awesome my son!! You're a natural performer.

So impressed =)

AJ's Prayer

AJ said this prayer last night before eating his dinner. I didn't tell him he had to pray, he just said it on his own. After he was done, I said, "Wow, babe! That was an amazing prayer!" And he made sure I wrote it down, right then and there =). Then he made sure to show Daddy the first chance he got.

Thank you for my food
And thank you for the world.

Thanks that I'm a strong man
And that it's almost my birthday.

Thank you for my mom and dad
And thank you for my family.

Thank you for the world alive
And a good life.

Amen. The End.