And just like that....he turned 4

Happy Birthday to the one that made me a mom, 4 years (and 4 days now) ago.  

I cannot believe your 4!

 We opted for a low key birthday this year.  Scott didn't have his heart set on a birthday party (he never even mentioned one) and we did a big one last year so we decided to fill this birthday with other fun things!

We started the day with funfetti waffles (regular old gluten free waffle mix with a handful of rainbow sprinkles thrown it....best.ever.) and the birthday hat!

We officially started Scott's birthday celebration the weekend before with a visit from Grandma and Gpa.  Scott chose pizza for dinner and then we made a stop at the yogurt shop.  Sadly Scott threw up the entire meal on the walk home, luckily he wasn't sick, my kids are just pukers. 

As luck would have it, his birthday fell on the day of our school field trip to the fire station!  We spent the week looking forward to our field trip with all of our friends.  Owen is invited on school field trips and let me tell you, the kid fits right in.  Owen sat right up front with Scott and listened to everything and followed all the instructions, definitely not a baby anymore.

Howie the firefighter was AWESOME!!!!  So age appropriate (he has three boys that went to Scott's preschool so he gets it!) and so much fun!

He brought several kids up to volunteer and at one point he grabbed Scott.  I panicked.  Scott is not into attention right now and is easily embarrassed and once that happens its game over, he totally shuts down and its so hard to get him out of his shell again.  To my astonishment he did awesome and loved talking to Howie and answering questions.  So much JOY for this mama to see him shine and not feel embarrassed. 

While we were inside looking at the trucks another fire fighter lit a fire out back so the kids could try their hand and putting it out with the hose.  Scott was not having it.  He eventually held the hose at the end next to Owen, but when it came time for his turn up front....no way. no how.  And he wouldn't let Owen do it either.  "I don't want my brover to do the hose, I want him to be safe."

He also could not understand why fire fighters would set a fire.  The explanation his teachers gave him of needing to practice did not fly. 

 The fire station field trip was so wonderful.  I am so thankful for these guys and what they do and that they come in on their day off to teach our kids.  Howie got in full gear to show them that although he looked at little scary like that, that if you ever see a fire fighter coming to help you you should go to him and not run away because he looks a little scary.  He taught them about calling 911 and what constitutes and emergency...the whole nine yards!  Thanks awesome fire fighters, you guys rock!!!

After a long day at school (we went back to school after the field trip because I had a meeting) and picnic pals (where Scott's awesome teacher brought candles so his friends could sing to him, which he of course refused, although later he told me he had a picnic pals birthday party.  Can I also mentioned his teacher let me leave Owen at picnic pals while I went to my meeting (it was in another room on campus) Miss Jennifer you are amazing!!!!)  we went home and I went to work (only for an hour and a half) then we had birthday chicken and some ice cream!

The next day Mimi and Papa had planned to take Scott to the children's museum, but due to the torrential down pour (not exaggerating) they opted for the Lego movie instead (rain check on the museum that 2/3 of is outside).  Scott was a little hesitant about a movie he hadn't seen so I got invited too.  It was so much fun, the movie was what I expected, pretty silly but it was funny and had a good message.  The only downside was the volume during the previews had us all covering our ears (it was slightly better during the movie or we probably would have left).

The highlight of the movie may have been our BYO snacks (which were nothing out of the ordinary, but more fun because we were in a movie theater) until Batman made an appearance.  Scott had seen the preview and knew Batman was in the movie, he kept asking where he was until he finally joined the cast.  Batman > snacks.

Mimi and Papa joined us the rest of the evening for dinner, dessert and stories to celebrate Scott's birthday. (Not to be left out, "baby" was present for the reading of Trains, Cranes and Troublesome Trucks, Owen's all time favorite story in his Thomas book)

Saturday we had a birthday party to attend which was full of cake, friends and fun.  Then Sunday we hit the farmers market in the rain:

 Quite possibly the boys' first experience with an umbrella:

Sunday afternoon Scott and I had a date to see a play at a local community theater.  Scott really enjoyed seeing a play with his school field trip so when I heard about this one (from Scott's teacher who's daughter is in the play) I thought it sounded like the perfect Mommy-Son date. 

We got dressed up and took some (forced) pictures:

Didn't want to leave out the littlest:

Then Scott and I headed up to Camarillo.  We stopped for coffee and the candy store beforehand which was extra fun.  Scott has never been to a true candy store, just the candy section of trader joe's. All he cared about was the super hero paraphernalia and the rescue bots lunch box he found.  When I finally convinced him to "fill a bag with anything you want" he decided on two lollipops for a total of 19 cents.  Fine by me.  Not so into the "conventional" candy yet....I'll take it as long as I can.

We got to the play a little early as to get good seats and got to hang out with Scott's teacher.  I tried to get a picture of the two of them and she tried to get one of Scott and me, but alas Scott was not having it, no big shock.  This was her attempt and I think its pretty sweet, Scott was so into all that was going on around us.

 The play was Willy Wonka and it did not disappoint.  Everyone was very talented and there was lots of singing and dancing which kept Scott's interest.  He also got to eat BOTH of his lollipops during the show!!!  Scott's teacher, Miss Sandy, asked him to save a seat for her which he was really excited about, which was also nice because he got to ask her lots of questions.  The one thing we struggled with was using our indoor whisper voice, but nobody seemed to mind too much.  

At the very beginning of the play Scott asked if there was going to be bad guys.  Sandy and I assured him there weren't (Slugworth was not in this version).  He kept asking all the way through where the bad guys were.  About half way into it I realized that WANTED bad guys, that a story wasn't really a story unless there was someone to defeat.  Boys : )  So at the end when she asked if he liked it he said no, because he wanted bad guys.  It wasn't totally true that he didn't like it, he asked me on the way home if we could see that show again - a great sign for future plays with my guys!!!

I also attempted a four year old interview.  I kind of have to sneak the questions in over time:

Favorite breakfast: "Oatmeal"

Favorite Lunch: "peanut butter and jelly"  ??  He rarely eats this anymore.  Occasionally sun butter and jelly for his lunch at school (nut free campus) but I have never felt its his favorite

Favorite dinner:  "Pizza"  As demonstrated by what he asked for for all of his birthday dinners all week.

Favorite snack:  "waffles"  ???  never really had as a snack.

Favorite color:  "blue"

Favorite place to go:  "school, Ryker's house"

Favorite thing to do: "play with my friends, play with Ryker"

Favorite toy:  "Legos, Batman legos"

Favorite fruit:  "strawberries, apples with no skins"

Favorite vegetable:  "cauliflower"

Who is your best friend:  "Ryker, Owen and Parker"

Favorite TV show: "Wild Kratts"

Favorite Movie:  "Lego Movie"  He recently saw it in the theater so no surprise there.

What do you want to be when you grow up:  "A Dad."  Melt my heart!!!!!  Me: How many kids do you want to have?  "10".  Me:  I'm so excited for you to have 10 kids.  Scott: "But I want 10 kids now, I want 10 of me and Owen."  me: 10 brother and sisters?  Scott: "Yes 10 brothers and sisters."  Me:  Well, we probably won't have 10 brothers and sisters.  Scott proceeded to pout for 15 minutes over this development.

What is Mommy's job:  "Keeping me and Owen safe."  "Going to your office."

What is Daddy's job:  "Go to work every day."

Favorite song:  "The lego song that I just made up.....lego lego lego lego lego lego...."  : /

Favorite super hero:  "The flash"

So much fun from a 4 year old!  He only gets funnier and smarter and sillier as he gets older!  Scotty P, we love you with our whole hearts!

Beach days

Remember in my snow day post that I said we had also been to the beach that weekend.  Well we have been every weekend since.  There is something magical about the beach in the "winter" (I use the word winter loosely).  The beaches are less crowded, its usually warm and sunny but there is sometimes a little chill in the air, you almost always get to see dolphins, the sunsets earlier so sometimes we get to see it, its just one of my favorite times.

And if you think winter beach trips means we go in sweat pants and stay out of the waves you are wrong.  All boogie boarding, all the time         : )

This guy does like do some digging and dump truck playing before he hits the waves...

But Scott gets in ocean first thing!

I think these two could spend all day every day running in the waves.

Scott is starting to get the hang of boogie boarding (so long as daddy is close for both Scott's comfort and mine).  As soon as I put my camera up he caught his first really good wave and rode it all the way in.  He was so stoked!  It was so awesome!!!

We are definitely looking forward to spring (because the temps are already there!) but I am hoping for a few more winter beach trips before then!

Valentine's Day

Another Valentine's day has come and gone without a big to do in the Campbell house.  I guess its just not our holiday.   Mimi surprised us with some gluten free cupcakes one afternoon so that was a big treat!  And Scott had a valentine's party at school which he could have cared less about and for which I was making his homemade valentine's (because despite my having the supplies a week a head of time and asking him to do it regularly he just couldn't get into it.  understandable.) that morning.  In bed.  With a sick kiddo with me.  And incase you have a fantastic, pinterest worthy homemade valentine in your head...no.  Pipe cleaners, heart stickers and popsicle sticks ya'll.

There was no valentine's breakfast or any other fanciness - and everyone was ok with that.  Valentine's afternoon was beautiful and we spent it in the back yard making mud pies.  Perfect if you ask me.

That weekend my girl friend Andy and I had our own little "gal"entines day.  We went to a free Sunday morning yoga class across the street (which I plan on making a regular thing.  I need more yoga in my life.) followed by lunch and then a mama grocery store trip without kids.  Of course the only evidence I have of the day is our insanely packed cart with all of our stuff:

I really don't know why we didn't just take two carts.

Valentine's evening Brian and the boys surprised me with the most wonderful card and the cat and the hat book "inside your outsides" (about the human body).  A children's book about anatomy....they know me so well!!!!

Happy valentine's to all!

Snow Day

Ok East Coasters, don't laugh.

A few weeks ago Scott's school had a snow day.  So I know everyone else in the country is trying to escape the snow and has been been by storm after storm, but out here in sunny CA.....well we are craving a little cool.  The school has snow brought it to cover the playgrounds so the kids can play in the snow to their hearts content.  No one has to come in early because they are too cold, because its still 75 and sunny out.  In fact Scott went to school in ALL of his winter attire:  sweat pants, tennis, long sleeves and a vest.   No beanie, no mittens, no boots.  We are california kids through and through.

Scott lucked out and got to have snow and two of his school days. 

There was a "big hill" with snow on it for kids to sled down (most of them used pool rafts brought from home).

I came to pick Scott up from school with Owen one day, so even O got in on the fun.

So this was at the end of the day and it basically looks like dirt, but it was still fun.  And I guess that's what a California snow day looks like...

So for all of you in actual snow, shoveling driveways etc. I'm sorry if this made you want to punch me.  Also, we went to the beach this past weekend. 

Superheroes. Always.

Its no secret that we are obsessed with superheroes around these parts.  

Costumes happen daily.  Sometimes before clothes.  Sometimes in lieu of clothes.

I leave you with some recent documentation:

Adventures of Baby

Owen has fallen in love with a doll he found at Mimi and Papa's.  It started as something he only played with when he was over, but has recently taken to bringing it home....and everywhere else.  This is totally fine by us, I love that he is so interested in baby and really likes playing with dolls right now (a nice break from super heroes).  Baby has been to the park several times (once we met my girlfriend, who's son is in Scott's class, for a playdate...she has an actual baby, so when Owen was done with "baby" and gave her to me I looked like the crazy lady walking around with a doll trying to be like my friend with a real baby.) 

Once we forgot baby at Mimi and Papa's and Owen looked at her for days until we were able to pick her up.  This past week the boys and I went out to dinner for a school fundraiser at Chipotle (maybe the second time they've been to a restaurant...I'm kidding, kind of.)  Baby made an appearance there as well.

Yesterday while Scott was at school all morning Owen and I played with baby nearly all day.  Owen decided baby needed to go potty.  We are not potty training with Owen yet (although he's super into sitting on the potty because of Scott, and tries his hardest to squeeze a few drops out, and of course when he does I make the biggest deal ever and practically do kart wheels, but no expectations yet).

After the potty it was time for a shower.  We opted for a pretend shower because baby really isn't the kind that can get wet.

Then it was story time for baby.  When asked what baby's favorite book was Owen responded with "tomnee the twain" (thomas the train).  But of course!!  Its Owen's favorite too ; )

Baby got tucked in for a nap not too long after.  Looks like Owen has the bedtime routine down.

{Almost} 4 year old hilarity

Some more funny moments with Scott.

The other day he was at a 9 out of 10 on the whiney scale.  I told him whatever he wanted at the time wasn't going to happen until he could stop whining.  So he started screaming and covering his mouth.  I asked what was wrong.

Scott: "I can't."  (said in a scream like he was in the most pain of his life)

Me:  "What? What's wrong?"

Scott: (both hands covering his mouth like he's trying to shove something back in)  "I can't stop the whining from coming out."

And  another day:

Scott: "Mom, when I turn 18 I'm going to go to another school called college.  Preschool college."

This is out of nowhere, no recent discussions about college, turning 18, etc.  Don't know who he's been hanging out with.

Scott:  "Hey dad, you want a cookie?  You deserve one."   -  HA, thanks bud!

And my favorite (debated posting this one but its really too funny not to, sorry future Scott, hope you don't need therapy from the embarrassment)

Me in the kitchen, Scott going to the bathroom (door open, duh!)

Scott:  (full yell) "Mom....I want a long penis."

Me:  stunned silence, I go to clarify

Scott:  (normal voice level) "Mom....I really want a long penis,  (my friend) has a long penis and I want one.  Can I have a long penis when I turn 5?"

Me: "Well buddy, as we grow older and get bigger all of body parts grow and get bigger too."

Scott: "Good.  I really want a long penis."

So incase you were wondering if the "size matters" business was media driven, its not, its absolutely 100% in male DNA.


Since I started this post a few weeks ago and have yet to finish it here are a few more:

Scott had noodles with peas mixed in for lunch the other day.  He ate all the noodles and left all the peas.  A few minutes later I came into the kitchen to find his bowl of peas full of juice.
Me: "Scott! Did you pour your juice into the bowl of peas?"
Scott: "No, it spilled."
Me: "Are you sure?"
Scott: "Yes."
Me: "Remember how important it is to tell the truth?  I hope you are telling the truth."
Scott: "Yep."


And yesterday when I had just taken a cake out of the oven and it was cooling on the counter.   Scott and I were in my room while I was getting dressed for dinner at mimi and papa's.  Scott disappeared for about two minutes then comes running back in my room:
Scott: "Mom!!! I ate the cake.  It was just an accident."
Me: "I think you are using the word accident wrong."

So I have been adding to this post little by little.  The "yesterday" referenced above is months ago now.  Most recently:
At karate and Scott's teacher is doing a game/drill where she is teaching them about what to do if someone bothers them and keeps hitting them or something (i.e. DO NOT HIT PEOPLE.)  So they were doing blocks and then learning to say "STOP" and then running away.  Maybe this isn't making that much sense…but not that important, you kind of have the idea now.  Its Scott's turn and she uses her pool noodle to swing at him like a weapon.
Scott: "I can really stop you with my ice."  Holds hands out and does a spraying/blasting sound (as all super heroes do in some for or another? duh!)
Teacher:  "But is that real or is that pretend."
Scott: "Its real, because I'm iceman."
…………
Teacher: "What would you do if you weren't iceman?"
Scott: stumped.  "But I am iceman."
Teacher: stumped.