2nd Grade Love Notes

I shouldn't have done it, but I did. I looked at Sister's love notes that she wrote to her newest boyfriend Cole. So now I'm sharing them with you.

Here's the story.

Last Friday when I picked up the kids from the YMCA after school program, Sister asked if I wanted to meet someone. I said sure, and off she went to find her victim. In no time she was back with a very cute little blond boy in tow.

She said, "Mom, this is Cole." Wanting to exhibit good manners, I extended my hand and said, "Nice to meet you, Cole." I then found out that Cole was also in the 2nd grade (just not in Sister's class), and that he was the latest in a string of boyfriends. Cole is also a very polite young man.

Once we got home, Sister began secretively writing in a little spiral notebook. Dude ratted her out. "Mom, she's writing love notes to Cole!" She replied by giggling. Uh oh. She didn't even throw anything at him! At that point, I knew I had to know what was in that notebook.

After she went up to bed, I sneaked a peek. Here's what I saw:

"I misted you this weekend. did you miss me?

Say what you need to say to me even if your embarrassed. it's OK I'll still like you even if you lie. I'll still like you."

On the next page she had drawn a big heart with C + J written inside it.

When I read the next page, my mouth hit the floor. I said, "Uh, honey? I think we may need to have a talk with Sister." When he asked why, I read him this:

I'm
so
lost
with
out
you
Cole

Where did she even hear anything like that anyway? And in the 2nd grade?! My fears, it turns out, were short lived. Here's what was on the following page:

I'm
never
talking
to
you
again
Cole

Followed by:

I
hate
you
Cole

So Sister may be getting herself a boyfriend or two, but she is still firmly planted in a 2nd grade mentality. Nevertheless, I am truly, deeply frightened by junior high.

Photo courtesy of Linds :).

Sunday Afternoon Is Saved

It's Sunday afternoon, and the kids and I needed to get out of the house. Brian is working on his grad school homework assignment, but the noise being generated by Sister and Dude was not creating a conducive work environment for him. The problem was the weather. Not exactly raining, but not the beautiful sunny weather we've been enjoying either.

The park would have been our first (and the obvious) choice. We have a great city park that adjoins our neighborhood. It's got walking trails, a small lake to throw rocks into, and two pretty cool playscapes. Sister and Dude always have a great time there when we go. But with the misty and cool weather, the park just wasn't an option today.

So, I turned to my Facebook friends for suggestions. My friend Katie came through! There's a great local place called Jungle Java. They have all the things a kid would want to play on - slides, an obstacle course, tunnels, rope swings - you name it. All with a jungle theme. It really brings out your inner Indiana Jones.

I'd forgotten about Jungle Java. We actually had Dude's 5th birthday party here in March, and the staff did a terrific job.

The best part, though, is that it's fun for grown-ups too. Remember the name? Jungle JAVA? Yes, sports fans, they have coffee! And it's pretty good coffee too!

So while Sister and Dude are practicing their Tarzan moves, I'm sitting in a comfy easy chair. Sipping on a latte. Playing on my laptop (yes, there's WI-FI!). And I brought a book to read too.

As Brian slaves away on his assignment, I'm getting to do something I enjoy while the kids wear themselves out. Early bedtime, anyone?

Photo courtesy of St0rmz.