Halloween, 2nd tooth fairy visit, walking pneumonia and more!

On Thursday, October 24th Daddy and Phoenix had a date to math night. Phoenix dressed up for daddy in her Honbok and Daddy changed his shirt to match. They had a great time at math night together. 

 The next morning Daddy left for his 15 days of travel to Asia. Rubix is saying goodbye in the picture below.

 Axel has been slowly growing at a rate that it is difficult to see big growth spurts, but a few weeks ago I realized how big he has gotten. I set out on a mission to find him an adjustable desk and chair set that will continue to growth with him. Here he is Friday night sitting at it for the first time. It was a fun surprise for him, coming home to it after a long day of school and dance class.

 We have been so busy with birthday parties and activities and the stomach bug that we were unable to go to the pumpkin patch before Daddy left for his long trip. Luckily, Saturday morning was free of events. I would like to say the three kids greatly enjoyed themselves, but you can see from the pictures that Phoenix wasn't feeling well or was upset about something. I can't remember exactly what it was.

 This was Rubix's only chance to go and Axel and Phoenix had plans to go to the pumpkin patch on Monday, for their second fall break day.

 Axel and Phoenix were gracious enough to entertain themselves while Rubix went on the cow train.

 He really enjoyed the train ride and riding the fake horse.

 All three contemplated on what to paint on their little pumpkins. I love how similar, but different they are to each other.

 I have been busy with extra work projects and studying that I have put off many things on my to do list. I am excited to say that I finally ordered the pictures that my sister, Shannon, took on my birthday. Here is a picture of our new family picture hanging on the wall. I have pictures to mail out to the grandparents and Aunts as well.

 Saturday nights when Daddy is gone is a fun opportunity for the kids and I to go to church. They all seem to enjoy their age group lessons and some play time on the playground afterwards.

 Phoenix loves to create forts, hide outs and secret hiding places. Below is a picture of another great idea she had to escape the high winds and pollen storm that was in the air with Saif following suit.

 We had multiple birthday parties. Axel went to an Escape the room. Phoenix, Rubix and I went to a Pump it Up party.

 Phoenix is high energy most of her waking hours. She was funny and said, "Mommy, you missed me on the climbing wall." "No, I didn't", I respond and show her a few pictures of her climbing.

 Phoenix is still ultra competitive and loves winning and playing hard. I love this picture of the pure joy she is having by scoring in air hockey.

 As I said, Monday the 28th, was the second fall break day for Axel and Phoenix. I scheduled their dentist appointment at 8 am. Here are all three of them during their appointment time. Rubix was charming and cooperative.

 Phoenix was squirmy and cautious. She had a lot of plaque build up for not flossing. The dental hygenist had a talk with her after her cleaning, per my request. Now Phoenix is cooperating and flossing every night with me!

 Axel was relaxed and calm. He got an A plus for flossing twice daily and taking care of his teeth.

 Rubix has a small mouth like the other two and the dentist recommended xrays to get a baseline. He was amazing listening to his hygenist without me even present. I came over to see him being a mature young man and getting his xrays complete without any drama. He reminds me so much of Axel. I feel so blessed to have such sweet boys.

 We dropped Rubix off at Angela's after the appointment and then met Kristin and her mom at the pumpkin patch. The kids jumped for an hour and then did the hamster balls for 10+ minutes.

 I find it funny how much they want to do the hamster balls and how nauseous they feel afterwards. They don't seem to care because here they are with big smiles. Kristin then came over until 7 pm for some more play time with Axel.

 Axel decided he wanted to be his U.S. History teacher, Mr. Ramsy. Mr. Ramsy has a tattoo for every place and country he has ever visited. Lets just say he has a LOT of tattoos. Kristin is quite the artist and agreed to help me draw the tattoos on Axel. She memorized the tatoos on Mr. Ramsy's right arm, but they both couldn't remember what was on his left arm. We had fun making things up. 

 Here is Mr. Ramsy junior on Halloween morning.

 I was able to volunteer at Phoenix's party and parade as it was in the morning before my work day starts. I was really proud of myself for dressing up with her. I love when I do things that make her happy, as I find it very hard to always make her happy. :)

 She even waved to me during the parade!!!!

I realized I didn't get a picture of the pumpkins or all three kids so when we got home from school I had them quickly pose before dinner. 

 Kristin, Shamik and Saif joined us for trick or treating fun. It was nice to have a small group of kids to go with this year. It made it very easy for me to manage the three kids.

 Rubix in protest of the group photo.

 The little guy always patiently waiting and my little kitten always pushing to be first. My calm 10 year old is also patiently waiting.

 Axel has been requesting chicken noodle soup for a couple of weeks. I finally had time to make it on Friday afternoon. I have to admit it completely satisfied my soul. There is something special about a slow cooked, home made, chicken noodle soup.

 On Saturday, Axel and I worked all morning on his cell project. I helped collect all of the material and cut the cardboard. We were in the thick of hot gluing the parts down when Phoenix came in the room with a bloody face and missing tooth. Rubix and her were playing ball and the ball "accidentally", knocked out her loose tooth! Here she is holding her second lost tooth (11-2-19). The crazy thing we noticed is that the tooth that had just fallen out already had the adult tooth break through behind the tooth. The first tooth she lost 2 weeks ago has not broken through the gums yet. Funny, huh?!

Here is the complete Plant Cell project Axel worked on this weekend. I am proud of him for doing it my way.......don't stop, 'til your done way! Now he doesn't have to worry about it when he gets back from Marin Headlands on Friday and he can enjoy the visit with Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce next Saturday. 

 Before church on Saturday we met Daniel, Rubix's buddy at John D. Morgan Park. All three kids had fun playing.

 I am really proud of Phoenix and Axel playing well together and letting Rubix enjoy his friend.

 Axel being his sweet self.

 The climbing little ones!

 Here Rubix is saying, "Mommy, look!"

 As we were heading to church I noticed Rubix was having greenish gunk discharge from his eyes. I also noticed how congested he was. When we got home from church he had a low grade fever of 100 and I was starting to worry about his 2 weeks of being sick taking a turn for the worst. On Friday, he only lasted about 10 minutes at the park and then wanted to go home. He said his back hurt. This was the first red flag.  He is such an easy going kid when I ask him how he is, he almost always says good. I finally called first thing on Sunday to get him an appointment. I am glad I did, because he has walking pneumonia. I am home with him right now and took the opportunity to do the blog. He started antibiotics yesterday, but is actually worse today with congestion. I am hoping he feels better tomorrow.

Axel leaves Wednesday for Marin Headlands. I am excited for his second trip with school. We are looking forward to Daddy coming home next Saturday and our visit with Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce on Saturday too!

PHOENIX LOSES HER FIRST TOOTH!

The kids and I needed a behavior improvement plan by the time summer ended. They filled up our gratitude container with 300 pompoms for all of the manners and acts of kindness over the first month of school. The reward they chose was a Pokemon party. They ate popcorn, had ice cream, watched the Pokemon movie and played Pokeman with Joel and Tyler from swim team. Everyone had fun, including Rubix. 

 Rubix has been skipping naps often when he is home with me. I would say he usually only takes one nap now, over the three days I am home (Friday through Sunday). Here he is trying to compromise with me one day when I really needed to get some work done. I checked on him and he was "sleeping on the couch". That is exactly what he is telling me in this picture, "I am sleeping mommy."

 On Oct 6th, Harker had their annual Picnic. The kids all had a blast. Axel primarily hung out with Beibei and his other friends and was on his own for the most part. Phoenix found her good friend Ashley and hung out with her the entire time. Rubix and I started out with Ashley and Phoenix, but ended up going off on our own. Rubix loved the pony ride.

 I couldn't tell if Phoenix enjoyed the pony ride, but she really wanted to go. She almost looks too big.

 The theme this year was Candy Land. Here Ashley and Phoenix are making crowns.

 Here they are after getting their faces painted.

 I asked both Phoenix and Axel if they wanted to go on the bumper cars with Rubix. They both said no, so Rubix and I went a couple of times. Here he is steering/ driving. I pushed the gas and brake because he wasn't tall enough to reach, but he did great reaching the steering wheel and having us avoid bumping into others.

 Axel ended the picnic with a little concert. Yes, he is playing his flute again since he didn't make the dance team. He is taking lessons with Mr. Hoffman, the director, which I think I mentioned last time, but I am not 100% sure. He is also starting to learn how to play the drums. We will see how that goes. As you can tell, it was really hot out and the young musicians were melting. Harker was nice enough to give each student their own umbrella hat. What a hit they were!

 Phoenix, Rubix and I made it through the first 2 songs before they needed a break from the heat. We went inside the gym while Axel finished his mini concert. Here you can see Rubix making one of many shots. He is such a natural! Look at his form. Lets just say, Phoenix hasn't found the passion for working on form and technique so she just threw the ball as hard as she could and only made a couple of baskets total. Rubix made at least a dozen shots. I was really impressed!

 Here is one that Phoenix did make, but it was in Rubix's basket :) Both of these Rubix "swished" in.

 Rubix and I still go to the library every Friday. He loves walking on the letters and learning the alphabet. He likes it when I say, "A is for Ashley's absolutely, amazing, awesome, apples!" Or whatever, A words I can think of for the day.

 And the big event......Last night, on October 18th, when I asked Phoenix to brush her teeth after she showered she yelled for me and said, "My tooth fell out." Yes, her tooth sure did fall out. I took a picture and then took it off her tongue and placed it in a baggie. She was so excited she had trouble going to sleep. I was busy with Rubix as he was sick and had thrown up everywhere an hour before, I didn't get a chance to brush her hair.

 Here is Phoenix still excited with her wet hair, now dry and still not brushed. The tooth fairy left her a cute little box with a receipt, money and a tooth report. Grandma Susan made one for her and Braylin and it looks like both girls love them! Phoenix's other bottom tooth is also loose so we are giving it a couple of weeks before it comes out.

 Today was Saif's 7th birthday party in the park. Phoenix was her fun self as always. This picture captures her grumpiness when she is not getting her way.

 And another photo of, I guess I will try to smile.

 Axel, Phoenix and the birthday boy!

 Here is excited Rubix after his nap enjoying the bounce slides. I wouldn't let him go on it for the first few hours because he was throwing up the night before and I really didn't want to get anyone sick. He cried so much and he looked much better after his nap. I washed his hands and face as thoroughly as I could and then let him have at it. He came up to me after going up and down the slide a few times and said, "I am so happy, I am having so much fun!". I love how he always tells me exactly what he is feeling. He is such a sweet boy!

 Axel and Phoenix played for 6 hours straight. It was fun to see Axel having so much fun being the older kid.

Axel got invited to the Harker open house to show off his computer science project tomorrow morning. He is really excited to be there with his partner, Pascal, and favorite teacher, Mr. Chung. Axel is also getting excited for his upcoming 5th grade trip to the Marin Headlands in a couple of weeks.

Keith is working hard to prepare for his next Asia tour coming up this Friday. We are trying to prepare for birthday and Holiday season. Keith will be very missed during Halloween, but the kids are so busy with activities that the 15 days will fly by.

I hope to post within a week after Halloween so check back soon!

September 2019 come and gone.

Over Labor Day weekend we went to Aunties house and had the pleasure of visiting with my Grandma, the kids great grandmother Avon. We also got to visit with my Aunt Cindie, Uncle Terry, Uncle Barry and Aunt Cora. It was a wonderful day of cousin fun and catching up with the Burgess side. 

 Here is a cute picture of Auntie reading to Rubix.

 The kids enjoyed a quick swim in Auntie's pool. I love this picture of Rubix diving and swimming to Daddy.

 Here is a picture of all of the kids and the dads in the pool. Us moms folded laundry and enjoyed the 20 minutes to chat.

 After swimming the kids had fun drawing with chalk. I love how Aya and Rubix are starting to play together.

 Later in the day after showers we had more fun family time.

 Auntie prepared a yummy dinner and then afterwards we walked to a frozen yogurt place.

 I sure loved time with my cousins growing up. I sure hope the Szolushas will have fond memories of times spend with their cousins.

 Next year Aya should be old enough to walk and join the others.

 We have spent a lot of time at parks this summer and on Saturday mornings. The kids love riding and Rubix is slowly mastering the scooter and pedal bike along with his push bike.

 We had back to school night for Axel and Phoenix the 2nd week in September. We really like Phoenix's teachers. She should have a really good year. Axel has a good language arts teacher this year. Here is one of his projects that he did on one of the many books that he read over the summer.

Here is one of Phoenix's projects that was put up for parents night. It says, I am cool, smart, a girl, silly, fast, nice and BFF with Kyla. 

 Axel ran for student counsel class rep and WON! He was so excited. He loves being one of 10 students who gets to help improve the school and be the voice of the students. He is constantly throwing out different ideas to us that he can present to one of his meetings. I am so happy for him!

 Rubix is definitely a Szolusha. All of our kids have learned to love Legos and building.

 Here is his creation before bed. An airplane with jet engines.

 Harker has its annual picnic coming up. This year it is candy land. Last Thursday the kids had their in class picnic parties and Axel had the privilege of making a gingerbread house. Phoenix made a candy necklace. Phoenix also had another party called a friendship party last week as well. She had the privilege of making a quilt for a child at the Ronald McDonald house. She was really proud of her classes creation. I don't have any pictures because I wasn't able to attend, but I love how the kids are learning to do acts of kindness to others.

 I caught Phoenix using Rubix's Duplo Lego car bottoms as roller skates. It brought back so many fun memories of my sister and I roller skating. I would love for her to be able to roller skate some day. Hopefully, she will get to have this experience.

 Last weekend, Rubix had his first official pay date. He rode bikes with Daniel and then pushed him in the swing. Daniel is little like Axel was little. It is cute to see Rubix in his gentle giant roll towards little Daniel. His other friend, Owen, had something come up last minute and wasn't able to make it, but hopefully he will have more play dates in the near future.

 The big news is that Axel started playing the flute again after not making the competitive dance team. Mr. Hoffman the music chair really wanted him to join and said that he will teach him. He is also going to teach Axel the drums. He came home really excited after his first lesson and practiced! So I guess the drums are way more fun for him because Axel has never willingly practiced his flute! I am just glad he decided to continue with the jazz band. He also started specialty dance so that he has a better chance of making the dance team next year. His Harker swim season is almost over. He has one more mini meet next week and then he will be dancing twice a week instead of swimming twice a week. He is loving being a 5th grader and just finished his acting and vocal try outs of the 5th grade play. He is anxiously waiting to see what role he gets in "The Emperor's New Clothes."

This Friday the Y had another family fun night. Rubix and Phoenix spent over an hour going up and down the obstacle course inflatable slide. Rubix was initially scared but Phoenix was a wonderful older sister and helped him the first couple of times.

 What a fun time for the kiddos. Axel saw a couple of his swim friends and hung out with them.

It is hard to believe we are about to start October. I always get a bit nervous this time of year because once the holidays hit the year flies by in a flash. I have been spending every extra waking minute studying for a big exam that I am taking the beginning of March. I am also working 4 days a week and going in on some Fridays for meetings. I haven't even completed 2018 scrap book let alone started 2019 scrap book. I am feeling overwhelmed as new doors open at work and as I become apart of the Kaiser Residency program. I just got my schedule and the residents I am with for the first half of 2020. I will also have full time Wash U student all of May and June which will be a difficult 8 weeks as I will work 40 hours with a student plus try to mentor the resident 4 hours a week. It might be a rough transition as I work on my career over the next couple of years, but this is such a blessing. I do want to keep up the blog as much as I can, but it might be monthly posts until March 6th.