New Year’s Eve 2017

Well 2017 has come to an end. Declan is huge. While I’m terribly sad that my sweet little toddler is gone I’m so crazy for this wonderful 5 year old. Now when I say 5 I mean...technically 5 because he’s so much a 50 year old most times he opens his mouth. He’s nothing but joy and every day adds to my life. He’s worth any effort.

Here are just a few memories from the last two months where I got too busy to keep up:

That sweet time he told me he’d have “Monkey forever, even when I’m big.”

Declan became a Beaver this fall. When they learned about Remembrance Day he asked to Go to Canada’s War Museum and see the Teddy bear. Soon Declan, soon.

That odd time he mentioned he’d like “Monkey on his tombstone.”

His great attitude: I asked “Why did you get up so early?” 

Declan “Because I wanted a longer day.”

And sometimes he kills me. He was watching a video and I heard his say “A Minecraft keychain?.....I’M INTERESTED!”

Oh and when he called me out: “Did you get cornstarch cuz last time you tried to make cookies you accidentally made dog biscuits?”

When I asked the 5...I mean 50 year old if he’d want anything to eat at the restaurant: “I can eat one of my fruit to go’s, do you think they’d have a kids drink? Juice would be nice cuz I’ll be having milk for bedtime.” 

And the precious moment he saw a picture of Santa’s nice list: “I’m on the list! And I’m at the top!”

Oh and it wouldn’t be typical Declan if he didn’t grow just a little more. In the last couple months another half inch. Ends 2017 at 4 feet 1/2 inches tall.

Slow down little man!

Halloween

Declan’s 6th Halloween and he chose to be Super Mario. Great costume to wear to school when you’re in kindergarten. I was lucky enough to have the day off and could attend the morning costume parade at the school. The Kindergarten kids lead the parade and they’re so proud. Declan was so happy to have me there to see him. There were three Super Mario’s in total but Declant was the only one in Kindergarten.

When it came time for trick or treating he was very excited. This year he was also very brave. He walked to the houses on his own and rang the bell or knocked. He was patient if there were other kids and he said Thank you and Happy Halloween when he left each house. Other parents commented on how nice it was that he walked around the lawns instead of just cutting through the gardens. Mr. Popular also ran into kids he knew from school. There was one house that goes all out and makes their garage a haunted house. Everyone was dressed up with creepy faces and Declan was brave enough to go inside to get his candy. The creepy faced people high-five’d him as he walked out. 

When we got home he dumped out his loot and ate chocolate and chips right away. He was respectful when I told him he’d had enough though and was easy to get to bed even after all of the excitement. After stories, hugs and kisses Daddy and I were leaving Declan’s room when he called me back. He wanted to give me another hug...and kiss....and then he looked right at me and “bopped” me on the nose with his tiny finger. 

So much joy in this one.

Daddy’s Blood Test

Last Saturday Declan got to accompany Daddy to the blood clinic. Yearly checkups mean blood draw and urine tests. When they got home I got to hear all about it. Declan watched the entire process, saw two vials if blood filled up and Daddy stuck with needles. He told me about the kid in the next room that was crying. When I said “oh it can be scary for little kids” he told me “It was a big kid”. Declan also laughed when he told me Daddy had to pee in a cup.

Who would have thought good times could be had at the blood lab when you’re five!

Safety First?

So funny story.

Declan tells me this evening: “On the way home from school Daddy and I stop to get the mail. I asked if I could take my seatbelt off and Daddy said ok just hold on as we turn the corner to our house. Then when Daddy turned the corner I went “whooooooaa” (and he pretends he’s tipping over on his side).” 

Boys.

Thriller

When I got in from work Declan was excited because Daddy was going to put in a spooky video for us.

It was Michael Jackson’s Thriller video. Started off ok but as soon as Michael Jackson starts changing into a werewolf Declan started shaking and wanted my hand over his eyes. Once that part was over he was good again but he said he needed his eyes closed when the zombies come. Once they reach the graveyard Declan pulled my hands over his eyes and yet his little body was shaking. He told me he didn’t want to see until the zombies start dancing. As soon as the dancing started I took my hand away and he loved it. Once it was over he said “remember when the blood was coming out of the zombies mouth?” To which I replied “how’s you see that? My hands were over your eyes.” He turned to me and with his hands showed me how he could peak through fingers. Then he announced that he was going to have nightmares if I didn’t sleep with him. 

And this is why I slept on the floor of Declan’s room last night. 

Busy Kid

When Daddy arrived at school today to pick Declan up from the after school program he got to see our Muffin Man owning the room.

Declan had handed out tickets to all of the other kids for them to attend a puppet show. He then had some paper bag puppets he and the other kids had made and he was acting out a show from behind the puppet theater stage. So proud of his confidence.

I asked him today what his favourite part of the day was and he said “playing with Rosalind.” He told me they were playing family. I had to ask “were you brother and sister or Mom and Dad?” Declan replied “we were cat and dog. I like cats so I was a cat and she was a dog. She’s said ‘woof woof’ and I’d say ‘meow’!”

This past weekend we took Declan to see the HMCS Haida in Hamilton. He really wanted to see the warship. He loved it. I know seeing it through a five year olds eyes isn’t the same as it is through our eyes but he asked great questions. On Monday Declan was “Super Student” for his class and he told all his classmates about the ship and showed pictures on the projector. 

He also asked about what Daddy’s Grandpa did in the war. Daddy told him about how he was in a tank and fired the big gun at the bad guys. Declan asked who the bad guys where and Daddy said “The Nazis” to which Declan asked “The Naughties?” He then looked at me and said “and what’s your story? Oh yay your Grandpa was in the war but didn’t have to fight?”

He kills me.

Growth chart update:

For weight Declan is in the 97% percentile for a 5 1/2 year old.

For height he’s off the charts. At 4 feet tall and 48 lbs he’s the average height and weight of a 7 year old.

Fun fact: most recently when asked what he wanted to be when he grows up Declan said “A Principal”

Impressed Daddy Moment: Declan’s fam was making a weird clicking noise. I suggested maybe it wasn’t balanced and to put something under. Declan said it should be good now that it’s ‘stable’. Daddy looks at Declan and asks “did you just use the word stable?”

Bruises and Cuts

While the new school year is going well and Declan has adjusted to being SK fantastic. His body however is taking a beating. Nearly every day he comes home with a new scrap, cut or bruise. Today he came home with a scrap on his arm and a bandaid on his leg. When asked why the bandaid Declan said he didn’t know. Apparently he was in the Library and another kid commented that he had blood on his leg. Here’s hoping this is just normal ‘boy stuff’.

Kelso

Another hike, another 7km. Declan didn't enjoy today's tree park as much since there wasn't much to look at. We still had a good time but I'm going to have to look into some more interesting things for us to check out.

Broden's mom texted me this evening. She let me know that when putting his little sister Roz to bed tonight she asked if she could marry Declan. Her Mommy said yes she could but she has to ask Declan about it. 

I mentioned it to Declan when it was his bedtime and he said "But I'm going to be an adult before her."  Guess he's going to prefer older women.

SK

Well the end of the summer came and went so fast.

We headed up to Minden for our cottage week. Declan and Chelsey had a great time hanging out all week. On the nicest days we all floated in the lake and Declan was brave enough to float briefly in the water with just swimming wings on. Next year....well I hope next year...swimming on his own!

After our cottage week there were a few days that I had off and could hang out with the kid. We visited three different "tree parks" to go hiking: Mountsberg, Mount Nemo and Hilton Falls. 

On the last day of summer break Declan met up with his BFF Broden at the park. They looked for sticks, small branches and made a "fort". We were pretty excited to hear that Broden's little sister would be in Declan's class this year.

Then it was over, summer break is officially done and The Muffin Man started Senior Kindergarten. Declan picked out what shirt he wanted to wear on his first day. After getting dressed however he had to finish the Lego he was building: A Lego "time machine". He told me it could go to "Dinosaur World, the world before phones, Stuffyland, that's just messed up and marbleworld. That's where all the good stuff is." Then off we were. He is back again with Mrs. Wigood (his favourite) and Mrs. Stumm. The hat he made for first day of school had lots of purple on it because it's "Mrs. Wigood's favourite colour."

When Daddy picked Declan up the Y Program ladies said he'd been a great helper for Roz (Broden's little sister) all day. He even gave her a hug when it was time to go. After school her Mommy asked if she'd made any friends today and she kept talking about Declan. ❤️ Made me so proud.

Wet Hiking

Saturday morning Declan decided he'd like for us to go to a "Tree Park". Fantastic! So off to Crawford Lake we went. We started by visiting the native exhibit. Three Longhouses that were part of Iroquoian settlements. We sat in on a session learning about the people who lived there 600 years ago. 

When the leader asked if anyone had been down to the Lake yet Declan said "No. This is just the start of our journey." He cracks me up. When he asked why nobody lives in the Longhouses now the leader explained that people have learned new technology that have us living easier today. Declan then told her "My Mommy and Daddy say it was better to live a long time ago." I added "Not 600 years ago."

Next we headed down to the Lake. We walked the entire boardwalk path. We saw butterflies (Declan's favourite insect), dragonflies, birds and a frog. It was a great little adventure walk. Not good enough for Declan however who insisted we then go on a proper trail.

I insisted we go for lunch first to get some food energy which he agreed to. Around 2pm we were back at the trails and we'd picked the yellow path because it had the only marked look-out. A 2.4 km trail. The first third and we arrived at the look-out. A valley full of trees and some turkey vultures was nice to see but Declan had a look and quickly was ready to keep hiking. With about 1.5 km still to go the trail got a little more difficult with inclines and numerous rocks. It turned dark and we could hear thunder. Declan didn't like it but I assured him that thunder wouldn't hurt him. Then a little rain started which we could handle but then the skies opened up and down came torrential rain. I had to tuck my phone and watch into the middle of my backpack to try and keep it safe. Declan was starting to cry and said he wanted to go home. I had to tell him that I couldn't just make that happen so we'd have to keep walking through the rain but we wouldn't get hurt. The thunder got louder and the path became a combination of running water and two inch deep puddles. The rain really came hard. The both of us were soaked right through and I'll admit that while I did everything I could to assure Declan there was nothing to worry about I was nervous about being so far out in the trails in this condition. With about 10 minutes left of our trail the rain got lighter. I tried to make the situation fun for Declan by saying "splash, splash, splash" as we stepped through the puddles. Literally as we came to the end of the trail the sun was back out and the sky turned back to bright blue. A family was just starting their hike and starred at us as we exited the trail soaked right through to our undergarments "having fun?" they asked. "Absolutely!" I replied. As we walked to the car Declan says "that was the best adventure ever!" so I gave him a high five. 

Then we talked about the importance of my checking the weather on my phone before doing that again.

More Travel

The Muffin Man had a tough return to being home and back at Summer Camp. Maybe it was the week away but he got really attached and doesn't want to be away from me. Drop offs in the morning which are typically pretty seamless are now drawn out with "I don't want you to leave" sprinkled in.

Declan told me that he'd made a wish that we would hug every day and his wish came true. Really sweet.

Now this evening when it was bedtime we talked about how I'd see him in the morning but then I'd be gone for a couple days on a work trip. This was not well received. Tears flowed. I reminded him that I would be here in the morning when he woke up but then he said "But I want you to come home so I can hug you later day too." Ugh. So sweet but tomorrow morning is going to be hard.

So thankful for this little monkey. We are really lucky and while it is tough being away at the same time he's the motivation to keep at it every day to protect our life.

Week Away

Declan spent the entire week at Grandma and Grandpa's in Ottawa. 

He was really excited about being there and getting to spend so much time with his cousins but the goodbye was tough. It didn't last long after we'd left but when we were leaving there were many tears. He is after all just a little boy. We sure were proud of him each day. He'd have a morning call with Daddy and evening calls with us both and he'd tell us about his day. He was a good boy for Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Marissa, his stubbornness around food being the only real challenge. A week full with crafts, pool, splash pad, parks, museum, mini golf and movie...followed up with La Machine when we got to Ottawa at the end of the week and a late night running around with Holden. 

It's no wonder Declan crashed for nearly two hours of the ride home.

Tonight when I checked in on him before coming to bed I just stared at him. His freckles, his little hands and just how peaceful he is. He really is just the coolest person I've ever known.

Vacay

Camp week two was great. Declan made another good friend named Ansan. Talks about him every day. Sure hope he's there for the other three weeks Declan is in camp this summer.

Sunday started one of my weeks of summer vacation. Declan, Daddy and I visited trails at Limehouse.

On Monday Declan and I hiked at Rattlesnake Point. Declan kept suggesting more trails which resulted in our hiking for 2 1/2 hours. Who knew this kid had it in him. Then it was a haircut and groceries just because it has to get done.

Today we hit the park and the splash pad. Funny how Mr. Popular runs into kids he knows everywhere. Saw Harriff and Abby from his class and made a little friend named Emma. Then late this afternoon Declan's school BFF came over for 1 1/2 hrs to hang out. They were super excited to see each other. Declan was happy to show off his house and the boys played with water balloons in the back yard and got soaked. Good times. Really enjoying my days with the Muffin Man.

Summer 2017

Summer camp is off to a good start. The Muffin Man easily makes new friends and while shy at first he's found his voice. By the end of the first week he was up on stage with another day-camper dancing the "whip nay nay" in the talent show. Tuesday and Thursday's they bus to the wading pool. So glad Declan's getting out so much this summer. Finally little kid has a tan. 

Last weekend was also spent outdoors as we went camping at Fanshaw Conservation Area with Chelsey (and her family of course).

I'm sure I've already said this numerous times but I'll say it again "I wish I was five."

Year End

Well it's been some time since I last wrote here and lots has happened.

We saw the last of Lacrosse for this season. He stuck it out the entire game but Declan was dragging his stick while he walked around. He just doesn't have the energy to run around as much as you need to but another season down. After the game he received his medal and a nice surprise was that Auntie T was there handing them to the coach for all of the players. 

Next it was off to his "Best Buddy" Broden's Birthday Party. When we pulled up Broden and Izak recognized it was Declan right away and ran over to the car. Declan had his seatbelt off super fast and the car was literally bouncing with his excitement. I've never seen this kid so happy and I'm pretty sure he didn't even say goodbye to me before he ran off to play with them. He had a great time. I worried that he wouldn't want to leave when the party was over but he did great. I'm thinking it was the best day of his 5 1/2 years and it wasn't over yet. Then on to Chelsey's house where the two of them played in the little pool and in the box of sand for a couple hours and had a sleep over. That was followed by a short time at the park in the morning. Declan was exhausted.

After a busy weekend was the last week of school.

Monday: class party and splash pad afternoon. Party happened but thanks to thunderstorms they laid on their towels in their swimsuits and watched a movie. Room full of disappointed littles.

Tuesday: School Canada Day activities. Hours outside in the cool, wet, overcast day which led to...

Wednesday: Fever over 100 and home sick all day. Declan barely moved. He watched videos and cuddled under blankets almost the entire time.

Thursday: 2nd last day of school, running around playing in the gym and he trips and falls face first into the floor. A call home due to a bloody nose but he stuck it out. Daddy got to pick up a blood stained kid when the school day was over. He did bring home his report card though and he's had a solid year for development. We learned that he really is quite the little scientist and that his interest in space has not only stuck but increased this year when they learned about our solar system and the Universe.

Friday: Last day of JK! He's officially an SK now. Early dismissal and I was off work so I got to go pick him up. Thanked the teachers and YMCA leaders and then watched him play for a while with Izak before heading home for the summer. Mommy and Daddy are really proud of Declan's first year.

Saturday was Canada Day and to celebrate 150 years we visited Auntie T's for swimming and a BBQ. Declan had fun kicking a ball around with us and Josh and Auntie T before hitting the pool. Every time he took the ball to his head or face he bent over giggling. In the pool he played with Nick and Maddy joined us for a short time as well. After snacks and playing some more with Nick it got dark enough that people all over the neighborhood were letting of fireworks. These were the very first real fireworks Declan had ever seen. He loved them and wanted more. As it had gotten late we had to head on home and we past numerous other fireworks on the way. Declan was thrilled.

We finished this long weekend by seeing Despicable Me 3 at the theaters. Turns out his JK classmate Jessica sat in front of us.   When the movie ended she came up to see Declan and they shared the biggest hug. He's pretty cute with his little friends.

Now tomorrow he's off to day camp for the first time. Excited for him and hope he continues to make friends easily.

Dentist

First trip to the dentist was a success.

Daddy and Declan arrived first. Daddy started the paperwork while Declan played on an iPad and looked around. Safari Dental is only for kids and it's fantastic. There are kids shows and animals and stickers and toys and suckers and the wall of toothbrushes. The staff are great with kids and the dentist is like a children's performer. Helped to put Declan at ease. He picked his toothpaste flavor from the wall of flavors (strawberry) then the brush head (a penguin) the room (elephant) and the show (Lego Batman). The hygienist showed Declan what tools she would use and then introduced them slowly. He was told just to put his hand up if he ever needed her to stop. He didn't enjoy holding his mouth open for so long or the toothpaste, water squirt combo. I reminded him that he could let her know to stop just by raising his hand and before Is finished the sentence his little hand was raised lightning fast. That was the only time though. He did pretty good overall and he couldn't sit still once it was all done he was so happy. Then he picked out his new toothbrush (Minions), some stickers (Super Heroes) and a toy (squishy eyeball). 

The best part is that his teeth and gums look great. Dentist said he had no concerns. 

Good job Declan!!

After getting home and emptying out his backpack I found the picture he made for me at school. ❤️

Goalie

Finally it was the day for Declan to suit up and play goal for Lacrosse. He was thrilled.

First of all I told him that both Grandma and Poppa would be here to see the game (this was before I learned Gramma would also make the game). Declan told me he had a dream that Grandma from Ottawa and Poppa from Waterdown would both be here and his "dream came true!" Funny little five year old mind.

The night before we tried on the equipment. So glad we did because it's a lot figuring it all out and getting it right. He was all excited just trying it on. When we got there today we realized that they'd be playing the Yellow team which meant Izak would get to see him as a goalie. Even better, due to tournaments only 6 kids (including Declan) showed for the game so we had to borrow a few of the other teams players-Izak was one of them. Playing with his friend added to his enjoyment. For his first time in goal he did ok. He listened to the coach's instruction and he moved to try and stop the ball. He took many to the helmet but smiled through it like a champ. He got comfortable with all the equipment fast and was adjusting his shin pads when they moved during the game. He even moved quickly to the bench to remove his helmet and rest during breaks in the game. It surely was easier playing without needing to run though he still got tired by the end and when the play was near the opposite goal he just leaned against the goal post. At the end of the game Izak was the first to come over and pat his helmet, he sure was proud as they team all followed suit and then he got a high five from the coach before they lined up to shake the other teams hands.

Real proud of Declan today, he didn't give up and he listened pretty good. And when everyone cheered as he made a good save I was just so happy for the little guy. Nice that Poppa, Gramma and Grandma all came to see him play.

Nightmare

Being five years old means creative, active imagination. That leads to Nightmares. On Thursday night a couple hours after we'd all gone to bed I was awoken by the Muffin Man at my bedside.

"Mommy. I had a bad dream. Can I come in bed with you?" 

Now it was a warm evening and he's not so little anymore so I thought the three of us would make it sweaty and uncomfortable.

"I'll come sleep in your bed with you, ok?"

So the two of us crept off to his room. We snuggled in together and he told me about his dream.

"I was holding a Teddy and I squeezed it really hard and it's eyes turned green. Then it hugged me and wouldn't let go. I couldn't get him off. When I dropped him he started climbing up my leg."

Yup. Creepy.

Poor kid but I did love being able to sleep with the little guy. 

Target

Declan's new favourite game: he stands on his bed and tells me different places on his body that are targets. He wants me to aim and try and hit those targets with his Bubble Guppie ball. He always includes his face as a target.

If I had to hit a target to save my life  I doubt I'd be able to but my kid says I can hit him with the ball and I can't miss!! And he loves it.

And the ball goes under the bed.

Eyes

Last Thursday I took Declan out of class for a short period so he could go for an eye appointment. Figured it was time for a good check on his vision. Declan enjoyed the appointment because the equipment looked like "Robot eyes". Happy to report no glasses required. He is far sighted but has a mild stigmatism which balances it out and the back of the eye looks great. All good! Now for the dentist in a couple weeks....ahhhhhh!!!  

Yesterday Declan watched two episodes of Goosebumps. When it came time for bed he was worried he might have a scary dream because of the shows. He asked Daddy to turn his radio on because he thought that might help stop bad dreams from coming. He then wanted me to assure him that we'd leave it on all night. Happy to report that he told us this morning that there were no bad dreams.

 By the time I got in from work today Declan was already done dinner. Perfect because it meant I could bring him outside to help me in the garden. Well it wasn't long before he'd abandoned me to go play with the neighbor George (3 year old) and his big brother Jack (9 year old). The three boys and George's Mom went to a nice grassy area and kicked a soccer ball around. Then once they are back Declan offered George a Koolaid Jammer (without asking me first...ok, whatever) and both boys laughed over their blue tongues. There were a few tears when they all had to head in for bedtime but pretty great that they got in some time outside after dinner. Bring on summer!!

I finally had a moment to check out any papers Declan brought home from school today and that was when I learned that he had received a New Birthday Party Invitation.....Broden! Only the most important Birthday (according to Declan). I'd been worried for him that he might not be invited if Broden's party was after the end of school. June 24th it is. So happy for our little guy.

Fun Fair

On Thursday was the Robert Baldwin Fun Fair. As soon as I got home from work the three of us walked over to his school. Due to high winds the activities were all indoors. We went straight to the gym where the three bouncy "castles" were. Declan tried them all and had fun. What I found most amusing was seeing Declan interact with friends from school. I got such a kick out of seeing some kid from his class walk up to him to say "Hi" and Declan responds by giving him a huge high five like he was "the man". There were some kids from school a grade or two above him that went out of their way to come say hi to him as well. He's quite the social butterfly. He was also a lot braver this year. So much as changed for him in Kindergarten. He didn't hesitate for any of the inflatables, even the big slide. When his turn came up he climbed up and just went. He's doing alright.

Additionally he's moved from "A" level readers to "B" level. He was so proud to show us when he brought the first B reader home.

And one of my favourite moments from this past week: Declan drew a heart on his white board. He then told me he drew it for me because he's "In love with" me. Just the best.

Water

Little monkey woke up before Daddy could go and wake him. He came running into our room because he had a bad dream. He said he was playing with toys by the water and then he fell in. I asked what happened when he fell in and he said "Nothing. I just laid there on the bottom. I didn't die though."

Poor kid. Wonder how he got that idea in his head.

Mommies Day

Before school Declan likes to get in a little play time. One morning this week he decided he'd build a Lego fish tank. Clever little Monkey he is.

On Wednesday I volunteered three hours at Declan's school for 'Scientist Day'.  I led the Marine Biology table and got to show the kids cool stuff from the ocean. The best part was it included showing the kids a real salmon head and two dead squid. Fun seeing which kids got right in with their hands and which wanted no part of it. Declan did touch them both but I'm sure having me there helped him to be brave.

Declan likes to wrap his finger around each other and claims this is how he's going to get in the Ripley's Believe it or Not books.

After school one day this week Declan told me there's TWO Declan's at his school. He heard on the announcements that they said Happy Birthday to Declan and it wasn't him so there's another one!

Today was Mother's Day. My monkey made me a cute card and painted a shopping bag for me. It's amazing and fills my heart how much he likes to draw pictures of him and I. We also ventured down to Gramma's house so that he and I could bring her flowers. He fell asleep for a short bit on the drive home. When we got in the driveway he opened and then quickly closed his eyes. He unbuckled his seatbelt with his eyes closed and then told me "I'm still a little bit asleep so you have to carry me." I gladly carried my little boy in the front door. So lucky to be the Mom of this little guy.

Reader

This past Sunday the boys had a day together since I was at work. I learned that they watched Guardians of the Galaxy together. (Declan said he wanted to see the second one in theaters and I said I didn't think he could sit for the entire movie. They watched the first as a test). Two thirds of the way through the movie and Declan says to Daddy "When the movie is done we're going to clap!" He loved it. That evening during his bath he told me all about it, so many details. The little Groot at the end was his favourite character followed by the bad guy of course. 

On Tuesday when Daddy picked Declan up from school one of the other kids asked him why he had construction clothes on. Declan corrected him and said "He doesn't work construction, he works at a Lumber yard..." and continued to tell the kids what Daddy does. 

Daddy's best day ever.

This evening for bedtime I grabbed the new Library book Declan brought home. It's called Red is Best. It took a whole lot of patience but as it used many words Declan has become familiar with I let him read the book to me. He needed help with a few words like "Raining" and "Riding" but overall he did fantastic. He's recited a book to me before from memory but this was the first time he's read an entire book to me because he could read it. He was really pleased with himself and of course we were pretty proud of him.

Toughness

We were driving to Declan's Lacrosse game on Saturday when he spotted a pickup truck with some garbage piled in the back. Declan asked "Why does that truck have rubbish in the back?"

"Rubbish."

So now he has a better vocabulary than I do.

Poor guy on Thursday. There was a short period of the morning when it wasn't raining and it was finally dry enough for the Kindergarten kids to play outside. One of his classmates was running along and bumped right into Declan from behind. Knock him right down face first into some large rocks. Red forehead and sliced up his nose. There was some blood but he chose to stay at school and not call for Mommy or Daddy to come get him. He's tough. 

Or I thought he was. Speaking again on that Lacrosse game...he was impressing us with how he was strategizing to get around the kids going after his ball. After a few successful runs they finally knocked it out of his stick. And he cried. Coach had to ask him what was wrong. So he's selective tough.

He full of sweet though. Came home from working late one day this week and noticed a new picture hanging on the fridge. Declan brought it home from school. Told Daddy it was a picture of "Mommy and Declan". ❤️

Butterfly

Friday was the big day. Along with Gramma and Poppa, Declan finally got to visit the Butterfly Conservatory. His words "I love it here!" What a success. He had a great time. He was running around and he was skipping. Declan got to see the cocoons and the new butterflies drying their wings. He also saw those just joining the exhibit after their wings were ready. He got to hold a few and one sat on his head. I found it adorable how he was so happy to see them and hold them but also a little afraid. He liked the butterfly in his hand but he kept his free hand locked in his wrist to keep the butterfly from crawling up his arm. He's brave but cautious.

After the conservatory we stopped so Declan could see Niagara Falls. In no way was he interested in going on the Maid of the Mist boat because his words "They're going to sink!" He seemed to like the Falls overall.

Next was the Rainforest Cafe. He didn't want to eat but he liked seeing all the different animatronic animals. In lieu of a souvenir and after some French fry negotiations Declan wanted to go to Ripley's. it really seemed an off choice for a five year old but we took him. Some of the exhibits scared him a little and the Worlds Tallest Man had him frozen in spot staring up at him. It was a fun day and a busy day. 

Saturday Declan had Lacrosse but had the bail out of the last 10 minutes of the game because his helmet is too tight. Looks like Wednesday we'll need to pick up a new one so he can get back it in. It was going pretty good up until that point. Watching him figure it how to maneuver his water bottle and get up on the bench. It's hard staying back and letting him figure it out on his own but he's doing it. Really proud of him. 

Pink Eye

So Tuesday morning Declan woke with one eye stuck closed. Immediately we thought he's got pink eye. I cleaned out the goop and then tried a Visine for allergies and his eye looked much better. No redness so off to school he went!

Wednesday morning...both eyes stuck closed. 

Pink eye.

Off to the clinic and a couple hours later and he's got a regimen of eye medicine to take for 7 days. It's been swell.

Luckily it didn't interfere with our weekend plans and visit to Ottawa. Day 1 was a Daddy/Declan/Grandma Day. Declan had his first Mini Golf experience at The Putting Edge. Not just any Mini Golf, GLOW IN THE DARK MINI GOLF. Daddy taught Declan how to putt and he picked it up pretty quickly. He says he loved it.

Day 2 the three of them went out an the Muffin Man had a chocolate ice cream. "On a real cone" too. He had about five good licks and he liked it. Best of all he had some time with just Grandma and Daddy.

In the evening though he got in quality time with his cousins. They even all got to run around at the park for a while when Aunt Marissa offered to take them outside.

A couple really late nights, lots of activities and little food (because he doesn't like food to interfere with his fun) left our little Monkey exhausted. He had a good solid sleep on the drive home and at 7pm he went right off to bed without issue.

Great weekend...back to school tomorrow and no more Saturdays away for the remainder of Lacrosse season.