Pink School

When Matt was about three, he used to tell elaborate and detailed stories about his dear, dear friends Max and Hallie. These friends were amazing and always had adventures to recount. Unfortunately, Steven and I never had the opportunity to meet Max nor Hallie. They were tricky little stinkers and always happened to leave the room just seconds before we entered. Matthew never "played" with his imaginary friends, but we sure enjoyed hours of tales about their experiences and adventures. It was almost sad when Max and Hallie stories disappeared from our lives.
Rachel has hit the magic age of three and, happily, she is introducing us to new friends and adventures. When Matthew's school was under construction this past summer, Rachel informed us that the workers were building her a new pink school. Since then, we hear about her pink school almost daily. When Matthew comes home from school with stories of teachers and friends, Rachel also has stories of her teachers and friends. The most prominent figure is her teacher at the pink school. Whenever there is conversation of which Rachel has no knowledge or experience, we can always count on her trusty teacher to have had some experience that allows Rachel to join on in. To date, Rachel's teacher has had a baby (who's name is also Bailey), she's had surgery, a car accident, jury duty, and a myriad of other experiences.
About a week ago we were in the car running errands. Matt had gotten a Webkinz for his b-day and he was trying to think of a name for it. It was a turtle so he was thinking of green things to name it after. In the midst of my helpful listing of green things, Rachel told us the following:
"My teacher at my pink school - she got the very same turtle webkinz. She named hers Booger."
She then chuckled to herself shaking her head and rolling her eyes. That kooky ol' teacher...
So, we were never able to meet Max and Hallie, but I sure hope that we'll be able to make the acquaintance of Rachel's teacher from her pink school. It would be such a shame not to meet a woman with such a broad knowledge base and such incredible life experience. :)
Last night I was introduced to one of Rachel's classmates, Alissa Junk. So far she seems like a nice gal. I only hope she's half as wonderful as the teacher from the pink school.

Tea Party

Who doesn't love a tea party? Who doesn't love a tea party so much that you can't wait until you're dressed for the day and have your hair brushed to sit down to a lovely tea with mini oreos??

Rachel loves tea parties. She got this little tea set for her birthday and we have tea quite often.

When we sit down to begin, she designates roles -- decides whether we are fancy ladies or princesses. We then have very polite conversation using the fanciest words we can. It's pretty funny. She's a nut.

Not a Happy Meal...

Matthew had his birthday party with his buddies yesterday. Yes, his birthday was a few weeks ago, but with schedules, basketball practices and games, etc., we weren't able to do it until yesterday. The kids had a great time. (I'll post a few pics later). Unfortunately, Steve had to work and missed out on the raging party. By the time it was all over and we'd cleaned up a little of the HUGE mess, I was not in any mood to cook and create more mess to clean up. I called my sis and she packed up her kids and met me at McDonalds. So on the way to Mickey D's, I asked the kids what they wanted to eat - to make the whole ordering while trying to contain my children thing a little easier once we got there. Now I was feeling all footloose and fancy-free, so I told the kids they could have Happy Meals. A little explanation: we never get Kids' meals when we go out. First off, we seldom eat out. When we do break down and go out, we are connoisseurs of the Value Menu. Happy Meals or any Kids meals are a special occasion kind of thing. When I offered the Golden Ticket, I expected to be met with the usual excitement and thrill in the air. Rachel didn't disappoint. In fact, she cheered. Matt, however, assumed the 'I'm going to break this to you gently' voice and said, "Mom, I think I'd just like a 10 piece chicken nugget." Not picking up on his subtlety, I replied, "Are you sure? You can even get one of those big kid meals." Matthew then went on to explain that a Happy Meal just isn't enough for him. I believe his exact words were that "a happy meal is more of a snack" and that he "could probably do 2 or 3 happy meals." I took the news in a very grown up manner and ordered him the 10 piece nuggets. (He polished that off and then ate some of mine and Rachel's to boot.)
So, I did take the news very calmly...but really...I was flipping out!! My kid is getting too big! This whole turning 10 thing was hard enough for me and now he's too big for kids' meals. What the heck?!? He's supposed to be perpetually five years old and excited about getting a whole meal in one bag or box! He's supposed to be excited about the dumb little plastic toy!
I need a coke.