Today

Cameron shocked me today - he picked up a 32 page book and read it cover to cover! (with only minimal help)... and it's not one that he memorized or had heard several times or anything. He actually read it! It's amazing what he picks up on his own. He can even add double digit numbers in his head! He's great with numbers. Makes me wonder what he'd be doing if I had more time to actually teach him stuff. He said "I didn't even know that I could read that book. I just picked it up and I could!"

We're still torn about kindergarten for him. He misses the cut off by 5 days, but can still test in. When it comes to academics, there is no doubt that he is more than ready, but at the same time I see how grueling and intense school is at Red Mill and wonder if there is any reason to put Cameron in that environment any sooner than we need to. He will only get to be a child once - why send him off to "work" when he is still at the age where it's ok to play all day. Just because he 'can' do the work, doesn't necessarily mean that he should... yet he's excited to go and we think he'd do well. hhmmm. If we do decide on preschool again next year, we're going to put him in a different school so that it's still fresh and new for him (so he's not bored just repeating the same program again that he had this year).

I took the greatest photo today! ...the most amazing part was that there was no planning involved and it only took ONE shot to get the perfect pic. Yes, only ONE! All 5 kids are looking... and most are smiling (and there isn't even one single "cheese" smile)! Normally it would take all kinds of planning and coordinating and 20+ shots in hopes of getting one were half the kids looked ok. But this miracle shot happened with one click and almost no preparation. We told the kids to climb the tree and then 5 seconds later I said "Boys, look here". Bam! Great pic....and then as you can see by the one right after it, the moment only lasted a fraction of a second and it was mere luck that the camera flashed when it did. If you can see close up, you'll see that most of them have cupcake all over their face from eating Dylan's bday cupcakes. I love watching how much fun the boys all have together.

Click pic to see larger version

...and they're off!
(it also looks like Bryson is licking the tree. lol)