My Week Off!

Cian's Art class drawing was picked to be on the wall for open house. We were so proud of him! He loves to draw trees.

Last week I had the week off from teaching. I teach at an Islamic private school and they were celebrating the end of Ramadan. So, yeah for me, I got to stay home! Cian was in school all week, so I was for the first time I was all alone. It was very weird at first. I kept watching the clock. I kept having the feeling like I was lost. I got to work though and I completed a lot of tasks that I never can do when Cian is home. I finally painted over my bright purple dining room walls. Yes, I love purple....but I always felt uncomfortable in that room. Now it looks so much bigger (I guess I should have taken a picture of it...next time). I was able to finally fish the trim work in the upstairs hallway. Nicole and I painted the hall a 2 1/2 years ago.... It really took me a long time to get back to that trim! No wonder why too...It took me seven hours to complete non-stop! I was able to go to several appointments and read a story to and do a craft with Cian's class. We also went to Rochester for our niece Lily's 3rd birthday. What a week. It is early Monday morning and I am getting ready to go back into work. I wish I had a couple of more days, but I still feel accomplished.

Cian is really loving school. I am so impressed with his transition. He is already acting older and wiser. Where has my baby gone?! He loves music and dancing. This weekend he just started to do these break dancing moves. It was so odd...We asked him where he learned how to dance like that...He said he taught himself. lol.....It was a little unnerving because I am sure he will be covered with bruises....boys! He loves to help Kevin out around the house. Is is a big helper when it comes to carrying Dad's tools or even mixing the cement for the outside rocks. We are so lucky to have our little boy! He brings so much light into our lives.

The First Day of School!

It's official! Cian has started Kindergarten! Wednesday Cian started his first day of school. We started the day by watching home videos of Cian as a baby. This was a big mistake. I will clarify later. Then we got ready to head down to the bus stop. Cian refused to wear anything even a little dressy for the occasion. He refuses to wear shirts with collars. I think he looks so cute in them, but the days are officially gone where I can dress him as I like. :-( He decided on his favorite gray shirt (he wore it all summer) and a regular pair of shorts. I gave in knowing that I wanted him to feel comfortable. Cian is also riding the bus to school. This is a little silly since the bus ride is about a minute long. He was so thrilled about going on the bus that we gave in. (The minute ride actually helped in the decision. Not a lot of time to get into trouble!) The bus came about 25 minutes late. Cian was so ready he just climbed on and didn't look back. I was glad I kissed him about a million times that morning....because he was so excited I didn't get that final hug! As the bus drove away I broke down...Images of the earlier baby movies came rushing into my head. They were so vivid since we had just watched them earlier in the morning. Kevin and I gave a hug to each other and then I had to drive myself to work sobbing about my baby boy. Those movies just replaying over and over. My best advice to anyone going through this in the future, stay away from the baby movies. Cian has gotten so big in 5 years. I can't imagine what another five will bring!

Cian said that his first day of school was long and that his teacher talked a lot. He loved the playground and the cafeteria. He was very excited to go back the next day. We are so proud of him.

Dear Kindergarten, Please treat my baby well! Love, Cian's Mommy

I Hope I Don't Crack Your Eggs!

Cian is full of questions. He asks about everything and we try to give him truthful answers. He has always been very curious about how he was made and we have tried to answer this at age level as he has grown up. The latest conversation occurred about three weeks ago and Kevin took it a step further this time explaining that mommy has eggs inside of her as part of his explanation. We have had no questions or comments about this until tonight. Cian was out back climbing a tree and I was watching him. He was getting tired, so I suggested he take a break and let his muscles relax. He came up with a better idea. He said, "Mommy, why don't you stand below me, so if I fall you can catch me." All logical....then a look went across his face and he said, "I hope your eggs don't crack if I fall and kick you in the stomach." How cute, weeks later, he is thinking about my eggs. lol.

Road Trip!

Our attempt at a family picture. Not centered, not focused, we are not ready.... Still Awesome!

Looking at the stars on the beach at night. Watching the crabs come in!

Cian sick of getting his photo taken!

Cian and Daddy Boogey Boarding. Cian loved this!

We really enjoyed relaxing in the hotels too! We really needed this recharge!

We arrived back home last night after a spur of the moment road trip down the Atlantic Coast. Kevin was able to meet a deadline last Sunday and his boss told him now would be a good time to take a week off. Now being that day! I am usually a planner but we left the house that night and headed to the beaches along the coast. We stopped in Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia Beach, Virginia and The Outer Banks, NC. We had a great time being together and I actually really enjoyed not having the stress of having to be somewhere at a certain time. We just went with the flow and stopped in hotels at night. We really enjoyed the beaches, especially the outer banks. We hope to go back there next year, hopefully rent a house for a week. It was so awesome to have miles and miles of beach. No one was around and it was not crowded at all like the northern beaches. Kevin and I thought that it was probably because there was so much beach to choose from. Everyone could spread out! We had a great time. I love my family. How did I get so lucky!

On a second note:

Dear Construction, Why did you have to delay our trip by almost three extra hours last night. Endless delays in the middle of the night. Sitting still at 1:00 am...trying to fight to stay awake! We were supposed to get back last night at 11:00 and did not pull in the driveway until 2:05. Dragging today!!! -Erin

Greg Comes Home!

It was so fun to see Greg after almost a whole year. We had a great time hearing his stories of his new adventure! One thing is for sure, Greg has a plan and he is making it happen! Keep holding on to your dreams, Greg!

Speed Racer!

After celebrating Grandma and Grandpa's 60th wedding anniversary (I hope I have one of those!!!!), we stopped at a race way for a little fun. One thing is for sure...The Doyle boys are competitive! It was so funny to see their personalities on the race track!

Cian's Cousins Lily and Connor

Of course the first two pics are of Cianie! The last two are of Cian's cousins Lily and Connor. These kids are so adorable! I can't get over it each time I see them. I just want to SQUEEZE them :).