Brecken vs. Kindergarten

If there were one word that I had to pick to describe Brecken, it would be fearless.  Anybody who has spent any amount of time with him would most likely agree.  There just isn't a lot that scares this kid.  He is outgoing, social, and he is never afraid to tell you exactly what he is thinking.  There isn't a challenge in this world that this kid won't take head on...........until Kindergarten!

Ryan and I could tell that he was getting uneasy about Kindergarten as the end of summer approached.  And on the way to meet his teacher, he meekly whispered to Ryan - "Its ok, dad.  I think I will just stay in Preschool this year."  Ryan (being Brecken's hero) convinced him that things would be fine and after the meet and greet concluded, he seemed to be ok with the idea of Kindergarten.

The night before his big day, he couldn't calm down.  He couldn't go to sleep, he was restless, he was nervous - a side of Breck that we just don't see very often.  We got him all ready for school and we even had time for him to go to Grandma and Grandpa Stokoszynski's to start his big day off right - with Grandma's breakfast. 

Brecken and I decided to drop Ryder off at his classroom first.  On the way back to his classroom, his grip on my hand tightened.  I gave him a little encouraging squeeze and a smile - hoping it would provide some sort of comfort to my tough little guy that was feeling so unsure about everything.  As his friends approached, he stood by my side, silent as can be.  (Again, for those of you who know Breck - this is a rarity.)  I asked him if he was ok.  He just nodded.  What I wouldn't have gave at that very moment to scoop him up and take him back home - back where he felt safe and sure of himself - after all, new situations can be terrifying.  But, I knew this day would just circle back and I also knew that he would - just like every other challenge - find a way to get through it with a big smile on his face.  I asked him if it was ok if I left.  This time he did speak, but only to tell me no.

So, I bent down and whispered in his ear that he is brave, smart, and strong and he will have a great day.  His response: "Yup!"  So, with that, I kissed him on the cheek, told him I loved him, was proud of him, and wished him a great first day.  And true to Brecken's character - he came out on top.  He had an amazing first day!

I found this that seemed to be a perfect description of the day:

"I wonder what you are doing right now, and if everyone is treating you kind.

I hope there is a special person, a nice friend that you can find.

 

I wonder if the teacher knows just how special you are to me.

And if the brightness of your heart is something she can see.

 

I wonder if you are thinking about me, and if you need a hug.

I already miss the sound of your voice and how you give my leg a tug.

 

I wonder if you could ever possibly understand how hard it is for me to let you grow.

On this day, know that my heart breaks because it is the first step in letting my baby go."

I love you Brecken Alexander, and am more proud of you than you will ever know!

A Trip To Potter Park Zoo

After a couple of trips to the Children's Zoo in Saginaw, we decided we would explore a bigger zoo. Since Potter Park Zoo was always a favorite of mine, that was the zoo of choice. Avett loves the zoo – he rushes to each exhibit and enthusiastically waves to all of the animals until it is time to move to the next one. I brought my camera and Ryder brought his and we were off to explore.
  
Ryder always wants to push the stroller. Not a big deal, unless Avett catches on. Only mom is allowed to push him. 


We got away with it… for a little bit anyways!
  











Our first stop was to see the River Otters, Owls, and then the wolves. We didn't have a lot of luck. We did manage to catch the River Otters on our way to leave. Avett didn't really mind – he was just excited to see the sign.

My favorite part of the day? Watching Ryder take pictures. So adorable. Breck and Vance were right alongside him, yelling at him if he didn't take it of the animal they wanted :)
  

  

And here is Avett waving to the animals, then running to get a closer look!



 




It is practically impossible to get pictures of my 4 boys all together, so I take what I can get. Usually Ryder can entice Avett if he holds him, but not today. Avett didn't want to be restrained in any way – there was just SOOOO much to look at!

We went into the farm area and they had a Goat Petting area. Before we went in, the worker explained the rules to the kids: No running - No climbing on the structures – No petting the goats faces or putting hands by their mouths. Well, we had to add our own rule for Av – No Kissing the Goats. He tried to kiss each and every one of them!

  
Breck was more impressed with these:

We walked by the camels and Brecken and Ryder wanted to ride. Vance was a little unsure, so he opted to sit it out. (That did not, however, stop him from telling Brecken all day that the camel he rode was fake.)
This sweet little face:

was in an Epic battle with this guy:

The best part about this picture is that when Vance used to get mad, he did the same thing: point.

 

 

All of this started because of this camel ride - which was well worth it, if you talk to Ryder or Brecken!



After a little snack break, he seemed to be just fine.  

Hard to believe that this sweet little face was capable of making the ENTIRE zoo listen to his crying :)

   Such a fantastic time with my loves at my favorite zoo!

 
 

Ryder: 7 Years Old

Yes, I am terrible at this.  I am roughly a year behind on these posts.  When Ryder's 7th birthday approached, I was thinking about this post.  How do I write about the first love of my life that could ever do justice to this amazing little person who is growing up right before my very eyes? 

 

I really am just blown away every day by him.  I can't even begin to talk about him without mentioning what an amazing big brother he is.  He always has been.  So protective, so caring.  Avett reaches his little arms out to Ryder (and all he says is "Ryyyy-da") and Ryder is always right there for him.  The moment that this was really cemented in was this year at the Arenac County Fair. They all wanted to go on the slide, so off they went as I watched from the gate.  Ryder, instinctively, got Brecken and Vance's burlap sack ready for them and helped Breck get on his.  He also then tried to console Vance and was even going to have Vance go down the slide with him.  Ryder stayed with Vance, telling him he would be ok and rubbing his back until I climbed the stairs to bring Vance down.  Then, and only then, did Ryder even think about finally going down the slide.  I can't even describe how I felt at that very moment....just completely blown away by this little man.

He is a perfectionist - which sometimes comes at a cost.  He is afraid to try new things until he knows everything there is to know about it.  He is hesitant to go to a football camp because "I don't know how to play football, mom".  Even when he was 2 1/2 years at old, Ryan and I would watch in awe as he struggled to have the most perfect dribble - even more impressive was his determination to continue until he was satisfied.  He is the perfect assistant coach.  He reliably goes to all of my games, "keeps stats", and "encourges" the girls.  He is already an avid fisherman and hunter.  His favorite show is Mountain Men and the kid only wants to wear sweatshirts.  I am so proud of the person that he already is.  I find myself just looking at him and being beyond grateful for this incredible individual that I get to call my son.

 



 

Ryder's Favorites:

Color:  Dark Green

Toy:  Hunting and Fishing Toys

Fruit:  Oranges

TV Show: Adventure Time/Mountain Men

Lunch:  Mac and Cheese

Outfit:  Sweatshirts

Game: Super Slam Hunting - North America

Snack: Candy Bar

Animal: Horse

Song: The Avett Brothers - "Will You Return"

Book: Diary of A Wimpy Kid

Friend: Josh Ford

Cereal: Resse's Puff

Thing to Do Outside:  Shoot Pellet Gun

Drink: White Milk

Holiday: Christmas

Thing to Do: Go Hunting

Team: Standish Girls Basketball

 

What He Wants to Be When He Grows Up:  Fishing Man

Pets: Max (Siamese/Himalayan Cat); Abby (Puggle)