T-Ball Week 2

 I wish I could say that week two of t-ball went better than week one, but it didn't. Allison still isn't interested in the sport, but she did have a (slightly) better attitude while waiting to bat/not getting the ball.

She doesn't want to play with the team, she'd rather go on the playground and play. I told her tonight that t-ball was a trial for sports in general and that if she can't have a positive attitude, there is no way I'll put her in a more intense/expensive sport like gymnastics or dance. I thought this would motivate her, but instead, she had a total meltdown and was teary for the entire game.

She just gets so tired on school days, plus she's been waking up early and playing in her room until I wake up. I think she's been getting up anywhere from 5:30-6:30am because when I go into her room, there is an entire Barbie scene set up or Allison is dressed in a full outfit/costume.

 

 

 

Rainbow School Picnic

Today was the annual Rainbow School Picnic for Allison's school. Each family brought a side dish, and the PTA provided Chicken, drinks, and Betty Rae's ice cream for dessert.

The school mentioned that if anyone wanted to participate in any activities (games, talents, etc) at the event, they would be much appreciated. Allison has a friend in her class named Wyatt, and his mom, Joey, and I have a lot in common (sewing, thrifting, weird hobbies), so when she mentioned that she was going to volunteer to do face painting, I decided to do balloon animals with her.  I spent the week practicing 10 key pieces and then made this drawing so kids could easily pick out what they wanted. I'm still not very fast, but I was excited (and nervous). One of my goals for the year was to learn a new skill and then demonstrate it, so this was a big deal for me.

Joey and I set out to work for the first 30 min- 1 hour of the picnic (it was a 2 hour picnic) so that we could mingle, eat, and relax with our families. However, that's not what happened. People were sending their kids over to us, where they would whine to us about taking to long, who was in line first, that their balloon popped or makeup smudged, it was exhausting.  At one point I was working on a monkey bracelet for a little girl when it popped right at the end. I had to start all over again and while all the kids started to complain, a mother suddenly appeared to tell me that she wanted her daughter to have a balloon next (she wasn't next in line) because she had been waiting and maybe I just didn't notice because she's very loud or big, but that she should get the next turn because her dinner is ready and the mother wanted her back at the table.

I held my tongue because the picnic was a big success and I could tell the kids were having fun but people are so funny with free stuff/ recognizing the efforts of others. Joey and I ended up working the entire picnic, save for 20 minutes at the end, so that we could have some food. While we were eating with our families, people were still coming up to us asking if we would work. When Joey said that she was done, one woman asked for her paint and brushes so she could do it herself!

Nathan's night wasn't less stressful. He was in charge of Allison and when he turned his back for a moment, Allison had gone "Tarzan" on some wind-chimes and had ripped them down. So now we have to fix/ buy some new wind-chimes. Nathan said he felt like "that parent" at the picnic. Especially when she had a full on meltdown after she got in trouble for it.

After the picnic we headed out of town to Olathe, KS to watch a Bluegrass concert with John Mark and Jill. The Travelin' McCourys were playing and they are a very talented band and we enjoyed listening to them for about an hour before we decided that we needed to get Allison home for bed.

Mural Date

Nathan and I set aside today to explore the Kansas City Crossroads Art District. I found a list of popular wall art in 10 block radius and we drove around to visit them (while Allison was in school). It isn't a great part of town but it was mid-day so it felt pretty safe - except for the homeless man with schizophrenia that began screaming beside our car in front of the antique map store.

The murals are constantly changing so if you want a picture of one/with one, you need to act fast. This first "Kansas City" picture used to say "Kansas City I'm So In Love." But the store is moving into the plaza area so they are painting over the sign (so they can drive traffic to their new location when they put the sign back up). We even saw a wall that was half painted over with a paintbrush still hanging on the windowsill.

 

 

 

 

 

After exploring the murals, Nathan took me to a restaurant called the West Bottoms Kitchen. He'd been there before and gave it a glowing review. After a few bites, I understood why he liked it so much. It was a delicious lunch and a fun and unique day-date.

$2 Bill

Nathan got this $2 bill from our bank and I just wanted to share it because I've never seen and American $2 bill before. It's so rare to see a Canadian $2 bill (since the toonie came out, it still feels silly to say/write that word).

Sporting K.C.

Nathan has always to go to a Sporting KC game. He saw a soccer game a few years ago in Toronto but hadn't made it out to see the KC team. The KC does well, and the game he went to tonight was a "Cup" game. He went with Martin, a guy from our church, who works for BMO and is from Montreal. BMO has an expressed interest in the MLS league and the company has box seats. Nathan felt very lucky to be invited.

Busy Birthday

 Today is Nathan's 33rd birthday! 

Our day started off by touring Whitefield Academy, a private Christian school that we're considering sending Allison to. We were there for 2 hours (with Allison) and really enjoyed the school. We have a lot to talk about and some other options to explore but the school had a lot to offer. Allison really enjoyed her morning because she knew someone in almost every class we visited (several families from church send their kids there). 

Next we went to McLain's bakery in Brookside to get donuts for Allison and I, and a cinnamon bun for Nathan. Our relaxing visit was cut short by Allison demanding a bathroom (two minutes after finishing her donut) and us being informed that there was no public bathroom available (renovations). 

We had a quiet lunch and afternoon, followed by Nathan cooling Allison off by holding the hose in front of his leaf blower to make a "rainstorm." It was 30 degrees today and very humid. 

Nathan decided he wanted Joe's Kansas City BBQ for dinner so we picked up takeout and headed to Roe Park to enjoy our meal and then let Allison play on the equipment. Allison's interest in the playground waned quickly when she saw the splash pad was still working. We let her go in her clothes and she had a great time.