Bittersweet

Maliana ~

Monday was dreary and grey again (boo!) but in spite of that, as soon as we got home, you hopped out of the car and wanted to immediately ride your bike back and forth. You made the comment as you suited up with your helmet, "Mom, can you believe I can ride my bike now?" No training wheels needed. My big girl.

Suzy kept running right alongside your bike, back and forth...
back and forth...she is truly a kid's best friend

The kids next door came over and you all played up a storm together. Daddy decided you needed to have a 'monster wrestle fest'...and it was utter chaos. He hid and chased and let you beat the crap out of him for a long time. You were all laughing so hard you could barely breathe. It was a whole lot of epic kid fun.

wrastlin' the monster

lovin' the boots

full of awesome!!!

We got your bike out again the next day after school and actually took it out on the trail for a 3 mile ride, which turned into more of a jog/walk for me. It wasn't quite the workout I had hoped for but the conversation we got to have on the trail, completely uninterrupted by anything but the birds chirping and occasional dog walker on the trail (where you would promptly toss your bike aside and run up to them to ask if you could pet their dog(s)). You did great riding so far after just learning to do so a few days ago. I look forward to more of these rides/chats with you this spring and summer. You are quite the companion, kid.

once again on our favorite bridge

freedom!

passing the bluebells

It was a little more chilly on Wednesday but we all came outside and you got to know some more of the kids in the neighborhood who live in the court across the street. What with all of the moves coming up, it was nice to officially meet many of them and have you get some play time with together. They all seem very nice so I am hopeful that this summer will bring more fun and broaden your friend base in the 'hood even more.

Thursday night we went to dinner with Papa Joe and Patty Shaver who had come through town on their way to West Virginia. Memaw, Papaw, and Lao Lao also met us and we had a really nice visit. Unfortunately we were missing several members of the wacky beach crew from last year, but it didn't stop us from excitedly chatting about our upcoming trip (in just over a month!) and get super stoked about it in the process!

what a motley crew!

Saturday was a very busy day for us. First was Chinese class, then home for a bit and on to Erin's first communion. Erin did a great job with her reading and it was a very nice mass, even if you were one of the wiggliest worms in the entire church. We went to El Vacquero (a Yersavich family staple) for a celebration afterwards.

Erin, marching down the aisle with the other
children receiving first communion

Erin, doing her reading at the service

"wiggly worm" had to take a break towards
the end of mass and went to hang
out in the lobby...apparently you
were channeling a little Angus
Young from AC/DC in
that outfit

group picture of the entire first communion class

at El Vacquero ~ time to party!

chips and salsa with Natalie and Erin

Once we arrived home, the neighbors were just leaving for their new home. They had been packing and moving little bit little all week but today, it was their final goodbye to the house that had been their home for the past two years. I ain't gonna lie...I was SAD. You weren't particularly emotional, but you did give each of them big hugs. Generally when asked for a hug, you will do a casual lean in and let the other person hug you; but this time, it was full on bear hugs using both arms for these special friends. Now, I wish I would have gotten my camera to take pictures of you saying goodbye but in all honesty, I just couldn't bear it. Too many tears in my eyes. What's silly is that they are only moving about a half hour away, but it's just going to suck not having their cute little faces to greet us each day or hearing your laughter during an impromptu invasion of our home for popsicles and playtime. Goodbyes are hard. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you on this one, but I don't. At least not yet. Check back with me next week...maybe a little time will provide the perspective I need to provide some type of life lesson for you. Even after being on the Earth for all of my 38 years, I still suck at goodbyes. *sigh* C'est la vie.

Fortunately the sadness of the afternoon was followed by some happiness that same night as we all went to Jocelyn's house for some hang out time for you and Daddy with Chase, Dylan and Jocelyn, then some much needed girl time for Kristy and me as we got to go out to Easton for dinner and drinks. You and Daddy LOVED hanging out in their awesome backyard with a campfire and s'mores (beer and cigar for the "big kids" aka the dads). When Kristy and I came home (well past dark and your bedtimes), you were all still up and snuggled together on the soft green grass, wrapped in your blankets by the fire, while looking up at the stars. It was a very good night for all.

gotta love the helmets ~ safety first! ha ha.

Sunday we were all dragging just a tad (ok, for me...I was dragging A LOT). I was nursing day 2 of a nasty headache, so we mainly just chilled at home until your swim lessons that afternoon. I got to take you this time and you did fabulously! You really do enjoy being in the water and are so cheery and cooperative with the instructor. It's a joy to watch you trying something new and practicing new skills. One of the perks of being a parent for sure.

Since we hung out at home almost all day, we also got to chat some more with our new neighbors who were there cleaning and strategizing a plan for their big move-in day this coming week. The 12 year old, Sophia, ended up riding bikes, drawing with chalk, and just generally playing with you for a long time. It was very sweet. She took you under her wing right away and was so nice. You also took right to her. Daddy and I remarked on how well you adapt and are able to interact with new people so easily. I am so glad that you have that gift. I had to work a lot harder at it when I was a kid so I am very grateful that it just seems to come so naturally to you. Such a relief.

Later that night, Daddy did some cooking and prepped his lunches for the week so you pitched in and helped out.

learning about healthy eating

Just before bed, we wrapped up the evening with a family dance party. Let me just say that, "Lady ~ you've got some wicked moves for a 6 year old!" And...on our way home from swim lessons, I also had the realization that your 'cool factor' has completely and totally surpassed mine. You knew (and were totally workin' it to) more of the songs' lyrics than I knew. I kept asking through the rear view mirror, "You know this song? How?!" ...Oy. I am officially old...When and how the heck did this happen?! Ha ha.

Finally, I have to mention your latest tricks that you excitedly shared with me this week. Evidently, you now know how to tie your shoe while you are swinging on the playground swings (on your belly, 'Superman style'). Not an easy feat...and you are so proud! It's unclear how you came to the conclusion that you had this particular talent, but of course I cheered and clapped when you showed me. Obviously. *smile* The second trick that I was made aware of was during our bike ride on Sunday when you showed me that you can now stand while pedaling. Growing by leaps and bounds, kiddo. Can't wait to see what next week brings.

Love you to the moon and back, Monkey-Fish.
Mama