Franco's Kindergarten Evaluation Day! Not to be confused with the previous Orientation Day or the upcoming Popsicle Playdate. Kindergarten now officially has more lead-ins than my freshman year of college. The teacher said he is in good shape overall, knowing quite a bit, and needs to work on learning his address and a phone number by memory. (Come to think of it, these tips might also have been helpful at college orientation.)
Afterward, he told me he knew a lot of numbers and letters, and he did not say any bad words at all. So, we know he can keep it together for roughly 15-20 minutes. I'll take it.
We headed over to buy the kid some ice skates because that is where we are now. He adored seeing all the hockey gear displayed in the store, and told me it will be no time at all until he gets a stick. We'll see. I did not come right out to the salesguy that I am a self-avowed penny pincher and wanted the absolute cheapest pair of skates that would work, but he may have seen right through me anyhow. We did get a great deal, but I still think the cost for a five-year-old is obscene. I have been told to get used to it if hockey is his thing. We all know that's not a thing that will happen.
He was so excited to try the new skates out, so it is good that tomorrow is skating. His dad was impressed and happy for his improvement to this point.
May 31, 2017 -- Day 60:
For the first time on the new skates, he did really well. By the end of the lesson, he was barely tumbling head-first at all due to there being no toepick on hockey skates. His coach was happy, and he had fun. All the skating parents talked about the Pens and that stupid catfish joker at the last game and whether the refs are ever going to do anything but be nimrods. Good stuff.
We took a break and then attended gymnastics, which also hit. At home, we cleaned up and then I headed to a Zumba class while the boys debated food options for the upcoming hockey game. When I arrived home just in time for the last few minutes of pre-game talking heads, Scott informed me that Riley and Franco were upstairs playing. I popped in to see ordering at a food cart and Franco only being slightly bossy about it. They had a really great evening, and she went home right before the first period started because obviously.
The boys had agreed upon Nick's Pizza for dinner -- a staple around here for hockey nights -- and so we all settled in...to be pleasantly surprised by a real stunner! Despite some of the biggest bullshit calls/non-calls I have ever seen since the last time I watched an NHL playoff game a few days ago, the Pens really ran away with it. It was something to remember forever. Or until Saturday.
June 1, 2017 -- Day 61:
A year ago today we closed on this little house and changed our lives forever. Clearly, a move to Pittsburgh was the best idea I ever had. And it was the best idea Scott ever heard me mention and subsequently put into motion with his Type A personality. We make a good team. Luckily, we are unpacked this year as opposed to last. Franco and I did muse about how many boxes were packed into the living room last year and how, frankly, that mess ain't ideal.
The Lebo pool opened a few days ago, for evening hours, and Franco and I vowed that the first sunny day, we were there. And today, we were there! It was not all that warm and if you happened to get out to go down the waterslides it was downright chilly, but come on. It's the pool! We had a good evening swim and then went home to chill.
June 2, 2017 -- Day 62:
So, tomorrow we leave for New York's Finger Lakes to see a Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds concert. I have had to remind Franco no less than ten times that we are not going to New York City, even though we are going to New York. (The kid is clearly afflicted wiht his mum's "Love of Big Cities" syndrome. And, no, I will not apologize.)
Ol' Scotty P. took Emma to Gram and Pap's for the weekend and brought the gosh-darned camper back with him, as we are ostensibly taking with us if it actually works. Franco had a blast helping his dad fix it up, clean it up, make sure we have a working satellite to watch hockey tomorrow, and check all the systems. So far, so good.
Then, Scott and Franco made their grilled favorite -- a rack of ribs. When Franco saw his dad with the groceries, he proclaimed, "Awwwww yeah!! This is gonna be awesome!" I absolutely congratulated him on his strong commitment to a menu and his lack of cussing.
We watched the Buccos and prepared for our weekend trip. I decided a part of "preparation" was "drinking" so -- cheers!
June 3, 2017 -- Day 63:
We set off for New York, and to everyone's total shock, the camper actually functioned and we all made it! Franco rode with his dad in the camper and I drove my car. When I pulled into the campground, Franco had already convinced his dad to buy him a toy car with tow-behind camper from the overpriced gift shop, proving once again who is the easiest mark in the family. He was so tickled that I was not around to put the kabash on the purchase, so I had to laugh and remind him he is lucky. This time.
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| An old-fashioned metal slide? Heck yes! |
After all that, we made a unanimous family decision. Ice cream before dinner. And we set out to the ice cream shop to make it happen.
There may have been a hockey game that night? Honestly, I believe it has been erased from my memory, so that is literally all we will say about that.
June 4, 2017 -- Day 64:
Good thing we shoved all the fun in last night because we woke up to rain, rain, chilly air, and also rain. Boo. Franco and I took a drive to the local Dollar General for Oreos, a coloring book, and crayons. A little later, we braved the weather to play a few games in the gameroom. Then, we holed up in the camper to play and nap before the show.
Miraculously, the rain cleared and the sun appeared just in time to head over to the concert. Thanks, Dave! We enjoyed the venue, with all the local food trucks and interesting beer choices. Franco and I braved a ridiculously long line to buy our swag, and then settled in for a lovely evening of music.
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| Celebrate we will.... |
June 5, 2017 -- Day 65:
We had to pack it all up and drive back to PA. On the way, we stopped for lunch at Eat 'n Park beside the Grove City Outlets. After we ate, Scott headed out to pick up Emma at Gram and Pap's, and Franco and I explored the outlet shops. We found a Steelers Store, where Franco pointed out all the things he already has, and the things he still needs. (I mentally did the same.)
We piled into the car to drive the rest of the way home together and blasted Lady Gaga's Joanne CD all the way down I-79. We agree on all the best tracks and replay them over and over. Once we got home and unpacked all the crap, we snuggled Emma and welcomed her back into the fold.
Later that night, there may have been some kind of televised contest, wherein men skate around on ice and try to shoot a hard, rubber mass into a net? I honestly can't recall it. So, that is all we will say about that.
June 6, 2017 -- Day 66:
Dreary day outside. Franco used his imagination to create some elaborate concoctions in the house, and I left him to it. Until we had to clean it all up and head to the gym.
On our way home, Scott called and informed us that Riley was waiting for Franco to play in the backyard, which he did until dusk. Then, he ate a bunch of fish sticks and passed out on the couch. (Don't judge. We've all been there.)
June 7, 2017 -- Day 67:
Franco had an exceptionally terrific ice skating lesson. (Something a few professionals in this city might look into.) Afterward, he joined one of his friends in the gameroom adjacent the rink for an epic tabletop hockey battle against his friend's dad. The kids had so much fun, and really hung in there, until they lost.
We headed right over to the gym for a short playtime, and then ate lunch. Franco began a few episodes of Ninjago on Netflix, at the suggestion of one of his skating buddies. (If you don't know, it's Ninja Legos. Duh.) I pulled him away from the TV for gymnastics, which went very well, and then he returned home to binge-watch his new addiction. He is hooked.
Later that evening, we played cards and Scott slipped Franco cookies and we all enjoyed the end of a darn good day.
***To Be Continued.....
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