Seven

Somehow Milo turned seven this morning.  I'm not really sure how this happened.  Time has flown by and Milo is turning into a really amazing young man.  In the past year he has matured considerably, turning into quite the bookworm and helping out around the house and with his siblings often (although sometimes just when it suits him).  As Milo described himself recently, he plays less with toys, but still gets much joy from building, be it with Legos or other building toys, tools in Daddy's garage, or just plain junk.  If I had to bet, I think he's heading for a career in engineering, but I guess we'll see.  Milo's also turning into a little athlete, taking up tennis this summer, swimming like a fish, riding his big kid bike, and playing soccer aggressively this past Spring.  I cannot wait to see him on the soccer field this Fall.  With all his maturity, I am so glad he still loves a good hug and snuggle.

Argument by Analogy

At dinner this past Friday night, Milo brought his model catapult (which we built) to the table to show a friend how it works. He noticed that a piece seemed to be falling off, and the following conversation ensued:

...

Milo: Dad, I told you this piece was coming off.

Me: Don't worry about it Milo. It is not coming off, and all that piece does is support this crossbar here, and it is doing fine at that.

Milo: Dad, do you know why the Titanic sank?

Me: Why did the Titanic sink, Milo?

Milo: Because of a stubborn captain!
...

Did I just get burned by a historical analogy-wielding seven-year-old*? I think so! What's next, something about Napoleon at Waterloo?

*not quite seven at the time. Milo turns 7 today.

Storyteller

When I picked Milo up from school yesterday he politely said: "Don't talk to me Mom.  I have a story going on in my head and it's really good."

Today Milo decided he was going to tell a story to Calder after dinner.  The two of them sat down on the sofa and for 50 minutes straight Milo wove a complex tale of jet packs, space suits and helmets, buttons made out of "your worst nightmare, Mom!" (i.e., bottle caps), robots, intricate plots to deceive Mom and Dad, and secret workshops.  There's a lot going on in that little blond head. 

Ballerina Zola

Today was Zola's first day of "Tiny Tots" ballet class.  She was extremely excited. 

Zola walked right into class without looking back, face full of grins, and when I left the studio for the waiting room, only decided to cry after the other little girls cried.  Once I came back into the studio, Zola slowly warmed back up, following her instructors around the room.  The minute class was over Zola said "I want to go to ballet class again!"

First Day of School

Yesterday, in addition to being Calder's birthday, was the first day of school.  Milo walked right off into his classroom, barely saying goodbye or acknowledging my existence.  So far he is a model second grader.  Calder's first day of kindergarten was a little more emotional.  He really did not want to say goodbye and tried to keep me at school with all sorts of ploys, such as feigning sickness, pleading, and crying.  Thankfully today's dropoff was a bit easier....

Calder is FIVE!!!

Yesterday Calder turned five.  Amazing how time flies.  Calder is as sweet as ever.  At five, he and Zola are close buddies, playing together every day.  He and Milo still have plenty of time getting into trouble together too.  These days Calder is really into imaginary play. He especially loves playing with knights and his beloved castle.  And he simply loves to dress up as various characters, complete with funny voices and extensive dialogue.  The "Star Wars" movies are still his favorites and he is deeply into our readings of "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.  Calder is so much fun!

Beach Birthday Party

On Sunday wild weather forces collided, leaving Columbia awash in rain and menacing clouds, mixed with brief moments of glorious sunshine. 

Thankfully, it is always lovely on Pine Island and, indeed, Pine Island seemed to be the last remaining spot in Columbia that had not succumbed to thunderstorms and downpours. 

And for four lovely hours, we celebrated Milo's and Calder's seventh and fifth birthdays, respectively. 

 

Thanks to Grammy and Oom-Poppa and our brave friends who believed us that it was not raining on Pine Island, we had a great time swimming, splashing, smashing the "Death Star" pinata, eating ice pops, burgers, and hot dogs, and of course, cake! 

More pictures of the festivities are here.

Diving Board

This last week we've finally experienced the thrill of jumping off the diving board at the pool at Pine Island.  Milo dove off the diving board for about an hour and a half this past Saturday and today he dove repeatedly during our day at the pool. 

Even Calder got in on the act, bravely jumping off the diving board five times today! Unfortunately, I was too busy in the water waiting for him to jump to capture the moment with a photo. 

Ye Olde Times

Calder's love for all things involving knights, castles, and princesses has spread to the rest of the family.  Lucky that Mommy and Daddy brought back period costumes from England.

Hanging With Hudson

We met up with our friends Suzanne, Craig, and Hudson recently in Charlotte at the Discovery Place.  It was great to catch up with our old friends and check out all the science and engineering exhibits.

Pine Island

We've been spending a lot of time at Pine Island on Lake Murray this summer.  The kids love swimming in the lake and playing on the two playgrounds on the tiny island. 

Here we are splashing around with our friends the Mylotts.

Beach

We hit the beach at Isle of Palms again this past Friday.  The weather was lovely and the water quite refreshing. 

Everyone spent lots of time digging and playing in a giant hole. 

Myrtle Beach, SC

While Mommy and Daddy spent time in London and Oxford, England, over the July Fourth holiday, the Weinberg Three went to Myrtle Beach with Grammy and Oom-Poppa. 

Aside from playing on the beach, the kids got to see fire works and went to Alligator Adventure where they held a baby tiger (yikes!) as well as monkeys. 

Once at home back in Columbia, they spent two days in a row at the water park before Mommy and Daddy returned home.  The Weinberg Three LOVE water fun!

Ballerina in Training

Someone's getting ready for ballet class that starts in two weeks! 

Zola and I took a trip to the "ballet store" last week to purchase her ballet slippers and leotard.  She gave them a test drive today, with a little help from her brothers.