Sun's Out, Guns Out

On the monkey bars,  Ethan's new obsession.

He's quick to tell you how he's "brachiating" across them,  a term learned from the Wild Kratts spider monkey episode.

Gymnastics camp builds

MUSCLES!

Just another day at gymnastics

Inspecting the rafters.

I'm raising a meathead

And a potentially stinky one at that!

We are now on day AND night two of the "muscle shirt".   I'm pretty darn certain tomorrow is day three since he'll be waking in it.

He's been going around the house all day lifting heavy toys and chairs. "I have to exercise to get stronger."  Here he is lifting two pound exercise balls.

Muscles are on the boys' minds apparently. At dinner Ethan suddenly asked my and Chris' ages. He quickly did the math and exclaimed,  "But Mommy,  you're OLDER? ! WHY AREN'T YOU STRONGER THAN DADDY! ?"

I'm just counting my blessings it's winter so Gavin's not sweaty in the shirt and he's willing to cover it with a coat for school.

Let's see who's stronger

Last year someone told Ethan a sleeveless shirt he had on was a "muscle shirt".  He wore that darn thing the rest of the summer happy to set his muscles free and in view of everyone.

Despite my better judgment, and taste, I picked up some muscle shirts for the boys at the local consignment sale. There's still snow on the ground but they raced to change into them and compare muscles.

Ethan: Gavin,  let's wrestle to see who's stronger!
Gavin: OKAY!!!

And wrestle they did. Father's sons they are.

As a woman who grew up in a house of all girls I feel transported to another planet. Hopefully they'll let me stay on it if I buy them muscle shirts with superheroes and sports on them!

We <3 Science!

Maryland Science Center saved the day again! Cold day off from school (professional development day, see my post wondering how people keep their jobs managing their kids days out of school!).

Anywho, I digress.  They hit all their favorites.  Every strength test possible, Ethan sending love notes to me via the bank tube thing, and a circuit board activity at the Shed. 

They had the right amount of fun for a peaceful ride home!

Grand Cayman Island: Starfish Point

One of our favorite trips during our Grand Cayman's trip was this little visited "Starfish Point". Off the beaten path, we picnicked, swam, swung from a tree, and most of all, touched sea urchins and starfish!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time starfish!

 

 

The Tale of Super Red

I opened Pandora's box. I bought one set of early reader Justice League books at Costco and Ethan's world is forever changed. Superheroes have entered our home, and I have a feeling they'll never leave.

I found this drawing he left out on his new desk (for kindergarten next MONTH!).

It looked random until I looked closer.

That was an illustration of Superman spelled phonetically.

It's the only kind of book he wants to read.

Which Daddy doesn't mind.

Every task we want done, we just need to invoke a hero. Shoes on fast like Flash! Carry in groceries with the strength of Superman!

His fellow superhero admirer, Mr. Kevin, documented his daughter Lucy's epic battle against Ethan's strength.

(Note Ethan's wardrobe choice. Knowing the science museum had the Tug of War machine, he insisted he had to wear his "muscle shirt" for optimal strength. As Chris later taught me, apparently real men follow the "sun's out, gun's out" rule!)

With victory under his belt, he could resume disrupting tornados with his superhero breath.

 

Parents with more experience, how long does this last?