Friday Night Outings

Friday Fun Night
Gary and Gordon enjoyed a Stampede basketball game downtown, complete with hot dogs and Sprite -- lots of smiles! Gordy caught a free t-shirt...though it may take several years for him to grow into the size Large attire. Oh, and the home team won!

Meanwhile, Grayson and I took in a movie -- "The Princess & the Frog." This was Grayson's 1st movie in a theater since he was an infant ~ he loved it! At times, his was the loudest laughter in the theater. Very cute! Though he's not a tiny 2-yr. old, he isn't quite heavy enough to completely hold the folding seats down; he looked pretty adorable half folded into his chair.

Since I wasn't able to snap a photo in the dark theater with my cell phone, here he is shortly after the movie, "playing" the driving game in the lobby.

Grayson is still at an age where no coins are required for him to think that he is actually playing the game during the flashing display of lights on the screen. ☺

All smiles.
Each of us enjoyed our Friday night outings ~ the start to a great weekend!

Signs of Spring!

Temperatures this week have been in the upper 60's -- the sun is shining,
and we are LOVING it! In our backyard, the magnolia tree is just about to blossom....

The trees are budding and blooming rapidly. And there's another significant sign of spring's approach....

BUGS!!! Creepy crawlies!!
All the little garden creatures have awakened and our boys couldn't be happier. Grayson presented me with this wiggly worm the other day, though it's not the first we've seen in recent weeks.

The boys have been on a bug quest all week....

In this olive jar, we now have a pet caterpillar and a ladybug.

Prized pets!

This morning, Grayson discovered a roly-poly in the yard,
but we let him go so he could be with his family.

The search continues for more little spring time creatures....

Smiles are plenty -- we LOVE spring!

Super Heroes & Comic Strips Class

Today was a "Gordon and Mommy" day out and about, while Gary and Grayson played outside and did some spring yard work at home.
Gordon and I set out after lunch to the library, where we enjoyed a Super Heroes & Comic Strips workshop for kids, taught by local artist, Ben Wilson. (These are the examples of Ben's illustration work that are on the cards he gave to students).

Since Gordon has always had an obvious love and appreciation for art, we knew this would be right up his alley. "Mr. Ben" taught the kids some tricks for making comic strips (quote and thought bubbles, etc) as well as how to show expression in the eyes of a cartoon character.

Then the class brainstormed characteristics of super heroes.

Gordon was a very attentive student. ☺

The final assignment was to create a comic strip story within six cells.

And here is Gordon's impressive result:


Obviously, I helped him some with writing the words, but the ideas and artwork are entirely Gordon's creative mind at work.

I must say how proud I am of our little Gordon -- The art instructor was clearly impressed with Gordon's talent, especially at the young age of 4 years old. He asked specifically if Gordon would like to be among a number of students to share their work with the class. Gordon wanted to, but wasn't quite finished enough to do so within the time limits of the class.

Gordon and I both had a wonderful time. He summed up his experience with these words, "At first I was nervous, but then it was really good! I had a lot of FUN!"

After the art class, we enjoyed some additional time at the library, playing a few games on the computer and checking out a fresh new bunch of books.

After the library, we ran a few more errands together and had a super time.
Gordon is excellent company!

New Sidewalk Chalk

Gary came home yesterday with a brand new box of sidewalk chalk!
Celebrations of spring!
The boys could hardly wait to break in their new art supplies this morning.

Here they are, out on the driveway, drawing their little hearts out.

A sun

A spider

and a guy

Grayson finished a couple of quick sketches of spiders early on, then pranced around, celebrating the new chalk.

Gordy kept at it, drawing for a long time....

Here he is, drawing a car.

He is a very focused and patient little artist.

Grayson, inspecting Gordon's masterpieces up close.

This will be a frequent sight on the Salzman driveway, I'm sure!

Preschool Community Helpers

This month, Gordon's preschool class has been discussing community helpers. The kids got to experience being good helpers themselves today, during a field trip to Valley View Retirement Center. They decorated terracotta pots and planted flowers in them, with the help of students from the Borah High School Key Club.

Gordon got help from this nice young lady, planting his flower.

Gordon and his lovely plant

The students prepared to give their plants to residents at the retirement center.

Younger siblings were invited to join in.

Grayson and his special plant

Group photo - all the preschoolers and the high school helpers

Gordon just put his plant on the cart....

...and then they set off to deliver their spring gifts.

Grayson gave his plant to this nice lady (I can't recall her name).

Gordon gave his plant to Anne.

The residents genuinely appreciated the plants...as well as time with these cute little youngsters!
Grayson made a new friend - Harry, the "honorary mayor" of Valley View Center.

During snack, the boys enjoyed juice boxes and chocolate Rice Krispy treats - yum!

Then it was Gordon's turn to go for a spin with Harry on his "little rascal" scooter.

What a great way to spend our day!

Kindergarten Registration!

It's unbelievable to me, but Gordon will be starting Kindergarten this fall! Yesterday was registration day for our district, so Gary came home early from work, and we all walked over to our neighborhood school, just a few blocks from our house. We filled out all the paperwork, met the principal who gave Gordon a bag full of learning goodies and a t-shirt, then we visited the Kindergarten wing, where we met both of the Kindergarten teachers. Gordon is very excited, and oh, so ready to learn new things and make new friends!

Congratulations, Gordon!
We are so proud of you!
It's going to be an exciting year....

Priceless Gift

Melissa, Jen, and Tony collaborated to get a very special birthday gift for me --
this beautiful locket, in memory of Gabriel.

Engraved on the front: "You are always close to my heart"

Inside, one of Gabriel's footprints.
Still need to put another photo or hand print on the other side.

Engraved on the back: "Gabriel Lee Salzman 01-13-10

This locket is absolutely precious to me, something I will always cherish.
♥ Thank you so much! ♥