Dotzour Family.com – Page 11 – Althea, Bryan, Andrew, and Sylvia

May 20, 2011May 16, 2011

Wildflower weekend at Jack’s

Every spring, our friend Jack hosts a “wildflower weekend.” A group of friends gather and enjoy a long hike on Saturday in the woods and fields near Jack’s home along the Wisconsin River. Although I figured that the kids and I wouldn’t be joining in on a long hike, I thought it would be fun to be out at Jack’s and to join in the festivities. Bryan was kayaking with friends on the Kickapoo River for the weekend, so on Friday night, the kids and I drove to Jack’s (near Wyalusing State Park). On the way there, Andrew memorized the names of all the towns between Madison and Woodman.

The group composition changed over the course of the weekend, but there were an average of about 15 people. Here they are setting up lunches for everyone to pack.

This is one of my favorite new photos of Sylvia. She’s wearing my swimsuit top. Goofy grape:)

Here’s Robin and Trent hanging out pre-hike.

Andrew’s kiss. Much sweeter than a dementor.

Adorable girl!

Hikers getting ready to depart.

I had wanted to start the hike with everyone and to only go a couple miles. Andrew wanted to “stay inside all day.” I think this face he’s making is his victory face. We were not leaving to go on the hike. HaHA!

I told the kids that I would shrivel up if we stayed inside on such a beautiful day. So they (clad only in Andrew’s briefs) agreed to run around out-of-doors for a while.

Undies on the hill overlooking the Wisconsin River.

Jack was able to burn the prairie earlier in the week. It’s so cool to see it all freshly charred.

Here’s an oriole in the tree in front of Jack’s house. What a beautiful sight!

Here’s a sweet plaque in honor of Jack’s mom. Such a lovely sentiment.

Jack has done an amazing amount of restoration work on his land. Here’s a new sign he has on his driveway.

Andrew kindly put together pine cones and pine boughs and dandelions as place decorations for the returning hikers. He was so excited about how happy they would be to see their pretty place settings!

After the hikers returned, some of us went on a walk up onto Jack’s property to check on his bluebird houses.

Andrew stayed home and covertly ate candy bars while Sylvie and I explored the freshly burned prairie and oak savannah.

Pretty! A bird’s foot violet!

One house had two precious eggs.

We enjoyed supper up on the hill and then waited for sunset. The kids and I exited since these days sunset is bedtime!

What a friendly, joyful group.

I love this picture of Sylvie walking up the hill. Somehow the scale of her next to the tree and the hill just makes me love her that much more.

Here’s looking out the bedroom window at the sunset-watchers. It took the kids almost an hour to go to sleep!

Sunset over the river.

Day is done.

May 19, 2011May 16, 2011

Early Olbrich visit with Dad

On May 5, the kids and I met up with my dad for an afternoon date at Olbrich gardens and an evening date of pot roast and Finding Nemo. Although it’s been an incredibly cold spring, the flowers are beginning to bloom. And at Olbrich (or, if Joe’s reading, the Botanic Gardens) the magnolias and cherry trees were a-bloomin’.

It feels so good to be seeing spring green after a long winter of browns and greys and whites.

The trees at Olbrich are oh-so pretty!

Here’s the kiddos racing across the open field.

We tried to pose a picture of Dad with the kids, but it was not to be. Here’s the closet we got:)

Oh my, this girl! Too much.

Cherry blossoms:)

Here’s a pretty branch. Lightens up my heart.

Well, here’s an almost- nice picture of Dad with Andrew and Sylvie…

These kids crack me up!

Sylvie started throwing a tantrum here that lasted until we left. But this was before the tantrum began.

Enjoying the reflecting pool.

Check out this Oriole! Spring!!!

I’m so proud of Andrew…he used my camera to take this picture (the strap was around my neck). I didn’t realize he was getting our reflection in this ball. What a cool image!

We always love spending time at Olbrich, so if you ever want to join us, just let me know!

May 18, 2011May 16, 2011

Hiking the Ice Age trail

A few weeks ago, Sylvia and I went on a hike in Cross Plains on the Ice Age Trail. For those of you not familiar with the Trail, it’s a still-being-created foot trail in Wisconsin that covers over one thousand miles. It’s one of nine National Scenic Trails and covers some spectacular parts of Wisconsin. The Ice Age Trail Alliance grows and maintains the trail and is a land trust. Gathering Waters Conservancy (my past employer) is an umbrella group for Wisconsin’s land trusts, and on April 30th (while Andrew and Bryan attended a birthday party), Sylvia and I joined a hike and reception on a segment of the trail.

I hadn’t taken Sylv hiking since last fall, and I was so impressed with how strong and robust of a hiker she’s become.

She carried two sticks for most of the hike…banging them into trees and bushes as any good kid should.

During the hike, we stopped occasionally to hear about the conservation efforts.

Hiking along through the early spring woods. Sylv walked about two miles before she lost her steam. I was so proud of her:)

This girl innately understands posing. I set her on this outcropping, and she just looked so cute!

Here’s looking across a bird-filled wetland.

Sylv zips down some switch-backs at the end of the hike.

Checking out the lichen on a rock with a magnifying glass.

Conor, Pam, and Mindy at the delicious reception (catered by Underground Catering). It’s always great to see friends. Thanks, all, for organizing a really fun event!

May 17, 2011May 11, 2011

Be your own happiness

I have several parenting books that have spoken to my heart these past years. Favorites include:

The major thesis of the ScreamFree Institute is that you can’t control your kids. It’s about focusing on your own behaviors and reactions – being a model rather than attempting to mold/direct/force kids to behave certain ways. And it’s helped me separate myself from my kids behavior (while remaining connected to them as individuals). For example, “I’ll hold you while you thrash and scream, but I’m just going to be breathing deeply and thinking about other things rather than trying to fix what’s making you mad or taking responsibility for making you stop.”

I get a daily emailed parenting tip from ScreamFree (I really don’t like that name, by the way…we’re not a household where there’s much screaming…other than by a small, curly-haired girl). This tip of the day really caught my eye (also copied below). If you’re interested in the tip of the day, you can sign up here. It seems to apply to so much more than just parenting. I copied it onto Facebook, but I thought that it was good enough that I would share it here too. Enjoy!

April 28, 2011 | Here’s your daily parenting tip from ScreamFree

“If your happiness depends on you children being happy, that makes them your hostages. Be your own happiness. And that way you are the teacher for your children: someone who knows how to live a happy life.”

-Byron Katie, US author and speaker(1942- )

Hal’s Take:

Without even realizing it, we often base our own sense of happiness on external circumstances. We find ourselves dependant on things beyond our control to tell us how to feel. It is a very common thing to do. But just because it is common, does not make it helpful or mature. Feelings like happiness are choices that we must make on a daily basis – especially when it comes to our children.

If your child is throwing a tantrum or pitching a fit, guess what? That doesn’t have to make you upset. You can still choose to be happy. If your child is moping about and grumbling about her life, guess what? You don’t have to pull her out of her emotional ditch to feel good about yourself. You can still find joy. Even if your child is yelling at you how horrible you are, you do not have to take it personally. You can find peace. This is a very freeing sentiment because it allows you to recognize a simple and powerful truth. No one can make you feel anything. When this truth can sink in, you will be in a much better position to really be with your child as they go through these difficult emotions. And they will see that you are stronger than the winds blowing around you. They will naturally gravitate towards you and your calm so that you will be able to provide comfort, consequences, or clarity when they need it most.

-Hal Runkel, LMFT, Author of ScreamFree Parenting and ScreamFree Marriage

May 16, 2011May 11, 2011

Post-concert portraits

After Andrew’s music concert, I took some pictures of the kids in the soft evening light with my long lens. I’m filled with love when I look at these sweet faces!

Have I mentioned recently that I’d love to freeze both these little people right where they are?

Brother and sister – good friend!

She cracks me up.

Alivia was in the concert too (it was a first grade/kindergarten concert), so we all walked home together. The kids hid behind this tree. We were completely fooled as to their location.

Here’s a couple sweet images of Alivia. Can’t believe what a grown up girl she’s becoming!

Have fun!

~Althea

May 15, 2011May 11, 2011

Andrew’s first concert

On May 2, Andrew had his first school concert. He was really looking forward to it, and even told me he wanted to wear his “fancy” clothes. I took a video if anyone wants to watch. Just Sylvia and I attended this year, but afterwards I heard from several people that they would like to attend future concerts. Andrew should have an early May concert again next year – I think I’ll get the date at the beginning of the school year, and I’ll share it then.

Here he is up on stage while they are setting up. The girl to his left is his locker partner, and the boy in front of him in the top picture is his bestest buddy.

Here’s one of his two music teachers. They put together a great program, with a selection of music from all over the world. LOVE it!

Andrew’s school – Nuestro Mundo – is a K-5 charter school and is housed in the Frank Allis school building along with Frank Allis Elementary. The two schools share the “special” teachers – gym, art, library, computers, and music. This concert was a combination of the three Nuestro Mundo kindergarten classes and the Frank Allis kindergarten classes. Here’s the Frank Allis principle Julie Frentz introducing the kindergarten and first grader’s concert – Julie seems like a dynamic and kind person:)

Here’s all the adorable kindergarten kiddos.

Here’s Andrew’s teacher, Javier Bolivar, giving the introduction en Español.

Although we were sitting kinda far back, Andrew had a laser view of us and sang much of the concert right to me. So sweet!

Oh these kids! Too much:)

They sang several songs with sign language, and the first grade concert also incorporated a scarf dance and a traditional Afgan game into the concert. I love the diversity! So did Andrew.

Hard to believe that we’re in the age of performances. Andrew hasn’t taken part in sports teams or dance classes before, so this was the first time he’s performed for us. He was so happy with himself. Go Andrew!

May 14, 2011May 11, 2011

Sylvie and Celia

Now that we don’t have Toddler Time on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I thought it would be fun to plan more get-togethers with friends. So on Tuesday mornings for the remainder of the school year, I invited Celia and Rayna over. We’ve done it a couple times, and it’s working so well. Those girls are too cute. They all love dress up, serving food, and playing babies. Ad nauseam. Which is why it’s great when they have each other to play those games with!

Here’s some sweet pictures that Jessica took of Sylvia and Celia on a Monday after tap class. I love it when Jessica takes pictures:) These just melt my heart.

Oh, and then there are these hugging pictures. I think these need to be blown up for a wall somewhere in our home! There’s nothing like a good friend!

May 13, 2011May 11, 2011

Carousel fun

It was a cold and windy day when we met up with Jessica, Celia, and Eli and Seth, Nida, and Nola to hang out at the zoo. Bryan had been planning to kayak that morning, but the white caps on the lake sent him back home, so he joined us too. We all got to see the baby lion cub – Leo Pold. So cute!

While we were riding the carousal, I had fun taking photos of the Klabough, Taapken, and Dotzour kids.

Here’s CC Jane, riding all by herself!

And there’s Jessica with her adorable niece, Nola.

Despite the appearance, Sylvia was actually having a good time.

Here’s Nola’s big sister, Nida. She’s such a sweetheart and will be in Sylvia’s preschool class this fall.

Darling Nida.

Eli John. I miss this kid! With the boys in full-day kindergarten, I don’t see E much. Hopefully that’ll change this summer!

Andrew riding a jaguar.

Here’s Seth (Jessica’s brother) taking pics of Nida.

Here’s me, riding a cassowary, taking a picture of myself (harder to time than one might think!).

There’s Jessica, Nola, and Celia.

Andrew’s looking less than totally enthused.

Buddies hug.

Cute Eli!

Thanks for a fun morning together, guys! Looking forward to seeing you together a lot more as the weather warms and school’s out!

May 12, 2011May 11, 2011

Pinocchio. Puh puh puh

Sylvia’s last day of Toddler Time at Monona Grove Nursery School was a couple weeks ago. The next time she’ll be back in school will be next fall. She’s so excited to think that she’ll be going to school “All by herself. With no Mommy!”

Here are Sylvie and Celia with Patrice, their Thursday Toddler Time teacher on the last day of class. Patrice is awesome. If you have a 0-5 year old in Madison, I highly, highly recommend Monona Grove Nursery School:)

I didn’t bring my camera to to our other class, but Sylvia and I both also really enjoyed Toddler Time with Diana. Next year, dear Linda will be teaching Toddler Time along with Patrice. And Sylvie will be in preschool on Thursday and Friday mornings with Sue and Jodi!

On to other news…about Sylvia and her letters. In general, my girl marches to her own drum. The beating of her drum doesn’t include much about letters, numbers, categorizing things, or puzzles. She loves to be read to, and she loves to read to herself (yay!), yet she is completely oblivious to letters. I’ve been pointing out every “S” for Sylvia that I see for months, and she doesn’t seem to care one bit. “A” – who cares? “O” like a circle…nope.

My sense is that she could learn her letters but that it just isn’t interesting to her. So I spent a few weeks mulling over how to best approach this situation. I’m sure she’ll learn her letters by the time she’s six…there’s nothing critical about early adoption of letter learning. In fact, I’d rather she play and imagine and read herself stories and run through the grass rather than work on letter-learning. Yet, I can’t help but feel like if I find the right things, it might spark her interest and she might take off on a grand exploration of sounds and letters and words. What’s a parent to do?

Along the same lines, I was noting that Sylvie doesn’t have much interest in activities like puzzles. So I don’t tend to do puzzles. But perhaps I should pull them out sometimes just to encourage well-rounded-ness. I think maybe I’ll make a point of doing some block-building and puzzle-doing and see if she sometimes wants to join in.

Back to letters – I thought about following the Montessori methods of making letters out of different textiles – like sandpaper – to help with learning. But I have a sneaking suspicion that those wouldn’t spark her interest either. I started thinking about this LeapFrog toy I’ve seen at friends’ houses that allows kids to spell out words.

And then I had a crisis of conscious.

We don’t do battery-operated toys. I definitely don’t do educational battery operated toys. No talking toys, no singing toys, no lights-flashing/noise-making toys. And somehow I lucked out, and everyone in our gift-giving circle either espouses the same values or is super-respectful of my inclinations. Our non-battery operated toys require imagination and creativity. The child brings their ideas and spirit to the toy to play rather than looking to the toy to entertain them.

However, Mom always said, “Moderation in everything, including moderation.” I was eying this LeapFrog singing, talking toy because I thought it might spark Sylvia’s interest in letters and sounds. And you know what, it’s worked.

Sylvia (and Andrew) loves it. She plays with it all the time (and it only makes me slightly insane). Within a day or two, she could identify several letters. But more than that, she was excited about pointing out those letters.

She likes hearing which letters make which sounds.

Then last weekend, we were at Terry’s and saw his Pinocchio doll. Sylvia said, “Puh, puh, puh, Pinocchio. What letter does puh make?” My jaw dropped. It’s so exciting to see my kids start to engage in the world in new ways. For her to express – out of the blue – that she gets that words are made of sounds and that corresponds to a letter. Be still my heart:)

So thanks, LeapFrog for sparking my daughter’s interest. I’m not a converted batteries-in-toys advocate, but it’s neat to see how the right toy (or in other cases TV show or game) can launch a child in a new direction. Yay Sylvia!

May 11, 2011

Freeze powder

My mom used to say that the baby gift she most wanted to give to new parents is a little vial of “freeze powder.” So at those times when life is so sweet that it almost hurts, you can freeze the passing of time and just keep those little babies their current age for an indefinite period of time. I would have frozen my babes at around 7 or nine months. And I would most definitely freeze them right now.

Spring has finally finally come to Wisconsin. We went from weather in the 50s to weather in the high 80s. The grass is green. Our yard is a carpet of violets. The cherry and magnolia trees are a profusion of pink. The maple trees are transitioning from their sprigs of light green flowers to their tiny, bright green leaves. I pulled our hammock out of storage yesterday and curled up on it in the afternoon with a couple girls…reading stories and swaying in the soft breeze.

So I’d like to freeze May for at least a couple months. More than that, though, I’d like to freeze Andrew and Sylvia right here at 3 and 3/12 years old and at 5 and 10/12 years old. While we certainly have moments of angst, sadness, and hair-rending, in general, these two kids are sweet beyond belief. They’re playing together with energy and delight. I wake up to the sound of their collective giggling. I have to pull Andrew out of Sylvia’s room at night, because he snuck in “just to read her one last book.”

Andrew is so inquisitive and smart. It’s a true delight to explore the world with him. Sylvia is in an emotional place of increased stability and calm. She’s delightful and conversational. I love the way her limbs fold up on my lap. I love the way her breath smells and that when her tears fall think and hot down her cheeks, I can make things better. I love her sense of style, the way she spins and jumps and shrieks with mirth. From this vantage point, I feel grateful for the sometimes-trials of parenting as I feel an inner expansiveness borne through the combustion that can be children.

I’ve assembled a collection of some of my favorite images of the kids below. So many adorable moments in just the last few weeks.

Maybe that’s one of the reasons I like photography so much. Since freeze powder is in short supply, these images we take and share and hold are our best alternative.

Thanks to Jessica for taking these pics of me and Sylv.

I feel so lucky that I can be at home with the kids and spend many sweet hours in their company. Enjoy some little Dotzour silliness.