Simply Different

I have been asked a lot lately about Haley and Ryan and how they are similar or different. I have just been noticing the nature of Ryan. He has about 5 words. Other than that he is always talking and pointing. He will get frustrated and scream the most high pitched scream human ears can take. This is not a fit or accompanied by tears. It is simply a "listen to what I am TRYING to tell you!" It is short and loud. Haley did not do this. We figure she didn't really get that frustrated since she was talking at this age. I have been fascinated by the boy vs. girl stuff. I am one to think that gender does not determine personality. I have seen wild girls and some calm boys and vice versa. I was just telling my sisters -in-law that I think it is so interesting that Ryan is exposed to so many girlie things (dolls, strollers, dress ups, etc) from Haley, who also has hammers, tools, instruments. In a mixed basket he will throw the "girl" stuff aside and find the drumstick or truck. He turns anything into a bat and tests everything out by pounding it. Haley used to have full access to the Tupperware drawer. She would surely make a mess of it, but she would take things out one by one and make piles and stacks. Ryan has access to the same drawer and pulls things out by piles and chucks them across the floor. Just so different. He is just about to walk and has already started to climb the stairs (time for those hideous gates). Haley never had a "thing." Ryan LOVES this stuffed turtle Uncle Mike and Aunt Gayle gave him. Haley would crawl to the book basket and ask for books ALL day. Ryan is happy with the stories he gets during the day and at bedtime, but never asks for them.  We are so enjoying learning who Ryan is. Our kids are pretty different, but both so darn delightful.

Summer Fun

Great America. Each year we are invited to Lockheed Martin Day by the Garcias and get season passes for dirt cheap. I have been going for the past 3 summers. The other day Caithlin, who I teach with, asked if I ever see students there...never have. Of course on Monday, I am packing the kids up in the car and hear, "Mrs. Russell?" Yes, first time.

Father's Day in Santa Cruz. See how Aaliyah and Ry are staring at each other?
End of our beach day. Ryan is passed out and Haley is crying. That was a bit chaotic to do without the daddies.


Drewers!

Ryan's Big Day

Ryan had his 1st birthday party and blessing yesterday. It was a perfect day in the Rasul backyard. Family enjoyed lunch and the sunshine. Jane did his blessing and it was really very special. Ryan wanted nothing to do with his cake (this is twice now). Quite the opposite of his sister. He did enjoy crawling and walking around the yard and playing with his family. He also loved his new toys that he will be able to ride on and walk around with. He pointed to may things with his normal "dis" and "dat." He has a cold, so he had a few times of pure sadness. He was much better after his nap. He's been here a year. I keep saying it, but I can't believe it.

Haley's Big Day

Saturday was Haley's dance recital. We were quite the proud parents. This was seriously one of the cutest things I had ever seen. I thought that she would come out with her class and I would spend the whole time laughing at it all. Oh no...down came the water works. I was a huge cry baby! This was not what I expected, but there she was, on the big stage with a huge smile on her face dancing her little butt off. She had never done anything like this. It was funny because in the car on the way she asked "What if people don't like my show? What if they think the dance is boring?" She was experiencing nerves! I was surprised by it. She and her friends did an outstanding job. I am so glad that I didn't pull her from dance when I was having some doubts about this big show. Thanks to everyone who assured me that it was all appropriate. It was a special day.

Volunteer Day

Saturday morning we participated in a Volunteer Day for the city of San Jose. Josh knew about it through his Leadership Board and invited all of us to come. I am so sorry I didn't have the camera there. We worked at Emma Prusch Farm shelling fava beans, potting tomato plants, pulling carrots, and tying up cucumber vines. Haley was in heaven. She is quite the worker bee. She loved planting a tomato and especially loved pulling the carrots out of the ground, washing then and eating them immediately after. I think it is important to expose the kids to volunteer work even at this age. It felt good to spend our Saturday morning helping and getting our hands dirty. It also helped that there was another little girl there that Haley made friends with immediately. They followed the roosters and peacocks, imitating their sounds. Ryan stayed in his stroller and watched the action. It was a lovely morning.

Done

I just finished my 10th year of teaching. HOORAY!

And Here He Was 1 Year Ago