Playing Catch Up

For spring break Gabriel joined the Portland Children's Theatre Brigade. Most people in our combined families have said he is a natural little actor. Is it strange that I don't see it? I see a future as a stunt man, a nature field guide or just an all around dare devil! I thought enrolling Gabriel would be an easy way to see what may interest his little body and mind. Besides, I am under the belief that you can't know if you like or dislike something unless you've had the chance to explore it. For what they taught him in a week, he seemed to enjoy. He learned to play games like Zip, Zap, Zop and Mirror Image. He also tried to master the ability to turn cartwheels and not land on his face. Not always a success, he is ever a persevering little imp.

School came back in session and with it came swimming lessons. When he first started he didn't like to get his face wet or go underneath the water. Things have certainly changed in a short amount of time. He has just graduated from a penguin to an otter in swimming class. He has now mastered floating on his back, can blow bubbles under the water, swims under and on top of the water and can somersaults while underneath. He is our little dolphin-boy now! Soon he'll be a better swimmer than myself.

Only a few days left of kindergarten and Gabriel is learning how to read at such a alarming rate. It seems to have clicked overnight. His class works with spelling lists called word rings. Cory and I are amazed at how quickly he is advancing and sailing through them. It is so fun to watch him read books and to write little notes to him.

Because the school year is nearing the end it has seemed like one field trip after another for Cory and myself. The Chinese Gardens, The Local Fire Station and Children's Museum just to name a few. We all love his school and how great the teachers are there. The enthusiasm that the staff has is just infectious.

His summer is going to be filled with activities like Science at the OMSI, Animal education at the Zoo, Plants, Nature & Oregon History at the Children's Museum and a lot more camping and travel in his sweet future. Oh and of course a Pirate week with The Little Gym. He is a total goof ball, and so of course is looking forward to that most of all.