Andrew is 8!

Here is the newest 8 year old on the block, with his friend Silas, horsing around before the Hanukkah party and school holiday concert. It has been a busy 2018 between our jobs, school, volunteering, hobbies, hanging out with friends and travel. All good things and we're very content! Wishing that you and yours can be as happy as we are this holiday season.

First Track Meet

So much for keeping up with the blog! This week was another first for the kiddo - this time, a track meet. He and some of his friends participated in the Just Run kids event hosted by our local running club. Andrew is smack in the middle in the bright yellow, with his friends Lauren and Jack following closeby. This was the half-mile run which he did in 4 minutes, 22 seconds. I think he's identified his sport of choice, aside from gymnastics. We're just glad there's an easy and free way for him to get out all the extra energy! So far he's run a total of 23 miles at school since the start of 2nd grade. And today for the first time, Shawn brought him along on a run.

Phipps Conservatory

The weather has been lovely, so we have been taking advantage by exploring Pittsburgh in the afternoons. These were taken at Phipps Conservatory, one of our favorite spots in Schenley Park.

Architecting Again

Though Andrew says he doesn't want to be an architect when he grows up (which is fine by me), 

I'm always pleased when he explores the discipline through play.

 This was a group effort at summer camp. Cardboard, paint, glue, objects found in nature.

His forest house, made with wood scraps, clay, paint, craft moss and glue.

Farm Camp

Once again, Andrew was lucky enough to spend a week with Nana and Pop Pop on their farm while Shawn and I took some much needed R&R time in Scotland. Here are some highlights from his trip:

 Multiple outings to his favorite spot for breakfast: Bob Evans;

 Scouring through "Wonderland" a.k.a. Nana's Attic which has lots of Shawn's old toys and games;

 Getting a kid sized version of Pop Pop's Meat Candy Tee;

 Riding the coasters at Cedar Point with Pops (new name for Pop Pop)

Playing with some neighborhood kids, enjoying homemade cupcakes.

Blog Post #1,100: Splash!

Boys will be boys. Andrew is enjoying his carefree summer with us, exploring the city. And wherever he goes, he makes new friends (as evidenced by this video.)

Andrew x 2

We meet surprisingly few Andrews (considering how popular the name used to be). Ours had the pleasure of sharing a couch with a famous Andrew at the Warhol Museum the other day.

It was a really great exhibit and the smaller Andrew was inspired by the bigger Andrew's artwork;

First Family Bike Ride

We did it! Our first family bike ride. Yesterday we enjoyed our 6 mile trip along the Mohawk Hudson Trail, from Latham to Cohoes, My bike was a freebie from a friend (thanks SR!); Shawn rehabbed his mom's old bike; and for Andrew, we bought a used one from the mom of a preschool friend. 

Still into Trains

Playing with Trains at 22 months (what happened to that strawberry blonde hair?)

Playing with Trains at 89 months. Note that the bins of the wood tracks he used as a toddler is still with us in the background of this photo.  Old habits die hard....or never die? Which is just fine too:)

Rainy Day

 Andrew made a little movie-watching nest for himself, complete with legos on one side...

...and a snack and drink on the other. 

Back from Vegas

Here are some portraits taken at the Bellagio during our recent trip to Las Vegas.

Hangin with Juni (still!)

Despite Juni's move a couple of years ago, she and Andrew remain good friends. It's amazing how they pick right up as if they were never separated. We just visited them in Central Mass and found the best spot to hang out! Mill 180 Park (google it).

Here's a little peek at it. Someone took an old factory and transformed the space into an indoor park. Great for those cold winter days.

And here are the two goofballs. 

Little Folks Musical

Brown School holds an annual Little Folks Musical for PreK through Grade 3. Here's one of their numbers. Can't miss Andrew - he's in the front row, showing off some original dance moves.

My Project

I started waching Harry Potter so I built a  

lego quidich feald.

Art Omi

this is a concrete playground.it is really fun!

these are copper tubes that got smooshed!

by Andrew

Lego WeDo

We had occasion to go over to our local library and try out the Lego WeDo system which is an intro to computer programming and robotics through building blocks. Pretty neat!

https://education.lego.com/en-us/products/lego-education-wedo-construction-set/9580

Flu

Architect Andrew

We've had a pretty relaxing winter after returning from Disneyworld. First grade is halfway over already! The cold weather keeps us inside alot, and I've been working on alot of projects with Andrew, given his budding interest in architecture (surprise!)


After our trip he became pretty infatuated with roller coasters, and designed one out of straws! It was our first hot glue experience...pretty gooey. Once he built it, he ran the ping pong balls down the track.

Here he is making an igloo out of mini marshmallows. Then decorating it with glitter glue. When his glue tubes ran low he came up with the idea of using a pair of pliers to push the rest out.

And without prompting, he drew some floor plans of our house. I started doing the same thing around age 8 or 9 I think (he's 7).

Roller Coasters!

Andrew is a roller coaster fiend. This year he was tall enough to ride the adult coasters, and luckily Shawn and I are still up for it as well. Here are some of the photos that the ride takes while we're on board:

Ohio Fun

Andrew with Aunt Erin and her new puppy Lily. Lily scared the pants off Andrew when they first met but gradually they became good buds.

Here he is opening one of many gifts, with Nana and Pop Pop looking on.

 The youngest in the family gets the honor of loading up the stockings!

Andrew and Nana sharing a moment :)

As you can see we had a lovely Christmas in Ohio with the Lawsons. As usual we spent lots of time relaxing on the farm, taking walks, and sharing meals.