Day with Maryn

Maryn,

Today we had another great Maryn Daddy day.  One of the best things about my job is having weekdays off to spend with my family.  Since you are not in kindergarten yet this gives us a lot of time to hang out.  Sadly we only have a few more months until you will start  kindergarten and are days off together will be very limited.

You are best hang out partner.  Sometimes we are just running errands and sometimes we go to the park or Children's Museum.  The amazing thing about you Maryn is that either way you are just as happy and fun to be around. 

This is what we did today...

1) We went to Station 14 to pick up Mike Heeney.

2) You went with us to a meeting and sat on the ground coloring. You got a donut with red icing.

3) You got to hang out with the Fire Chief and wear her helmet.

4) We went to the training academy and we climb the tower.

5) You picked In and Out Burger and we had lunch.

6) We visited Station 18 to pick up t-shirts.

7) We rode bikes to pick up you sister.

I am going to miss these days with you!

Fixing a Flat

Maryn,

Today you learned to fix a flat tire on your bike.  You might be ready to fix the next one yourself.

Birthday Donuts

Maryn,  

Today we went to get donuts for your birthday like we have done for the last three years.  As usual, as you have done since you were three you ordered your own donuts.  The employee was very impressed with your politeness and ability to order.  He said he has 13 year olds who do not know how to order for themselves.

Both of you girls have been ordering your food since you could talk.  We forced you to do this to learn to be responsible for yourself and to learn to speak to others.  You both do a great job and I hope this has a lasting effect on you.

Bike Ride

Today we went on a bike ride to the Brushy Creek Trails.  I took yall on your first ride on single track trails and we had some tears.  Kallie, I wanted you to ride down a hill on the trail and you refused.  I had to push and push in order to convince you try it.  You were scared and you yelled and I still made you do it.  These are the moments I question myself as a dad.  I want to encourage you to try new things but I do not want to push to hard.  

As usual you finally took a risk and rode the hill.  After that you immediately went back up to do it again and again.  You didn't want to leave and made me promise to bring you back for more trails.  

If you remember the moments that I pushed, know that I did it for you! 

Racing Buses

Maryn,

A couple years ago we passed a bus while we were driving to your school and you got real excited that we beat the bus.  Every since then we have "raced" buses on the way to your school.  We yell and cheer as we pass the buses and win the race. It is the highlight of dropping you off. You think that I am a champion bus racer who never loses. 

But...I have something to admit.  Not only are buses really slow, they have to come to a complete stop at the train tracks.  I just get in the other lane and pass 2 or 3 buses every time. Sorry, I didn't mean to trick you, it is just too much fun to stop.

Kallie Got a New Guitar

Kallie,

I just bought you a guitar and you are really taking to it.  I'm not sure if you will keep the interest but here's an old video that Mom secreted recorded while we were yelling and "singing." I believe you were 5 Kallie and Maryn 3 during this video.

Different Personalities

Kallie and Maryn,

These two pictures sum up your current personalities.  You each have slowly changed over time and I know you will continue to grow and change.  Kallie, you want everything to match and like to be prim and proper.  You are a planner who needs many questions answered before we do anything new.
Maryn, you push the limits with everything you wear. When it's cold you wear a sun dress, when it's hot you wear pant.  Nothing ever matches and you don't care.  Rules don't apply to you and you have no worries about change.

I love that you are both unique and do your own thing!

Maryn the Helper

Maryn,

You are one independent kid who loves to help with everything.  At least once a day you say, "I can do it myself!" I love that you have this attitude about life. It forces me to teach you things and have patience with you when I just want to things for you.

Kallie Wants a Dog

Kallie,

When you were 2 or 3 you begged for a dog, so I told you we would get one when you turned 7. Honestly, 7 sounded like forever away and I was hoping you'd forget the next day. A few days later you were allowed to pick something out at Target, you chose a dog toy for your future dog.  At that point I realized you were not going to forget.

Now here you are at age 6, and turning 7 in 5 months.  As part of us preparing to buy a dog for the family we have been taking care of two dogs for our good friends Jason and Nicole. Manziel and Zena have stayed with us twice and it is clear that you need a dog in your life.

 

You gave me this note to show me you know how to take care of a dog.

 

Maryn Reading

Maryn,

At this point in your life you HATE being in pictures and on video. When I try to take a picture, you cover you face and run away screaming. I had to sneak this one!