BFF's

That term annoys me, but I'll use it in Alyssa's honor..

When I found out Alyssa was going to be a girl, I was elated yet a little disappointed for Jayce's sake.  I figured I'd have the same gender children in clusters like my mom (two girls then four boys), and then they'd all get along and have a playmate. I wasn't sure how this would work.

Well, despite my underlying worry, Alyssa came anyway.

 And despite Jayce' unimpressed, bored look, he suddenly had a friend for life.  

 

Alyssa adores her brother and privately wishes she could marry him.  Jayce, in turn, looks out for her and insists on including her in his games with the neighborhood boys.  Of course, they argue, and the worst thing Jayce ever says to her is, "If you don't do _________________, then I'll never play with you again!" (He's a little bossy -- a trait taken from both of his parents who were also the bossy, oldest siblings).  Her little heart breaks and through her sobs she relates his threats to me, and each time I have to assure her that he's bluffing.

So now Alyssa is in Provo this week visiting my Mom.  Here she is at Thanksgiving Point's Princess Festival:

She's been so excited about this trip for weeks and didn't seem sad to leave us at all.  That is, until Jayce said goodbye.  Her quiet tears as Jayce gave her a big, long hug were sad and satisfying at the same time.  My worries all those years ago were for naught.  I'm so grateful for their closeness and hope it continues in the years to come.  They're good to each other.  Jayce has been a little lost this week without her, and he's counting down the days to get back with his buddy.

The verdict is still out on Alyssa and Ty and Ty and Brynn.  These pairs clash a bit more.  I'm interested to see how these relationships develop over time.  Kids are so fascinating!  At least my own are, to me. :)

Summer Low down on Eve of Summer

Summer is just about to officially begin!  We're anxiously trying to stay busy, and here's the scoop.

Alyssa attended a performing arts day camp . . . .

She lit up the stage with confidence and zeal -- but the euphoria of the moment caused her to forget her cues, so many whispered promptings of "Alyssa" were heard throughout the performance.  Once she clued in she rattled off her lines perfectly.  She was so thrilled and wants to go back.  We took a video of the event, so the only pictorial record I have is one that a friend texted me (sorry for the poor quality).

Ty taught himself to swim . . . .

He unilaterally decided that the floatie suit wasn't for him, so he ripped it off and proceeded to maneuver through the water just fine.  He then began jumping into the "big pool" (a distinction we have from our jacuzzi, where he originally started out).  I was perplexed by his bravery -- he certainly didn't get it from me.  The following day his gusto was diminished, however.  Although he refused the floatie suit, he stayed near the edge and was a little more hesitant.  We'll see what today brings.  So now I'm on a heightened state of alert since my independent two year-old seems to think he knows it all.  I'm so grateful -- yet terrified -- of our pool.

Park dates galore  . . . .

Jayce gets his complexion from me -- any exertion in the heat is embarrassingly obvious.

Keeping up with this little one . . . . .

She's definitely becoming more high-maintenance.  It's a welcome complication, though.  So fun to see her develop and establish her own identity!

And last night, although I don't have picture proof, I took the older kids to the roller skating rink.  I think I went disco skating back when I attended BYU, so I haven't been forever.  But some things never change: the mildew smell of rented skates, the cheesy middle-aged men doing fancy moves in the middle, the speedy teens practically skimming you as they pass by, and the giggling group of teeny boppers flirty and affectionate.  One major change is the use of camera phones. I'm sure I'm in the background of some posted FB pic. Bleh!  But the kids LOVED the whole experience and want to go back again and again.  

Upcoming events:  Tuacahn with my mom and Alyssa to see "Aladdin."  Provo 4th trip.  Maybe Canada at the end of July?  Another Utah trip to greet my missionary brother.  Swimming lessons.  Math class for Alyssa.  Summer reading programs.  A play group co-op.  This agenda makes me sound so fun, but I'm far from that.  In fact, I keep adding to this post because once I stop I'll have to face my bored kids.  Sigh!

Alyssa's Preschool Grad

Alyssa was SO thrilled to participate in her preschool graduation.  Alyssa, in general, is enthusiastic about everything.  But throw in a big milestone, and she's especially giddy.  Here are some pics from her big night.

Brynn didn't know what to think during the performance.  She kept approaching Alyssa with a puzzled look.

Boys! :)

The wind was quite fierce that night, and the caps were impossible to keep on.  Soon everyone was advised to take them off and keep them under their chairs.

Ms. Natalie.  I feel like she played such a huge, fun role in my kids' lives -- Jayce and Alyssa both attended her preschool for two years.  Sadly, she just moved to Utah, so Ty and Brynn won't get to experience this sweet teacher.  We miss her! 

Alyssa and Allie.  BFF's!

And here is a rousing number of "Days of the Week."  I wanted to do "Peanut Butter" (that song cracked me up -- Alyssa's hip motions are a little too sultry for my taste, but she's hilarious), but Blogger wouldn't let me do it (too big, maybe?). Anyway, Ty insisted on being involved in the performances, even though he was a clueless, non-preschooler.  It was a battle I didn't want to fight, and thankfully there was an empty chair at the end --  he sat there and participated like a pro.  Entertaining night!

Brynn Elizabeth

Okay, so I have nothing pictorial to post from this last week.  As I looked through earlier files I noticed these photos of Brynn from last year.  Since I was AWOL on the blogging front at the time, I guess it would be good to document her sweet infancy stage.

She was a pretty easy delivery.  We induced because of my high blood pressure and numerous contractions (I was on bed rest for about a month to slow things down).  Despite my nervousness at an earlier delivery (about two weeks), she came out perfectly healthy and beautiful.  I was so happy she came, and that, yet again, I avoided a C-section!

I've always loved this stage.  The cuddly , sleepy newborn with whom many quiet, sleepless nights are spent.  The fatigue was hard, but I loved those moments of snuggling.  I could never let my kids cry-it-out because of this very reason.  I would miss out!

Brynn's always been happy.  She goes with the flow and adores her big sibs.  And they adore her.  She fulfills her role flawlessly as the baby of the Insane Pike Posse.

And here she is now.  The family clown and drama queen.  Her tantrums (a recent, unfortunate development) are even cute.  She prefers dad, loves her babies and blanket, and sings Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  The lyrics aren't understandable, but the rhythm and melody are right.  Future musician, perhaps?  We love her!

The Bean, playground fun, and a garden

We enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend in P-Town.  Due to inclement weather (so, so chilly!), we found some indoor activities to occupy our time (not Wall Street).  As usual, we went to the Bean -- the Meyer staple.  July 1st is a very, very dreadful day.  The Bean Museum will be closing for a year due to renovation.  Honestly, I'm not sure the Meyer clan can survive such a travesty.  You may think I'm kidding, but I'm really not.  Whenever we're at a loss as to what to do, the Bean has always been our solution.  
 

After the holiday weekend, we're back in school.  The best part of the day for the babies is Jayce's school pickup.  We take our time at the playground -- the moms socialize while the kids play.  I've finally allowed Brynn to wander a bit (normally she's strapped in her stroller), and she rules the school, that one.  She sways her arms in a commanding fashion and goes in the direction opposite of me.  She chases after pigeons, approaches baby strollers to catch a peak, and attempts to climb on the playground equipment (but doesn't get far).   At first I was a little taken aback at how independent and nonchalant she was in regards to Mom, but my surprise was quickly erased.  As another mom collected her brood to leave, Brynn thought she was me.  She burst into tears as her little legs tried desperately to catch up to her.  I called out her name, and eventually she stopped to look at me.  She paused and skeptically looked back and forth between the two of us, trying to decipher the real mommy.  I eventually won!  And this little demonstration showed that she really does care -- despite her insistence on escaping from me whenever I approach.  

What kind of mom takes a picture of her pantless son?  Shouldn't she be rushing over and putting them back on?  Is it really appropriate to document such a moment?  Tsk, tsk!

 

I'm finally reaping the rewards of my garden.  You heard it here . . . Lisa . . . .is a gardener . . .  in Las Vegas.  Hopefully you've recovered from the shock!  And I'm about 75 percent successful in my crop. Not bad for a first-timer. 

I need to give a shout-out to my eldest, Jayce.  I am so incredibly grateful for a fantastic kid!  He had a rough winter/spring dealing with some debilitating anxiety issues, and we were at a loss as to how to help him.  Through lots of prayer, counseling, and just the passage of time, things have become immensely better.  Not perfect, but I'm happy with better.  I had a hard time witnessing his struggle, but his happiness and confidence are much sweeter now knowing what he had to overcome.  And through all this difficulty, he managed to maintain his friendships, excellence in school, and kindness to his siblings.  My little seven year-old is sure a trooper!   His introspection, faith, resiliency, and abilities have been inspiring to me.

Okay, the sappiness ends!  :)  I was forced to pose for a Mother's Day photo for Jayce's class, and boy, do I look old and tired.  Could it be because I really am old and tired?  Shudder!!!

Other thoughts --

Half marathon in November.  Anyone want to join Karin, Sherri, and me on our crazy adventure?  "Ugh," and yet motivating at the same time.

Will I ever sleep?  Ever???? I thought running early in the morning would reset my body clock and get me to bed earlier.  I'm still up until 1 or 2.  I can't keep this up . . . I'm tired of sore eyes, low energy, and constant yawning.

Alyssa is graduating from preschool tomorrow.  She had her last day today which included her final alphabet lesson on the letter Z.  Sounds so final and cold.  She's beyond ready for kindergarten -- I honestly didn't think I'd be sad today.  But I was.

Jayce got braces on Friday due to cross bite issues (just on his top four middles permanent teeth).  He also wears an expander in his mouth.  He looks infinitely older, especially with his glasses.  Big changes at the Pikes!!! 

No, no, Ty!!!!! (A common refrain)

Ty has a miserable habit of locking doors.  Fortunately I've become a pro at locksmithing the inside ones -- I have a stash of easily accessible screwdrivers constantly in use.  However, he's discovered a much more sinister and serious form of trouble making . . . locking the outside doors, while I'm outside.

The first time it happened I was busily cleaning the garage, quite pleased with my productivity.  Brynn was fast asleep in her crib while Ty was going back and forth between the house and garage.  I looked at the clock and realized I needed to pick up Jer, so I attempted to rush inside, wake up Brynn, and then drive off.  My efforts were thwarted by the sickening immobility of the doorknob.  Ty had locked it.  My keys were on the counter inside the house, and I knew the windows were all locked.  I ended up climbing the block wall, praying that Jer and I were irresponsible the night before and forgot to lock our back entrance.  No luck!  I was panicked.  Do I break a window?  I couldn't call Jer because he didn't have access to the phone right then.  I called my neighbor in total stress wondering if she wanted to help me break in.  I was so antsy because I knew Brynn was inside and I couldn't wait for a locksmith.  Christine (my kind neighbor friend). suggested I call 311.  I balked -- this is a public emergency?  She assured me that it was because Brynn was unattended inside.  So, in complete humility and embarrassment, I called 311 who dispatched me to the local fire department.  In mere minutes four fine, strapping young men drove up in their yellow truck.  They hopped out and studied the upper windows, prepared to bring out the ladders.  However, before such measures were taken, the senior firefighter pulled out his credit card and swiped the lock, and, voila!  Success!  Seriously, suddenly I got the whole rescue-me complex -- I was eternally grateful and wanted to kiss them all!  I still think of them fondly and plan on delivering donuts to them within the week.  But I would like to apologize to all the Clark County taxpayers who funded my stupidity (never leave the house without keys!).

Alas, my joy was short-lived.  As I was buckling Brynn in the car seat a few days later, Ty locked me out AGAIN!!!!  He wanted a repeat of the previous drama?  I was quite smug, however, because I had the keys with me and knew I'd be able to get back in to grab my wallet.  As I sauntered towards the door, so pleased that I thwarted Ty's latest efforts, I realized I didn't have a house key on my key chain.  Seriously??????  I never remove keys, so I assumed Jer needed it and forgot to replace it.  Well, since my kids were accounted for and Jer was accessible, I didn't need to call the handsome firemen again (Whew!  Couldn't handle another round of humiliation).  My other handsome rescuer, Jer, had to leave work to help me out as the rest of us sweltered in the desert heat anxiously awaiting his arrival.

So here are the lessons I have learned:  hide a spare key in the garage, and Ty will always find a way to win.  My two year-old loves discovering new ways to infuriate me, and he's succeeding. But even after his naughtiness, he says the sweetest, "Sorry, Mommy!"  And then he counts to ten because he knows it makes me proud. :)  Since I'm a sucker for a "sincere" apology, all is forgiven.  I'm sure it's all a part of his strategy.  But this is an exhausting game we play!

And, for further enjoyment, here's a recent attempt to get all four kids in a photo.  It's the best I could do . . .