Lego Engineer

Drew has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to be a Lego Engineer when he grows up. Or at least, some type of engineer. He seems to really have a knack for building cool stuff and is amazingly creative. My favorite is when he will design something awesome and then design step by step directions so that others may copy his designs. He has made oodles of different Lego creations over the past few years, but I don't always remember to take pictures. I told him to get the camera and take his own pictures when he makes stuff. Here you have it:

One of my favorites was from a two summers ago, when he was on a Wall-E kick...he designed this Wall-E and Eva and I thought they were so clever! He used a Happy Meal Lego car chassis for the base, and then built the rest from spare parts. Pretty cool especially since he was only 5 at the time.

 Christmas this past year: Lego-rama! He got a box with 1600 pieces in it and boy was he ever in heaven! I designated our pup tent to be the Lego spot because #1 it is awesome, and #2 if you have ever accidentally stepped on a Lego you will know why this was such a great idea.

 Science fair spring 2012. Drew and his dad made a shaker table out of Legos and explored the stability of tall buildings in an earthquake depending on the buildings' design. 

 A cool fire truck thingie.

Not exactly sure what this one below is...I see an Autobot symbol so it is probably a Transformer.

I think this was a crude Optimus Prime, I think he only had a few Legos to work with or something...although this one time, he made the most amazing thing ever- it was a fully transformable Optimus that he designed and built himself, it was quite amazing actually. It could transform back and forth between a vehicle and a robot. I wish I had taken some pictures because it was so awesome!

A dog made out of Lego ship parts.

Tow truck?

I think he called this one a water car or something? I can't remember.

This one was awesome too because he got the Lego guy, it is called a Ninjago, it came with a book in a book order. The day he got it at school, the minute we arrived home after school he disappeared into the basement and emerged a few hours later with this "dragon." (Apparently the Ninjago dudes have or ride dragons or something?) I don't know but it was cool looking and I can't believe how perfect and symmetrical his creations are. He has since added wings that flap on hinges to this one. I love it. 

This is your basic four-wheeler. Really cool considering he makes them up as he goes. 

He told me he plans to take some Legos with him in his suitcase when he goes on his mission...ha-ha!! 

Back to School 2012 (and a few glimpses of summer)

 Drew started 2nd grade this year and he loves it. He has a male teacher this year, which he thinks is super awesome. He has lots of friends and is the sweetest, kindest, smartest kid I know. (Not that I am at all biased...! :) 

 He is so affectionate to me and can melt my heart with the way he looks at me so lovingly sometimes. He will say things to me like "I love everything you make for dinner, mom" and stuff like that. lol Oh, this boy is good...

 He is still enamored with his baby sister, and I think the feeling is mutual. (Although she is almost 2 1/2 now, so not really a baby at all anymore- how did that happen so fast?) I feel like I have been blessed with some really great kids. They have their moments of conflict, but most of the time the kids all get along great together and really look out for and take care of each other. I'm not sure how I got so lucky in that department!

 Rachel was not about to be left out of the back to school photos, and of course, Drew didn't mind!

 (Am I ever going to get a picture of her without boogers or crud all over her face? Oh well, She's still adorable to me!)

 Last spring we worked hard putting up a fence in the backyard (I was thinking that way I could keep Rachel contained this summer and not have to worry about her running off) and we bought the kids a trampoline, (which has been a semi-hit) but they still prefer to play either in the front yard or mostly, inside...figures!

 Allie started kindergarten! She loves it so much and can't wait to go every day. She is a smart and curious, sweet little girl. And she is a great helper to me. She is a great little buddy and I love spending time with her. She is so spunky and comes up with the funniest things. Since she is in afternoon kindergarten and Rachel takes a long nap in the afternoon, it has left me with a few hours of quiet time to myself, which has been nice.

 I feel really blessed that I have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom. I really do see it as a huge blessing every day.  I know that what I am doing right now is the most important work I will do in this life, and I am trying so hard to give it my all! Being a mom is awesome!

 Again, Rachel is not to be left out of anything. I can't believe how fast she is growing. She talks quite well and it is nice being able to communicate easily with her. She is super affectionate and loving, and is actually pretty manageable for a two year old. She's not a big tantrum thrower. She has the most beautiful strawberry blond hair and big blue eyes. Her favorite thing to say to me is "What are you doing?" (even when it is obvious) and "Mommy hold you!" (when she wants me to pick her up- I refuse to correct this one, because it is way too cute.) These two girls are so precious to me! My kids are the joy of my life and I can't believe how much I love them.

Here's to a great 2012-2013 school year! So far it is going great!