Chalking it up

I think so often about those memories in childhood, the ones you really remember are small moments you share a special activity with your parents. I always remember spending weekend days with my dad alone when it was my turn. I also remember the one day my mom told me I could cook myself. I got to choose the meal I wanted, sweet and sour pork. Then we picked out a recipe bought all the ingredients and cooked it. I can't remember if it was any good, but I remember very vividly sharing that moment with my mother.

As a mom the same things happen, there are so many special moments I share with my kids that just stick with me. This weekend, not caught on film, I was sitting with Erik drawing. With his own hand I showed him how he could make a smiley face in the circle. He was amazed by this process and made about 10 of these "faces" with all different emotions.

Today we were outside using up the last bit of sun available to us when Elliot start drawing with chalk. I told Erik and Elliot to lay down and I would trace their bodies. Elliot didn't get it, but Erik thought the idea was fantastic. Then he asked to trace my body.

Erik

Mommy

Then I reminded Erik about those faces we drew a couple days ago and told him to draw a face on the outline. He knew exactly where to draw the face and was happy to cooperate.

  

  

He drew a happy face and a sad face today.

I love that when he is drawing these faces he has to stretch out his legs in order to concentrate.

Then he had to test of the outline and remind himself of how it fit.

Elliot tried to play, but mostly found driving around the chalk in his dump truck was a lot more fun.