So studious
Homework Time
Reply
What is Ivan reading?
Dogman by Dav Pilkey – the third book is just out and Ivan is thrilled there will be a fourth in December
Lunch Lady Comics by Krosoczka – The last time a brought one of these home from the library he found it first thing in the morning and did not speak to me or pause for breakfast until he completed reading the book.
Jaden Toussaint by Marti Dumas – Jaden quests for more screen time, loves science, has an older sister, has a geeky family and is an expert at ninja dancing. This character resonates with Ivan.
He is also spending a lot of time reading all of the stats and facts on the Pokemon cards that are now organized into a binder. He received many new cards for his birthday and looks at them for hours.
Birthday Blast – Ivan is SIX
Sometimes the box is the best part of the present.
Grandma Tam made a poop emoji with wings the flew all around the house and a Super Bookworm (not pictured) that snuggled with Ivan in his bed last night.
Grandma Liz made the cakes. TWO CAKES! one for each birthday guy.
We took Ivan to Pixel Blast which is an old school arcade in Lisle.
Together they will rule the mushroom kingdom as father and son!
We went out for a very nice dinner at Lao Szechuan. Ivan looked like this during any but the moments he was guzzling the Fish in Ginger Scallion Sauce dish that he has loved since he was 2.
Ivan was happy his birthday was filled with the 4 Ps – Poop, Pee, Pancakes and Pokemon!
What a Kid!
Off to the first day of school
Eclipse Viewing
Ivan liked it so much. He asked if we could do it again soon. We may not have talked up how rare this kinda thing is.
The Dragon Panthers are on the field
They did not win, but they played with heart and enthusiasm.
Ivan is happy to be playing with a team of boys from his school. His new coach is enthusiastic, positive and the boys are lucky to have him.
Ezri made a “Go Dragon Panthers!” sign with her sparkle pens to root for the team.
Ivan in Walla Walla
Ivan’s discovery of Basil gelato at The Patisserie. We suggested going to a different place for ice cream another day and Ivan asked if they would have Basil. We had to admit probably not and returned to the Patisserie. 
Connect four strategy
Macaroni and Cheese and secrets at the counter in the kitchen
At the playground
At the splash pad
Before
After
Ivan also loved the beef his uncle made and the creek that runs behind his aunt and uncle’s house. We read most of the first two Harry Potter books. Listened to Upside Down magic and Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Unicorn Training. Ivan began playing Pokemon Moon on his DS. A good vacation.
Chocolate Star Wars characters on sticks on his head
He said I should put this one on his blog.
Ivan in Bozeman
Tire swing at the Dino Park. He spun around so much that he threw up in the car on the way home.
East Gallatin Valley Recreation Center aka Bozeman Beach
This photo describes this sibling relationship well.
Sunshine selfies
Chico Hot Springs and Resort
Ivan enjoyed the pool so much that he said he’d like to take swimming lessons.
Visiting at the ranch with his Great Uncle Charles. Chuck agreed to the kids taking a bag of rocks from the area home with them. Ezri looked surprised and sad when as we were departing he said looking at her bag of rocks, “Oh, I don’t know if we can spare that many.” We did get to take the bag of rocks back to Bozeman, but had to leave it at Mark & Tam’s house due to luggage weight restrictions.
Museum of the Rockies has a lovely exhibit on modern and ancient crocodilians. Ivan liked the interactive screen that let you build a prehistoric Crocodilian. There were live baby alligators and a machine that let you test your strength versus a crocodile’s jaw strength.
No trip is complete without a stop at the library. We visited this statue last year. Ezri and Ivan have grown but the statue children have stayed the same size. Ivan has plans to be bigger than the statue girl. He won’t catch up to his sister in size for quite awhile, but that statue is another story.
