The start of the week saw us visiting the cinema. We watched ‘Inside Out’. Alex had asked to go, else it’s not something I would have chosen to do. It was very expensive and Daniel sleeps through them anyway. The movie started off with a great idea, but I got pretty bored of it as it went on. Alex said that he enjoyed it, but has barely mentioned it since.
I had been wanting to visit the aquarium again for a while and so we took the train to the city. The highlight was the shark and ray section, where the tanks are so huge that it’s like walking along the seabed. Otherwise, the trip was not a huge success! Alex was rushing through and Daniel was a little emotional. It’s an expensive day out and certainly not one of my favourite places to go. It seems I feel the need to remind myself each year about that!
Wednesday is our homeschool local park day. Alex asked that we stay home and he did not want to go. So instead we had a good day of playing and watching shows at home. The kids were not 100% well either. If Alex doesn’t want to go play with other kids, it’s best not to push it as his mood usually results in the play being quite disastrous! he’s already having a tough time with some of these kids. He is a very big personality, but he seems to ‘act’ around older kids in particular, and can often come across and pushy and rude. His huge energy bursts often catch me off guard as they involve loud noises! Alex would say that his best friend is Liam, who is a year younger but they play well together as they both love trains and cars. Liam is not physical in the way Alex is, which was a problem a while ago but Alex seems to adapt his behaviour for his friend. On thursday we had them over to play. I don’t like how they treat Daniel, he gets left out a lot. At the moment he is not too bothered about it, unless he is getting pushed around. hopefully this changes as he gets older and more verbal and cooperative.
The rest of the week passed as usual – gymnastics on Friday. I didn’t take Alex to karate that day though as it’s Daniel’s actual birthday, and I wanted to give him a day off from being Alex’s chauffeur! Alex had his last football gala. Vio noticed that Alex does not run as much, and stays at the back as a defender. I’m not sure if this is because he likes to be goalie, or if he’s been instructed to do so.
There was an organised games night at the dojo. Alex has looked forward to this for ages! He had a pizza dinner and lots of lollies with his friends from karate and ju-jitsu. He was up for many hours afterwards!
Some good news for our family this week: Vio has launched his ‘Kick-off’ football program for 4-6 year olds. Alex will of course be a part of it. Vio has completed his C licence now and will be doing his B licence. He’s really enjoying coaching, it’s more than a hobby for him.
As another birthday treat for Daniel, we went to Bulla Hill railway with a few friends. It was a glorious day, and the kids had a great time on the trains and Alex got to see his schooled friends.
I’ve not made many notes and forgotten so many wonderful conversations I’ve had with Alex! I must make more effort to see where his play and ideas are taking us.