The Grubers: September 2020

six

six and a half

(June 19 - December 19)

For a little while after Charlie turned six, Charlie was frequently thinking about what he wants to be when he grows up. Some of the careers on his mind were a cop (that is thanks to Uncle Bryan), a worker (I think that is like Dad), a chef (thanks to the show, Master Chef), and a teacher.

As mentioned in the family post earlier on, we started a new bedtime routine with the boys. Charlie showers downstairs while Colson bathes upstairs. Charlie, then, reads books downstairs while we put Colson in bed. After a bit (usually once Colson falls asleep), we send Charlie to bed. It is working so much better! Before this, bedtime was just too much hyperness and chaos. The boys could just not settle down getting ready for bed, or laying in their bunk beds.

Charlie is an amazing reader! One of the books he read was the old illustrated version of the Book of Mormon. He read the whole thing in about six days, and totally comprehended it! One night I told him to stop and that he could read the next chapter tomorrow, which was “Nephi and Lehi are Imprisoned”. Charlie said, “This Nephi is different than the Nephi that left Jerusalem. So is the Lehi. They are the sons of Helaman.” Jason and I looked at each other in shock and couldn’t help but smile.

Charlie LOVES doing and planning treasure hunts (thanks to Grandpa Gruber)! He loves making maps and is really good at them. The number one treasure item is marshmallows.

Charlie loves playing in the ocean waves! When we went to California he was constantly running and jumping in them. We had to keep a close eye on him because he would quickly make his way down the beach without even realizing it!

So far, Charlie seems to be enjoying school with Senora Colorado and Miss Largey. He loves walking home with his friends, Maycee, Kenyon, Ethan, Sarah Steed, and her friend Kimberly. He started Spanish Immersion this year and is doing just fine. I love hearing him speak Spanish, or what sounds like Spanish gibberish at home. Charlie even likes to play school with us and his buddies.

getting ready for the new school year
(We learned from last year that Charlie does not wear the new school clothes we get him, so I let him pick out one shirt, a backpack, and a lunch box, and that was it.)

first day of 1st grade

Ethan, Charlie, Kenyon, Maycee

a cute surprise Charlie left for Colson on his first day of preschool

school picture

Charlie is already thinking of what he wants to do for his birthday next year!

Charlie made an elaborate, hilarious, impressive McDonald’s Land Game.

He still spends lots of time drawing and writing. He also loves playing with his “buddies” still; those are his stuffed animals.

setting up for his own "buddies Christmas card" picture

the finished Christmas card (front and back)

He handed these cards out to the Arbons during our Thanksgiving Feast, complete with a verbal invitation to Mr. Frog's Birthday (which would be in March).

writing out the memorable calendar items we had been up to

Charlie's plans

He has been very interested and consistent in saying nightly prayers after he had several nights of having a hard time staying asleep because of bad dreams. His nightly prayers always include, “Please bless me that I will not have any bad dreams at all.”

Charlie loves playing Ninja, but is constantly getting in trouble because he will actually push and kick Colson. However, Colson doesn’t help his behavior because he doesn’t seem to mind; he seems to enjoy it!

He joined the Lego Club after school. It is twice a month. He seemed very excited and it looked like a fun activity. After a few meetings, it kind of lost it’s luster and Charlie was more interested in free time at home. This is also about the time I started hearing Charlie say that he doesn’t love school anymore, and that it is boring.

At Parent Teacher Conference, the teachers said Charlie was doing really well, but they also said he was just very emotional and would often cry at school. This, of course, was sad and frustrating to hear. I’m sure having two different teachers each day, as well as one who does not speak any English to you, can feel less personal. I don’t think they connected with Charlie as well as his previous teachers did, thus making his school attitude and interest drop. It really is too bad!

Charlie made up his own language that he calls “Bosh”. It is basically speaking and writing words in backwards order. It is amazing how quickly his mind can figure it out and say it. He is honestly faster than I am at it.

The Sites boys (Elijah and Fielding) started playing with Charlie and Colson. They both love it!

Charlie did swimming lessons. We definitely have a ways to go, but I appreciated his willingness.

Charlie started indoor soccer. He is very shy, but still loving it.

Charlie is FINALLY starting to take notice of Jonah. He will just smile and talk to him, and laugh when he gets Jonah to laugh. Charlie keeps saying that Jonah is just the funniest baby. It’s very cute! Jonah immediately lights up when Charlie is talking to him.

Here are some more pictures from the past six months:

4th of July:

California:

Still loves pizza!

Charlie has really been into these cheesy smiles lately

Jumping into Jonah's photo shoot:

Park City:

Park City is one of Charlie's favorite trip destinations.

more cheesy smiles

Alpine Days:

not sure what the pose is...

the boys discovered they love miniature golf...they call it "gulf"

Jonah's Baby Blessing:

Charlie still loves camping:

Arbon Family Pics:

Labor Day at Payson Lakes:

I love this picture! And here is the story behind it:

Karl had been subbing that day at the Middle School that neighbors Charlie's Elementary School. Charlie walks home with his friends, and just as they were passing the middle school, Karl was walking to his car. Charlie yelled, "Karl!" Karl was surprised to hear a little voice shouting for him and was so pleased to see Charlie! I love that our shy little Charlie had the courage to call our to Karl for a hello!

Charlie wanted to enter Reflections - He did a picture of Seasons.

The theme was something about Heros.

Charlie painted all season except for Spring - which he hates thanks to allergies!

Charlie's own America's Got Talent judging sheet...judging his stuffed animals, or "buddies".

Spanish Immersion Dance Festival Night:

Charlie had his special Spanish Dance Festival. This was a first-time experience for all of us and we were new to the Spanish Immersion Program, but it was a big event and just so much fun. What made it extra fun is we ended up having several surprise visitors! Grandma and Grandpa A and Gruber were there, as well as Karl, but Alli and Amy had just gotten into town for Great Grandma Gruber’s 98th Birthday Party, so they were able to come as well. Everyone had a ball and loved all of the music. After the performance, the Gruber side came to our house for Apple Crisp.