James’ Visit to the Dentist

James went to a new dentist here in town.  The dentist has some new procuedures that I’m much more in favor of than

Rubber Dam surrounding James tooth.  The video goggles really helped to distract him.
Rubber Dam surrounding James tooth. The video goggles really helped to distract him.

traditional dentistry.  Removing  mercury-based amalgams is first and foremost, and then restoring the tooth to its normal state.  (Using a porcelain-fiber composite filling.)  James wasn’t quite sure about having the rubber/plastic dam surrounding the tooth. (Purpose of the rubber dam is while removing the amalgam with a drill, the mercury stays contained and is not splashing everywhere to be reabsorbed.  Also , the porcelain-fiber composite filling requires the tooth to stay dry for a few minutes)  Also, the use of Ozone to kill the remaining bacteria didn’t quite go over well with James.  He accidentally inhaled it which caused a 20 minute coughing attack.    For 3 cavities it took 2 1/2 hours!

Trampoline fun at piano/violin lessons

Trying to 'crack the egg'.  Samuel doesn't like this game.
Trying to 'crack the egg'. Samuel doesn't like this game.

During piano and violin lessons, the kids take turns going on the trampoline.  There have been a few accidents.  And for sanity’s sake, I should probably stop letting them do this while we come for lessons.  But it has been a great bribe at the beginning.

While Savvy and Ryan have been visiting us, they also have come to lessons so they can also play on the tramp.  Oh, and Ruxpin too, so he can see his half-brother, Sachmo. (Meika’s dog.)

Dad’s & Donuts

Reading at Larsen Elementary for "Dad's and Donuts."

The school has a program every semester (I think) where the dad’s are invited to come and read to their children in the classroom.  Children seeing their father read is supposed to greatly increase the odds that children will also be readers, and continued learners.  Having the boys see dad reading isn’t a problem at all.  Though we could probably improve on spending time reading with them.  Sometimes at night during story time, one of us (the parents) fall asleep mid-story.  Then in the morning the child who was jipped with the story, insists that their book is finished that very morning.

At this particular Dad’s and Donuts we arrived a bit late (goodness, that’s something else we need to work on).  So by the time it was time to get a donut, they were all gone.  And when they were reading, they were kicked out of the room.  Well, not literally, but were encouraged to leave to go get some donuts.  Which had run out.

Carlos N and James
Anthony and Caezar N
Brothers reading