Here we go!

We were both feeling nervous about taking the trailer for the first time on a camping trip but we were ready.

Coloring buddies

At least they could agree to color Spiderman.  I’m pretty sure Holden was not going to go for a princess picture.

The Great Wall of China-out of marshmallows

This was NOT my most favorite kindergarten project.  It was WAY too mom-hands on in my opinion and took a little too long for this 6 year olds attention span.  We were both ready to move on when it was done.

He still needs a nap

 

At four, he should be taking naps still and I probably should force the issue but he can handle going without so I let him.  Almost every MWF on the way to TKD though he tells me he’s tired and wants to take a nap.  I say ok and about 1 minute later I find him like this.

Trying new things

Hadley recently started looking through our library of books and came across one especially for boys about building stuff for outdoor use.  He made this bola slingshot.  I’m not sure if it ever worked as it was suppose to but I’m proud of him for trying.  It seemed like a cool idea.

Real life- courtesy of Hadley

I was outside trying to get a picture of Arthur and was the only one making the little man smile but as soon as I picked up the camera, smile was gone. Hadley came to help.  This was as good as we got.

New digs

After much deliberating we decided to bite the bullet and buy a travel trailer. Bunk beds for four in the back was required and the kids think it’s awesome!  I’m pretty sure this is a life changing purchase for us.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes

We waited for Stefan and the driver of the food truck to arrive by sitting outside and keeping Arthur happy after our third Thursday Mobile Loaves and Fishes time.

Muscles

Check those out!

They are growing up

Collectively as parents we agreed to allow the boys to ride their bikes around the block unsupervised. Very proud boys.

Lulu’s

Since we missed staying the night in a hotel and eating out the next day, which the kids were looking forward to, we decided to try out Lulu’s, home of the 3 pound cinnamon roll, hoping to lessen the disappointment from the weekend.

Blurry picture courtesy of our waitress and my iphone.

Enormous cinnamon roll, courtesy of Lulu’s.

Sing Song 2014

It had been years since I had been to Sing Song and since we’ve missed Homecoming the past few years we thought we’d take the kids.  We had a great time, minus a hotel debacle.

They are big

I went outside in the lovely weather and found these three just sitting around, chatting.  Somebody said something silly and the three of them cracked up like the perfect inside joke was told.  I was an outsider who became an insider by capturing the moment.

After the party

comes the sugar overload.  After Valentine’s parties this year we met up with friends at the park and I let the children eat anything they wanted out of their bags.  No wonder everyone has smiles on their faces.

Serious stuff

Valentine card making is serious stuff around our house.  We went all out this year with the decorating.  Not that they were overly exciting cards but the kids certainly participate this year.

Sharing with friends

Nobody needs an entire batch of rice krispies to themselves and what a fun way to share the love by sending some over to the Jones’.  We made heart shaped treats and then poured an entire bottle of sprinkles over the top of them to make them taste even better.

This picture is bitter sweet because Channing’s decided after this year she is done with dance I will be sad not to see her in that cute pink leotard every Tuesday afternoon.

Valentine’s pictures

Shoot!  It’s hard to choose just one of my favorites from each of the kids pictures much less narrow down to one.  Even thought this is supposed to be just one picture a day, I think I’ll go ahead and include my favorite of each kiddo.

This is not technically the best picture but I had him punch at me and got that genuine smile I was looking for.  I love the rainbow loom bracelets on his wrist that is so much a part of him these days, the one tooth in, one tooth coming in mismatched grin, the orange of his hair in the light and the tease of freckles showing.

I had her try and throw the sequins at me since they seemed to be sticking her her hand more than blowing my direction. Throwing it was way more fun and she thought it was hilarious.  I never thought we’d be here in kindergarten.  Homeschooling, reading… it’s been a good year.

When did my four year old get so big.  He proves it here, sitting strait up, grinning at me like he owns the world.  He looks big but the way he talks, not like a robot anymore but just not quite like a big boy proves he’s still the youngest and I love that.

I think I was maybe talking to him about who he might be shooting that heart arrow at and he had to look away with a giant grin on his face.  Not so much that he was embarrassed but more that it was a funny concept I think.  I hope I’ll always know who he might like to shoot heart shaped arrows at.  I’m not ready for him to be 10, my social butterfly.

Rodeo 2014

It is a long standing tradition that Gramma Gicki and Pa take our kids to the rodeo.  This year did not disappoint!  The kids had a great time.

The visit

David and Carla came for a quick weekend visit and we enjoyed their company.  Of course, we also put them to work setting up the trampoline but that’s another story.  Here is my favorite of them and the kids.

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Here they are, ready for the big night out.  Second daddy/daughter dance they have been to and I’m pretty sure after the first it was to become a tradition they won’t miss.

 

Winter break

What else is there to do when it’s cold, the neighbors are out of town and the days is stretched before us.  Time for a puzzle!

A new beginning

Channing’s big day had finally arrived!  She has been asking for years to take piano.  Hadley started at 4, Linden started at 5 and Channing started at almost 6.  Hmmm… wonder how long we’ll wait to put Gibson in piano?  Here she is during her first lesson learning about how her fingers will be numbered on the music.

Happy Birthday Gibson

Happy Birthday Gib!  We hope all your dreams and wishes come true!

Rollerblades

This boy has decided he REALLY likes to rollerblade. How far he’s come from not even wanting to try it in case he’s not good at it. 

Super Bowl party

Messy house, full of friends is just the way I like it.  I think we got to eat with the Jones’ like 4 night in a row between the birthday party, super bowl party and lots of remaining leftovers.  It reminded us of the old days before kids.

The birthday party

This year we had a joint party for Gibson and Mathis.  Each boy had their own cake but with the boys birthdays only being 4 days apart and having all the same friends it was a no brainer to have their party together.  This was my favorite from the day.