Life on our corner

This morning when the kids woke up I told them to put on short sleeves because we had a surprise field trip. We met Gramma B and Gramma Great at the Botanical Center and got to pretend it was spring!   By the orchids   Lovely Lady (She has been waiting for short sleeve weather so that she can wear this sweater!)     Grandmas and the kids   Look at the fish!   Me and my babes!     What is this?      This inside of the fig   He looks as disturbed as I was to find out that they throw out the plants in the two themed beds every 6 weeks!  (We kind of wanted to take them home!)   Not sure if this is the wall's intended purpose!     What a great brother!   Group shot!

I had heard that age 8 was when a mom feels like a child can really help out around the house.  I must have an exceptional child because Jonah has become very helpful at 7 1/2!  :)    I kept asking him to load the washing machine, and then one day I heard it running!  He took it upon himself to start the machine as well.  A couple of quick lessons and he was good to go.  We are working on load size.  At first two shirts constituted a load.  Then after explaining water waste he tried washing every piece of cloth in the house at once.  It was amazing to me how helpful the extra pair of hands has been the last couple weeks.  I am loving that this is still an exciting new chore that he is eager to help with!     I taught him how to make scrambled eggs, and Jonah now thinks he is the scrambled egg master. He would making them twice a day if I would let him.  Egg consumption in our home was high, a...

We had a great December.  The highlight for all was spending time with extended family.  We got plenty of snow this month so we have gone sledding a few times.  And we had a great Christmas just the 6 of us, hanging out as a family.   Coloring under the tree!   Annual Gingerbread house assembly.  Benjamin and Violet were here to help us!   My sweet niece Violet   Allison came back from the American Girl Hospital   Elise was just as excited to see her "niece"   Army men!   Melt my heart   Christmas sketching break     These two guys were the best of buddies   Teamwork     Showing off his fireman muscles   Elise is the best 2 year old snow bunny on the hill!   Reuben having a blast with cousins Brandon and Will   My sister-in-laws and I modeling the scarves Jordan's mom crocheted for ...

 Yep, enrichment classes started over a month ago and I am just now posting the "First Day of Class" photos.  This year we cut back to just one day.  It is lovely.  Jonah and Audrey are both taking art and science.  Jonah is also taking drama.  I am really curious to see how he does with that because he has been really excited about it.  The back packs are completely unnecessary, but a must for the back to class picture!     Getting Ready to head out!   Miss Poser as she gets ready to go inside!    Way too cool for this   Me too Mom!  

We have been learning all about American Indians this week.  Today we made a wigwam and tepee.  Reuben really wanted to send his tepee to Benjamin.  I tried to explain that it would get smashed so sending pictures to Benjamin would be just as cool!    Framing the wigwam   He looks stressed, but he was really pleased.   Trying to keep her busy and out of the indian housing projects     More serious wigwam work     A few pictures of Curly Top for Aunt Tori!    

The weather was hot and our books were here so we started school this week.  We started on Monday with a special breakfast.  The kids choose breakfast burritos.  Please don't break the glass Reuben. Blueberries! No special cup for your girlie! We were all supposed to be working at the table.  It was CHAOS! Working on his math. She asked a million questions and loved every minute of it! Class clown And now you can see my distraction issue. She got to pick out her attire for the day. She chose her fancy dress and a braid bun in her hair, like Laura Ingals when she was a teacher not a student. Watching a science clip together She is holding Jonah's sign that says "1st day of Second Grade" Daddy took us out to lunch. The kids choose McDonald's. I saved my calories for a much better treat than McDonald's!