Little House on the Prairie

We went to Midway Village today. We had 21 homeschool kids. One of the moms watch Charlotte and other babies at her house. Our kids all dressed-up. I had a tinge of guilt because I had nothing but a bonnet for Mia to wear so I quickly made her a dress in 24 hours. It turned out pretty good at this rate I should be able to knock off several wardrobes for her. The weather mostly cooperated. It was a little cold and misty but it could have been worse. Although it would have been nice to picnic outside. We visit a general store, a print shop, a black smith, a schoolhouse, a police station, and we had a square dance.

All the kids

At the general store...

Mia watching the lady telling us about food.

The kids at school working on their handwriting on their slates.

My kids in jail...

Here is Ben helping to make rope.

Here they are square (circle) dancing in the barn.

Valentine's Day 2011

We celebrated Valentine's Day eating Cookie Bouquet Hearts from Grandma and Papa.

Then we did some candy heart graphing. This was a versatile activity for the kids. They each were able to do it at their own level and all enjoyed.

Charlotte and Bear - 1 year

I can't believe a year has past.
Look how big she is.
Getting her to stand still for the photo was quite the challenge.

Charlotte's Birthday Party 2011

We had Charlotte's birthday party yesterday. Grandma, Papa and Uncle Rick came over. Grandma made the cake. The clowns were very cute. And Charlotte enjoyed her cake. She grabbed the clown and stuffed it in her mouth.














The following videos are of Charlotte's opening her presents. Although you'll get to see her up close because she kept charging her mommy who was holding the camera.

Happy 1st Birthday, Charlotte!

For Charlotte's birthday she got play silks. It was a bunch of 8 -3x3 colorful silk squares. At first the box was more interesting than the gift but soon she was having fun.

And her brothers and sister were thankful it was her birthday and she was sharing her presents.

The Blizzard of 2011

Joe Singing the Cat in the Hat Song

Pictures with my Tripod

Pinewood Derby 2011

Ben's Pinewood Derby car was all ready to go but Ben unfortunately was running a fever. So, Amelia took his place. His car won 2 races and lost 2 races. He did a great job. Here are some pictures and some video of the big event.

Charlotte the Climber

Charlotte the Walker

Christmas at Grandma and Papa's

We went to my mom and dad's for Christmas day. Before everyone arrive we opened gifts from my parents. Here are some snapshots and videos of the gifts.

Charlotte and Bear - 11 months

Christmas Morning

Santa arrived bringing lots of great presents.

Ben received a street hockey set, a stomp rocket, and a cardboard spaceship.

Mia received a Felicity doll and accessories, and a cardboard house.

Joe received a Sid the Science Kid microphone, dinosaur train toys, and a cardboard castle.

Charlotte received a stroller, a bath fountain, and a name puzzle stool.

The three older kids received a cardboard playset.