Spring Ballet Recital 2011

Six Flags Great America

The three older kids went to Great America for the first time last week. My mom and dad came, too. That was a huge help. The kids were so excited but they had no idea what to expect. They had so much fun and they were fearless. Mia and Ben even rode on the Demon. It was a great day!

Happy 8th Birthday, Ben!

The Girls Reading

Our Garden 2011

We decided to plant a flower garden under the swing set in the "sandbox". We haven't had sand in it for a number of years and each year more and more weeds take root. So, on Mother's Day Tom and the kids cleaned up the weeds and we added soil. We purchase the plants, graphed the plant height and planted accordingly. The kids helped with all the planting and have been watering it. It had been warm so we had been watering every day. Now, it is cold and raining so God is taking over that job. Hopefully, too many bees won't find our garden interesting since we still use the swing set.

Happy 4th Birthday, Joseph!

We celebrated Joe's birthday with his Illinois Papa, whose birthday is three days after his. He had a dinosaur train cake and received number of Toy Story Duplos.

Thanksgiving!

Easter Crafts

We did a couple of crafts this Holy Week. This is the last supper. The kids colored the apostles and Jesus and placed them around the table.

And then after crucifying Jesus and placing him in the tomb...

He rose from the dead and here are Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the Mother of James as well as the guards and angels.

Easter 2011

We had a nice Easter this year. Here are pictures of the kids and their Easter baskets. Also, a pictures of them in their Easter outfits. Even on a cloudy Easter they squint for the camera.

Ben got Despicable Me and a Bounce-back Ball.

Amelia got Josefina and Addy.

Joe got a Map Game and a puzzle.

Charlotte (show here enjoying her first peep) got a book and chalk.

HAPPY EASTER!

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.