Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Homeschool days

Week before last we finished a nature study of earth worms, aka "plowmen." At the end of the study, we made worms in dirt and this was a big hit with the kids! Will and Maggie got to help make the dessert and were very pleased with their inclusion. They were quite yummy.












Then today we went on our first field trip- homeschool day at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. We met some friends there, toured the gardens, learned about butterflies, insects, etc., let the kids play some and even had lunch.







 Maggie did get to play in the water, I just couldn't take a picture of her while helping her standing and walk in it. 









Hope you guys enjoyed your field trip, it was a nice day. :)

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Happy 2nd birthday Allie!

Our little caboose, our bookend, our sweet little baby. I can't believe you're already TWO!! How did this happen? You were just my tiny little newborn and now you're all over the place! I really am so glad God decided to surprise me with you, my sweet pea. You rounded us out, made our numbers even and completed our family.

While you are very sweet and it's the most adorable thing ever when you scrunch your little nose and give us that smile with those cute little dimples, you have uhm, how shall I say, started to show your age recently... Yes, just a month or two ago, you went from sweet little precious one-year-old baby girl and took a sharp turn into Sassypants Town. And I think you're running for mayor! You are talking more and more, using 3, 4 even 5 word phrases and are not at all afraid to share your opinion with us. Of course, the dreaded "no" and "mine" are making themselves well known. But fortunately, this isn't my first go around so not only do I know how to shut down your Mayoral election, but also I know it's just a part of growing and a phase you're going through.

Allie, you really are the precious little sweet pea and have brought us so much joy. I sometimes have to hold my laughter when you put on your sassy pants and give some of the most obstinate, yet funny faces. You (like me apparently) cannot hide what you're thinking and feeling my dear child. But oh my word, your singing and dancing and newly discovered "ta-da!" is more cuteness than I can even handle. You are so smart and LOVE reading books. It's also just precious watching you play with your toys- you're getting more creative, imaginative and energetic with your play, bringing life and dialogue to the dolls. And you absolutely adore your siblings-- it is so sweet to watch you follow them and copy them (most of the time). You parrot Jake the most, I guess cause he's the closest in age to you, so your personality really is mirroring his a lot. Some of it is you too, it's always been there in your own little way, and based on what I've seen, I don't think you'll be convinced of very much you don't want to do. :)

I think you're ready to potty train- in fact, I know you are. You've been ready for a couple months, but we've been gone so much and now school has started so Lord help me find time to teach ya! I have complete confidence that you will not go to Kindergarten in diapers, so I'm not gonna fret too much. We have joked that number 4 just has to raise herself, ha! Anyway, this is longer than I planned, but there's so much to say and you are in one of my favorite ages, where nearly everything you say and do is adorable. Even when it's not, it still kinda is. :) Happy birthday my precious sweet pea baby girl!! I love you, Alana!!!

 You're last night as a 1 year old and you're not happy about it...
 1 year old!

 Happy 2nd birthday, Allie! Your face (see what I'm talkin' about?) does not
exemplify your "happyday"






Didn't get pictures of you actually opening your presents, fail, but the couple of you playing with them. Your big day was Sunday, so we went to church first then went to a church event celebrating the grand opening of a new building. After we got home, you took a nap, then you opened presents, played and we took you out for ice cream, yum! I think that was your favorite part of the day. :) You'll have a joint party with Maggie & Jake next month with cake, but today was ice cream for you and absolutely no complaints. We went to DQ and they gave you a little gold spoon in a red velvet box (something they had from a Valentines promo) and even gave us your ice cream free. :) It was a good day, loved celebrating you baby girl, "happyday" to you!!

Friday, August 12, 2016

24 days to go!

Only been a few weeks since we told the kids about our trip to Disney World and we're already under 30 days to go! I suppose there are some advantages to planning this trip a couples months in advance rather than a year. :) In addition to Allie getting in the tub today, it's only...



This lil bit is getting ready...


That day when...

Allie decided to join Jake in the bathtub. With her clothes still on. This girl...




Thursday, August 11, 2016

Back to School

So I could really go into a long story here, as I often do, about the back and forth I went through but I'll just keep it simple: I am homeschooling the kids this year. Or home education. Or doing school at home. Whatever it's called. Again, so much went into this decision, but bottom line, I felt another year at home would benefit Maggie and give us the option to travel for therapy again if we're able. Then Will said he wanted to do it- so I jumped in full force with a Kinder & 3rd grader.

We started August 8th and it's a transition for sure, which I suspect will take some getting used to. :)
This is one happy girl, she's so excited about Kindergarten!

 My 3rd grader!


Our "school room" setup