Kids & Mommy Day

Today is the last day before two of my babies start a new school. Zoe doesn’t start her new school until Wednesday so, she’s got one more day.

With the weather being in the 60’s and PERFECT, I threw some sweaters on the kids, packed a snack, and we hit the park full speed ahead! It was way to nice outside to be cooped up in the house.

While we were eating our snacks, the kids and I were talking all about their new school. We also talked all about the fall sports we signed them up for. About a month ago, Shelli and I asked the kids what fall activities they would like to do. Zoe has been asking for the past several months to join ballet. So, needless to say, that was the first thing she blurted out B-A-L-L-E-T! Luis has been dying to play soccer so, he will be our little soccer player this fall. And Christian chose an indoor tumble class which I think he will enjoy. I wasn’t too sure about Christian's choice, but after checking it out I think tumbling is right up his alley.

I guess we will learn quickly what it’s like to have three kids in three different activities. Shelli and I are firm believers that kids need to be in things like that – for so many reasons! I’m looking forward to watching all three of them take on these new adventures. It’s going to be fun!

Taco Night

We had so much fun tonight! We had some friends over for taco night. I don’t remember the last time I’ve eaten or laughed so much. Dana and Karen brought over lots of fresh veggies, homemade salsa, and delicious homemade guacamole. I made all the fixings for the tacos, and John and Bryan made an amazing blueberry crisp. Let’s not forget Shelli’s margaritas. They were so good!

Scissors

This morning, Zoe decided to cut her own hair. That’s right, she CUT her hair. I didn’t notice anything until I was getting ready to make a coffee run. I went to do her hair and noticed half of her ‘braid’ was missing. I did a double take thinking, ‘Surely Zoe didn’t cut her hair’…But oh yes, cut it, she did.

The only thing I could come up with as to why she would even attempt cutting her hair was last week when we cut all the Barbie’s hair. Zoe has several Barbie’s, and all of them have unruly, crazy hair. I never in a million years thought Zoe would try and cut her own hair. Thankfully, the damage wasn’t too bad. She starts school next week and I guess she was going for a new look… BANGS????

Meet the TEACHERS....

Today was a super busy morning. From the second we woke up, it was go-go-go! All three kids had orientation this morning at their NEW school. We are so excited about moving the kids for so many reasons. 1) It’s closer to home, 2) The curriculum, 3) Swim class, and 4) The boys are in a much smaller class.

We have been talking about this ‘BIG change’ for several weeks now. The boys have seemed excited and eager to meet their new teacher. Zoe on the other hand wasn’t as excited, she wasn’t too sure about change. Zoe was looking forward to another year of arts and crafts a few days a week. Now she knows she’s going to a BIG girl school and she’s a little nervous. We know she will do just fine, we both work with her on a daily basis with her numbers, counting, etc. We know it’s not a matter of being in over her head, we just felt like she needed more of a challenge. Being in a class with 4 and 5 year olds will present her with that challenge. Zoe seems to need that extra push when it comes to learning, and we think this will work out great for her.

In preparation for the new school year, all the kids got new lunch boxes, folders, and water bottles. The new school is all about mind and body, and very actively promotes healthy eating. Only water or milk is allowed with lunches so I let the kids pick out some cute water bottles, Zoe even got to pick out her first book bag.

We toured the whole school checking out the classrooms, gym, bathrooms, etc. By the time we left, the kids all seemed at ease and excited to start next week. We liked both teachers and look forward to having the kids in a true educational environment.

Once we left, the kids were starving so we headed to one of our favorite places, California Tortilla, had a yummy lunch and came home for naps. I’m really looking forward to this journey with the kids.

Numbers

When Mamaw was here visiting, she left Zoe some number flash cards. Zoe has done so well learning her numbers that we’ve made it into a nightly ritual. After dinner, Lori sits with the kids and they each go over the flash cards. Lori makes it a fun learning game with not only counting but with colors too. Zoe is past the color stage and about to master number recognition up to ten. The boys are counting items and refreshing their colors.

Lori rewards the kids with a treat, and I always get a chuckle when I look over at the table and see a line of three skittles, m&m’s or whatever happens to be the enticement of the night.

Cooking Shows

Zoe’s latest obsession is cooking shows on TV. As a rule, we don’t let the kids watch too much TV, but over the last few weeks when Zoe is finished with her 'homework' and chores she gets to watch an extra hour of TV. Lately, Zoe has been very much into anything that has to do with cooking or baking. It doesn’t’ surprise me in the least. She has always been my little helper in the kitchen and loves to be in the kitchen. (The boys love it too!)

This afternoon, I went downstairs to check on her and she was watching a baking show. I asked her, “What are they making?” She said, “Sit down mom, you’ve got to see this! They are making cookies BUT, with special stuff on the top, and he’s just about to put them in the oven. They look so good mommy!” I couldn’t help but to stop what I was doing to enjoy a little time in front of the TV with my favorite girl. Once they pulled the cookies out of the oven, Zoe says, “Ohhh, I wish I could try one!” We looked at each other and laughed.

Zoe is changing so much. It’s hard to wrap my head around all the changes I’ve seen in her in just the past year. My baby is growing up and as much as I miss the days when she was a baby/toddler, I’m so excited for the future. There is so much I want to see and experience with my girl. In my eyes, she will always be my baby girl!

Luau

Our complex had a ‘Luau’ this afternoon and we invited Dana, Karen, and Jaylyn to join us. There was a petting zoo with rabbits, goats, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, sheep, and the sweetest calf EVER. Best of all, (in Luis’ opinion) there were pony rides. Luis took 5 or 6 turns and the owner finally had to tell him to take a break! The kids fed all the animals and even brushed a few of them before heading over to the food table. We all ate a quick snack and then headed straight for the pool.

It’s been an action packed weekend!

BIG Day

We met the Johnson-McCormick family today for some indoor fun. Over stimulation doesn’t begin to explain the state of mind the kids are in when we go to Chuck E. Cheese. Nothing like burning through 245 tokens in 2.5 hours! 4 adults, 6 kids, and we still managed to have some adult conversation. Not to mention the kids had the time of their lives.

On the way home everyone was starving so we decided to stop for pizza. By the time we got home, I’m not sure who was more exhausted, the kids or us?

This was a pretty perfect day spent with some of our favorite people in the whole wide word.

Week Re-Cap

Shelli was in San Diego all week on business so, it was just me and the kids. When Shelli is gone, I’m a one woman show and by the end of the week, as much as I love my babies, I’m ready for her to get back. I not only miss her but so do the kids.

Yesterday, to switch thing up a little, I picked the boys up from school early and took them to the water park. They had so much fun. They went down the slide, floated in the lazy river, and swam around like little sharks. We met Jaylyn there which was a treat for them because they love Jaylyn (and her mommies!)

As if the day before wasn't enough time in the water, the kids wanted to go to the pool this afternoon. One adult and three kids is a sight to see. The kids were jumping on top of me, holding on to my neck, and trying to do back-flips off of my shoulders. I'm sure I looked like a crazy person but, the kids were having a blast and that is what summer is all about!

On a non-water side note, the kids LOVE helping me walk the dogs. They look so adorable in their sunglasses -- How could I not love those faces?

Shelli will be home tomorrow and we’ve got an action packed weekend – Stay tuned!

Baby Christopher

Tomorrow afternoon Christopher will be going home. It’s been a crazy, hectic, exhausting, yet FUN week. Having four kids is lots of work however we somehow seem to pull off our crazy adventures. Amen for teamwork, I can’t complain too much because it really wasn’t that bad. Would I want to do it daily…No! But, I did enjoy having a baby around for the week. The only thing I missed was sleeping through the night. That catches up to you on day two. There is no time to be on empty in this house. Too much going on – too much to do!

The kids had a good time playing with the baby and helping me as much as they could. Shelli even let me sleep in this morning which was a nice treat! We are going to miss baby Christopher but, I’m sure his family missed him while they were gone. He’s one sweet boy!

Next week I'm going to try and take it easy. With that said, I’m taking a small blog break.

Grange Fair

Who says because you have FOUR kids you have to stay home on a Friday night? We packed up the car and headed to the Grange Fair to meet up with Dana, Karen, Jaylyn, and Kelli.

This morning when Shelli took the kids to school, she told them about the Grange Fair and all the animals they would see. The Grange Fair is a huge 4-H fair held yearly. This year, Dana entered some of our canned goods to be judged. I’m sad to report, I didn’t win a ribbon for my strawberry jam but, Dana won a 2nd place ribbon for her yummy salsa. I will be better prepared next year, I’m determined to get a ribbon! All night, I pouted but overall I was a good sport – well, kind of!

After we walked around and looked at all the different animals, Zoe and I spotted the kettle corn. We ran over as fast as we could and bought the biggest bag they had.

Earlier today, before we left for the fair, the girls (Dana, Shelli, & I) made several loaves of zucchini bread and we even canned some dilly beans. There is always something going on over here, that’s for sure. We love it!