Out for a Swim

The weather has been hot and we had a long weekend so guess what we did all weeekend? Swam, ate, napped and stayed cool. Evelyn went swimming once already but we got her feet in on Saturday and then a lot more of her in today. She didn't like it. :-) But that is ok. We'll keep working on her. Joshua just jumped right in on Saturday even though the water was cool. We had my friend from high school and her two little ones over. Before the pool came a hike in the woods and after the pool came more swimming and crabs at our neighbor's. We've been wearing the kids out. It's great. You'd think they would sleep longer but alas...no.

Yesterday we all went to Target as a family so that Joshua could pick out a Bakugan he has been wanting. He saved all his pennies from last year in hopes of buying a water slide. But, then this past week he decided he wanted a Bakugan instead. He was so excited to use his own money to buy it. After that, Jason took the kids to another neighbor's to swim and eat, I joined them after my tour of duty at our community pool.

Today, we went to the community pool and are now fixing another bbq dinner and homemade ice cream, of course. Mira was in and out of the pool. She just needs a few days and I bet she will be jumping in the water.

Evelyn started eating with a fork today. I'd put the food on it and she'd put it in her mouth. She also got another tooth on the top. She had a fever this week but that cleared up. Thank goodness!

Better get going to the party!

Last Day of Preschool

Today, was Joshua's last day of preschool in the 3-year old program with Ms. Joan. The kids arrived at their normal time and then parents came back at 10am for outside play time, a picnic banquet and circle time with end of year gifts and remembrances. It was a nice day and Jason and I were both able to make it. We even had a bagel together before going back to preschool and a little Mommy, Daddy relaxing time! Ms. Joan pulled me aside to tell me that one of the top five highlights of her year was Joshua coming up to her one day, giving her a hug and telling her he loved her. I can understand how touching that moment must have been for her. Joshua, although he is snugly with me, is very shy around other people and very particular about who touches him. It took him a year and a half to make that leap with Ms. Joan and she saw just how important that hug was. This is why I think she is a great teacher! We will still see her next year when Joshua is in the 4-year old program but he will be moving up to Ms. Ellis' class.

This weekend we have two birthday parties to go to. Joshua is quite the socialite! Guess we are going to keep busy with his busy social schedule.

Evelyn crawls everywhere now. She pulls up by the couch, bathtub and step stool. She climbs the step between the living room and kitchen. She is really on the go and EVERYTHING goes in her mouth. It is fun to watch her explore her world. She is a happy baby and everyone is always remarking just how smiley she is. Just last Sunday she added another tooth on top (that's 3 total) and a week ago Thursday she drank water from a sippy cup by herself. She eats lots of finger foods now very well.

Mira is my problem child right now. She is so sweet and snugly. She loves to hug, kiss, brush hair, dress up and really just act like a doll. But in a heartbeat her mood will change and she will burst your eardrum with her scream, take off running down the street, fall to the floor and not get up or swing her new broom to whack her brother. She is hell on wheels. The moms at preschool laugh at her antics, I think in secret relief that they do not have to deal with her, and remark that Mira will never be a middle child wall flower blending into the scenery. Always the center of attention and trying to keep up with Joshua.

Happy Mother's Day!

Another year, another Mother's Day Tea with all the trimmings and time to thank my mom, grandma and sister for being great moms. We got in a bit ago from a long day of church, Dylan's confirmation and the afternoon tea. The kids had fun playing, of course. Joshua said his favorite part of the day was playing with Stephanie. I love that!

Joshua question of the day: "Are turtles ever allergic to people?"

Gone Fishing

We took the kids to fish last Saturday. It was a hit. Only daddy was brave enough to bait the hook with worms. I was very happy when we figured out that a cookie on the hook lasted longer than a worm. We caught two fish and Joshua was thrilled. The funny part was that he got a bit bored with the casting and the pole and asked, 'Hey, Daddy, why don't we just grab the fish.' I'd like to see that!

All the kids have had a cold this weekend and into the week. Mira spiked the highest fever but Joshua had a cough. They are all on the mend now. Thank goodness!

Evelyn is pulling up and standing next to furniture. She crawled over when I was giving Mira a bath and surprised me when I looked over to see her standing next to the tub. :-) She is eating feeding herself cereal bites and bits of sweet potato. She is still a tall, chunky girl. It is fun to see her progress!

Mira is an obstinate, demanding, charming, smiley, screaming two year old. She is like a waking advertisement for bi-polar medication. Ah, to be two. She says and does the cutest things and then turns around and acts possessed. Right now, she is sitting on my lap eating my breakfast for me. I love the snuggle time but would also enjoy my own food!