Summer Days

Last week was the first time this summer when we have had an entire week of sunshine!  I intentionally didn't plan anything for the week, wanting to stay home with my littles to play outside before the rain moved back in.  I find that with three (especially three under five!), staying at home is often times the best choice.  As much as I want to explore and make plans and see and do . . . our week of summer days at home was perfect.

We ate almost all of our meals outside the entire week

Rooke and his neighbor buddy, Andrew, stopped running around just long enough to ask for a picture with their airplanes

She loves her hands

Tummy time together

Neighbors helped us work our way through a big bag of freezer pops.

I've had visions of this since we first put up the trampoline.  The squeals and laughter were just as good as I had imagined!

Early morning help with laundry.

We took pictures to make bookmarks.

The ice cream truck came just in time for us to share a cone before bed

We played kings and queens.  She made a much cuter queen, so I got to be the king.

Bridgette had a whole new wardrobe of summer clothes just waiting for the sun!

Chatterbox

Bridgette (who is now four months?!) wanted to say hi to her grandparents . . .

Books, Books, and More Books

Reading is still one of our favorite pastimes.  Here are some we recommend . . .

The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson (same author as The Gruffalo -  another great read)

Cars Galore by Peter Stein

A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Otto the Boy Who Loved Cars by Kara LaReau 

(guess which of my children is slightly obsessed with this book?!  Sometimes it's nice that the library only lets me read the book so many times us keep the book for a few weeks!)

Sticker Activity Workbooks by Roger Priddy - I found out about these right before a little road trip.  Brilliant!  The book on the left has been great for Rooke.  It includes some writing practice along with the sticker placement and has smaller, more detailed stickers to match up.  The book on the right has been perfect for Gretchen.  No writing, just practicing colors, numbers, shapes, etc. through stickers.   

The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski - I bought this on the recommendation from a friend at church and have been very pleased.  The illustrations are vibrant and attractive.  Each story ends with three questions to help spark thoughtful discussion.  The stories included are extensive and every story ends clearly relating things back to Christ.  It's definitely too old for Gretchen (2 1/2 years) but Rooke does well paying attention and I don't think it's any more advanced than the Jesus Storybook Bible.  

Celebrating Summer

Officially Summer - Goodbye Preschool

Summer feels official today.  Not only is the weather absolutely perfect (I was starting to wonder if we'd ever see the sun!), but Rooke is done with preschool.  Wow!  That was a quick 12 months.  For the past year, we walked to preschool Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.  He stayed for lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  We had a rough start, but he ended the year having adjusted well and really enjoying his time with his teachers and the other kids.  His end "report" included these comments:

"Rooke has steadily grown in confidence during his time here."

"He especially enjoyed learning about recycling and trains."

"Rooke's favorite area at preschool is the book area and he enjoys sharing books with an adult.  More recently Rooke has also discovered that he likes to run 'really' fast outside in the garden."

They had a cute little "graduation" program for all the kids.  Being the professional mom that I am, I took my camera with dead batteries inside.  I'm working on getting some pictures from another mom.  But I did manage to get some shots on his last day.  They grow up so fast!

June 2011 - first day of preschool

first and last day as a preschooler

 

From the Mouths of Babes

Earlier this year, I started a quote book.  I don't want to forget the funny things my kids say!  I've also realized that I needed to be included on a couple of entries, as I've heard myself say things that only a mom of little ones would say (I hope!).  Here are some of my favorites from the past few months . . . .

Gretchen wanted her nails to be painted different colors:"I want a mitch-match on my paint nails."

Gretchen:  "God is not a lovie.  He's God."

Ryan commented on how he thinks he is losing his hair.  Rooke's response:  "Why is your hair falling out?  Is it because you're bending over so much?"

While making oatmeal raisin cookies with me, Gretchen asked, "Next time, can we make goldfish cookies?" (as in, the cheesy crackers!)

Rooke:  "Mom, you are not a kid who is interested in race cars.  You cannot instruct the racers.  You can only encourage them."

Mommy: "Go to sleep, Gretchen."

Gretchen: "I don't have good eyes for sleeping.  They keep coming open."

Rooke needed to go to the bathroom while he was riding his bike home.  His suggestion:  "We should knock on a stranger's door and ask them what their name is.  Then we will know them.  Then we can use their bathroom."

Mommy: "Don't put my breast pump in your mouth."

Rooke: "I tried to scratch my bum while I was jumping on the trampoline."

Mommy: "How'd that work out?"

Rooke: "I could do it!!"

Mommy: "Take the silly putty out of Bridgette's hair."

Rooke: "Can I step on Bridgette's head?"

Mommy: "No, but thanks for asking."

Bridgette was squinting from the sun, so our friend let her borrow her sunglasses!

The Fourth

We spent the evening of the fourth celebrating with neighbors and friends.  It was a true American potluck BBQ.  Kids were running around everywhere, the guys were grilling all sorts of delicious things, and there were lots of patriotic-themed desserts to stuff our faces with!  The rain even held out the whole night.  No, the irony of celebrating America's independence in England was not lost on us!

Rooke and his neighbor buddy, Andrew, flying their planes.

Gretchen and her friend, Lacy, ate hotdogs and shared tips on how to be a princess.

My friend and neighbor, Claire, who did a great job of organizing the evening with her husband.

Rooke went for the flaming approach.

And loved it!

 Gretchen savored hers and made one marshmallow last longer than I knew possible.

Our Favorite Grammy

After Kevin headed back to work in Oklahoma, Deborah stayed on with us for a few more weeks and we put her to work!  It was a special visit, filled with fun outings and more memories made during the dailiness of life at home.  We love you, Grammy Deb! 

Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you for emptying the dishwasher.

Thank you for folding our laundry.

Thank you for reading books.

Thank you for baby cuddles.

Thank you for giving Mommy the freedom to come and go.

Thank you for doing preschool pick-up and drop-off.

Thank you for emptying the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen.

Thank you for letting the kids take naps with you.

Thank you for making dinner.

Thank you for being flexible with the craziness of our family.

Thank you for emptying the dishwasher (have I said that enough?!).

Thank you for all the fun goodies and treats that kept emerging from your suitcase.

Thank you for your help!

Deborah did a great job of helping the kids spruce up our yard with some color . . .

The kids had fun with their new bubble guns (although Rooke says he wants to "save his bubble juice", so her refuses to use his now and keeps bugging to borrow Gretchen's!)

 a morning tea party

We had plenty of shared meals on our new Father's Day patio furniture

Bridgette took the bottle like a champ from her Grammy

Enjoying a picnic with friends from church

We will miss you!