Lepruchaun Traps

Joshua's Kindergarten teacher assigned each child to make a Leprechaun Trap.  Joshua took his to school with high hopes of really catching one...and was pretty disappointed when all they caught was a note on the white board calling them "tricky kids" and one gold coin in their traps. 

 

While Joshua made his trap, Nathan -- always the creator -- made one too.  Complete with two rooms, a set of stairs, a pillow, and a gift for the leprechaun.  On St. Patrick's morning at our house we didn't manage to catch anything either.  But the leprechauns did leave us some St. Patrick's cookies and our favorite soda, Vernor's.

St. Patrick's Day

Lucky Charms and Green Milk

In order to convince Joshua to let us take down our Valentine's door decorations, we needed a fun plan for St. Patrick's Day.  We love the e-cards from Jib Jab, so I told the kids we'd make our own paper "Jib Jab Leprechauns". 

Each child created their own.

 

Family Tree Beginnings

 

For a long time I've wanted to have a place in our home to display pictures of our extended family.  We wish we could live closer...but I figure there are still ways to help our kids feel connected.  I found this vinyl tree at Target and we've put it on the wall above my cedar chest on the landing upstairs.  Now we've started getting "the fam" up!  I'm just mounting pictures on card stock and taping them up with painter's tape, so we can update easily as we grow.  (Bethany this is your inspiration to send me pictures for the other half of the fam!)

At first I thought we didn't need our family's pictures on the tree...but now I think I want the kids to know (visually) that we're a part of this group.  What do you think?

Favorite Quotes of the Week

Nathan...on his way home from school after getting to do a skit in front of the class with one of his favorite friends...

"That's why I'm smiling 100% ... as far as my jaw can go!"

Joshua...

"At school some people can't even resist me I'm so funny!"

Elizabeth...while wielding a sword and chasing Joshua...

"And BEHOLD!  I got ya!"

Elizabeth...when I stepped on something sharp with my foot and needed a band aid...

"Lay down, Mom.  I'll be the doctor and you be the prisoner."

Three Months Old

 

I wish I could freeze Aaron at this age.
Although the first few months were really rough with reflux...he's turned into such a happy little guy!

Art Show

Nathan loves to draw and works very contentiously on his school projects.  We were so excited one of his school art projects was chosen for the school district art show!  Nathan's is the middle one on the top row...the heart made with chalks and paint.

Pinewood Derby

 

 

 

 

Our first year with a Cub Scout.  Greg and Nathan spent many happy hours scheming about their cars.  I was just afraid we'd leave the evening in tears!  We were pleasantly surprised when Nathan got 3rd place!  Nathan is already sketching plans for next year!  =)

Valentine's Doors

I had seen a cute idea on another blog about a mom "heart attacking" her kids doors for Valentine's.  I had gotten started, but hadn't finished it by the Monday evening before Valentine's.  So, for Family Home Evening we each got 5 slips of paper and wrote something nice about each family member.  Then we taped them to each person's door with painter's tape.  I had not idea it would be such a hit!  Nathan and Joshua wanted to add to the doors each day for several days.  Joshua cried when I told him it was time to take it down!  I think we've started a tradition.

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma would practice the Wii after Nathan and Joshua were in bed at night in an attempt to even up the competition!

Nathan and Joshua's favorite board game -- "Ticket to Ride".  They can both give us a run for our money!

 

 

Aaron's Blessing Day

 

Aaron Rex's blessing day.
It was so special to have family here...especially meaningful that is was Dad (Rex) to stand in the circle for the blessing.