Girl Time

One day while Blake was at school and the boys were napping, Janie decided we should have a tea party.  She got everything ready and we enjoyed some snacks together.  We even ate "daintily."

Janie also wanted to have a date with mom.  I forgot my camera when we went out but took a few pictures afterwards.  Our first stop was to the museum.  It was great to be able to focus on her and follow her wherever she wanted to go.  She would grab my hand and take me from activity to activity.  After we played in the water area, I watched her hang her apron up and dry her hands on a paper towel from across the room.  Then I saw her getting another paper towel and knew what she was doing.  She was thinking of me and my wet hands--and brought me a paper towel.  She is always so thoughtful.

Next we rode the carousel together.  Last we went to the Chocolate Cafe, shared a hot cocoa, and played Go Fish and Blink.  She was all smiles.  I made a comment about how is my baby girl five years old already.  She said "Mom--I have to grow up!"

Chet - 8 Months

Chet is a mover.  He pulls on the floor with his arms and then brings his body forward.  He is starting to venture into other parts of the house.  When he can hear the kids playing in the basement, he heads that direction.  He is getting better at sitting but doesn't want to do it for long periods of time.

"A Knight and His Lady"

A special date night for boys and their moms was held at the high school last Saturday, put on by the local cheer group.  It was called "A Knight and his Lady."  We had such a great time.  It was fun to see and meet other friends from school and the neighborhood.  There was basketball, a bounce house, dancing, ping pong, an obstacle course, refreshments, a magician, games to earn candy prizes, and a potato sack race.  While we were there Blake kept saying "this is so much fun."  Once we got home he kept saying "that was so much fun."  He even held my hand a little.  Love my buddy.  

First Swing

These Two

I had to be sneaky while getting pictures of this.  Sometimes they are too cute.  

Saturday

This past Saturday we all went out to lunch and got some ice cream at Culver's afterward.  After ordering, I went to the bathroom while Eric sat at a booth with the kids.  As I was walking towards the booth a lady stopped me.  She asked me if that was my family and if that was my husband over there.  She said that he was so cute with my kids--the way he was talking with them.  

We got home and Eric took the kids in the backyard to play.  It was finally warm enough!  I couldn't get a good shot but they had so much fun.  Lots of wrestling.  Eric is a great dad.   

I reorganized Ty's room on Saturday.  The kids have designated this reading area as the secret hiding spot.  Ty currently has his own room while Blake, Janie, and Chet share the other room.  He still sleeps great in his crib and I am having a hard time thinking of messing with that.  And he still will take a nap.  I'm pretty sure naps wouldn't happen if he could get out of bed.  

A Good Afternoon

We recently renewed our museum pass and our plan is to go every Thursday after school.  We just did and it was so much fun.  After school can be challenging, so it was great to have the kids happy and playing without any fighting or problems.  Blake painted his face like a zebra with a mustache.  Janie has a rainbow on her forehead.  I love when we all get along--and when that happens it inspires some picture taking.

Braid Experiment

Tiger Ty

Janie and Blake love to color so there is usually a bin of crayons/markers on the counter.  Ty had been so quiet and I was busy feeding Chet.  I came over to find that he had drawn with pen all over the kitchen wall.  It came off fine.  Then about 10 minutes later he came up to me like this.  "Look Mom, I'm a tiger!"  We talked about where we should color with markers or crayons.  A few days later he had found a pen and drew all over his walls in his room.  That will not come off because it is flat paint.  But eventually it will get painted so it is fine.  Eric took matter into his own hands.  I came in to find a crying Ty with a rag in one hand trying to clean the wall.  Needless to say, Ty hasn't drawn on anything he isn't supposed to.  Good job Eric.  I am too soft.