Our First Nature Study

A nature study was in order this winter. It was in honor of the new philosophy (Charlotte Mason) that I have been researching. I wanted to show the kids (and me) that even though it was winter... there is still lots of colors outside. So we set out to Forest Park Nature Center. The kids really enjoyed hiking, but it was still icy so we had to be careful. Parker found the color white right away.

Some colors were easy to see.

Others we had to hunt for..

My little troopers

They loved just watching

Happy Valentines Day

So in the rush of life Valentines Day is mainly for the kids in the family. I try and make it a fun day. We started with chocolate chip muffins for breakfast. Then a trip to Chucky Cheese. There was a bunch of homeschoolers there and the kids got to exchange 70 Valentines. So needless to say that they were loaded with candy that they sorted out when they got home. We headed straight to our TEAM homeschooling co-op after Chucky Cheese. The kids then got to play with the neighbor for a couple hours. I was so tired after all that running around that when Steve got home I was glad he had nothing big planned. He got a free redbox movie Knight and Day for us to watch after the kids went to bed. And he got Firehouse pizza for dinner. Sounds perfect to me.

The best part of Valentines for me was a present from Parker. We were cuddling on the coach after dinner. He wraps my arms around him and tells me he loves me. I tell him I love him too. Parker says "I love you more!". I tell him I love him to the moon and back. Parker says he loves me to the stars and back. This goes on for quite sometime. It melted my heart. I am trying to burn that moment into my permanent memory. I even asked God that night to have that moment come back into my mind when I am dying. Yes, it was just that special.

Payton's birthday

Payton turned 8 years old. I can hardly believe it.

The American girl doll of 2011
She re-named her Sarah.

What a better way to spend your day than at DISNEY!

Happy Birthday Payton!

The birthday boy

He is the big 4. I asked him what he wanted to do today. He wanted to go to Target. Okay by me. He want a strawberry smoothie and a cookie. He also convinced me he need a new sword. Lord knows he does not have enough. He also found some new shoes. He was a happy camper when we left. Asked him what he wanted to do next.... go home and play. Okay that is easy. At home I asked him what do you want for lunch. He said crackers and nutella. Is this the easiest kid in the world or what? Dinner was Firehouse breadstick with garlic dip!

First thing in the morning!

his castle

Parker and his nerf gun.

Happy Birthday Parker!

Parker started out so small...

just a 9lb "tiny" bundle

but he grew

and grew....

Now he is going to be 4 years old this week. I am really missing my baby. I want my baby back.

Parker looking back

before we even knew you... we loved you

our "little" boy

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

Gearing up for vacation

I am starting a count down... 8 more days. All this cold has got me really excited. The kids have started packing, too. I think we all just need a break. Who knows we just might not come back ;) The things I am looking forward to the most... sun and warmth.