Herring Run Adventures

We had a fabulous picnic with some friends and the littles yesterday at the Herring Run! The day was gorgeous and the kids had a great time splashing and playing pooh sticks! 

All alone with little G!

For the very first time EVER I had my niece GC - the younger 1/2 of the Little - all to myself! SC was off on a field trip with the day care and MC wanted to take the Itty Bitties in to have a trial run before she heads back to work this weekend.

It was so much fun to play with her uninterrupted and you could tell how much she was enjoying playing with things without having them ripped out of her hands because it was time to share. She got dress up, we made some scrambled eggs, played outside and then she got the music box ALL to herself! So much fun!

Drumming Circle

Since the twins have come along I have been trying to help out by taking the Littles to programs at our local library - one of their favorite places to visit. Today they had a Drumming Circle that featured different types of drumming from around the world. Otha Day was the incredible drummer that presented this program and he was fabulous with the kids.

Five years have past

since my angel went to heaven. She loved all unconditionally, with an open and pure heart. She cared for everyone who she came in contact with for even the briefest time. Despite our faults and her own, she was the best mother anyone could ever have wished for and exactly the one I needed to make me who I am today.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about her or want to share something with her. I must remind myself that she is here watching, protecting and guiding us still. The pain gets softer with time, but I honestly don't think it will every fully go away. 

Evening at the Pond

Most evenings CJ will sneak off to go fishing after dinner, but every once in a while we will tag along -

Some will fish,  

some will read,

but I just like to watch the ducks! 

Plays and Parties!

Last weekend was rather hectic, but couldn't have been more fun -

We started off with the Much Ado About Nothing shows Friday and Saturday! KM's performance of Borachio was INCREDIBLE!!! Who knew she could be such a great drunken villian!!! -

Friday they were lucky enough for the weather to hold off so they could have the performance on the outdoor stage.

And although they were not so fortunate on Saturday - I think the performance was even better at the indoor venue!

Then Sunday was the Littles' birthday party mixed with ZPs graduation! The kids had a lot of fun in the bounce house and getting their faces painted -

and I managed to sneak a few shots of the ever elusive older brother -

Our Morning at Heritage Museums & Gardens

Sometimes things just work out

May is one of those months when EVERYTHING seems to happen at once! On top of our regular schedule KM has theater practice twice a week, has signed up for a sailing class that was too good to pass up and decided to do a Science Jim class at the last minute. We also have lots of events and spring field trips scheduled and have been wondering when the two newest Littles were going to arrive.

Well this afternoon I got back from theater a bit early - our hike went REALLY quickly and we got to theater early so we ended nearly an hour ahead of schedule - and I thought to myself here is some "extra" time to get some work done. I emptied out the bags and got things put away, changed into some sweat pants, and was ready to get down to work. First I checked my emails and saw that due to the forecast of 40 MPH winds KM's sailing class was going to be cancelled for tomorrow - YIPPEE even more free time! What luck I will be able to get ahead of the schedule! I stopped for a second and went to check the mail. When I came back in the house the phone was ringing. I answered to hear MC saying - "Hey what are you doing tomorrow?" I replied, "actually I suddenly have a free day. Why what do you need?" "Well I think my water may have broken....."

So here I sit - at my sister's - waiting to hear if my new little niece and nephew have arrived! I will be sure to let everyone know when I have heard that they have arrived.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~UPDATE - 9:32p

All is well I just got the call - 

Baby Boy - MJ was 6'10"

Baby Girl - AR was 5'8"

pretty decent sizes for three weeks early.

Mom is doing well - Dad reports that AR is beautiful and MJ is a chunker.

The littles were perfectly exhausting and I am now going to crash into the big fluffy mountain of pillows that is beckoning me from my sister's bed. 

Will be sure to post pics as soon as I can get there to take some! 

Getting ready for Valentine's Day

 The Littles came over on Friday and we did a simplified version of these great Heart Suncatchers for Valentine's Day!

Winter is my favorite season!

I know that most people probably think that I am crazy! Who loves winter? It's cold, dark, boring, there is less to do, you are cooped up inside, blah, blah, blah....well I do!

I love looking out my window and seeing the earth covered in a blank of white. I love marveling at the beauty and strength of nature. I love cozying up in front of a fire. I love scarves, hats, and fuzzy mittens. I love staying in my PJs all day and listening to books on tape. I love the crisp frigid freshness in the air. I love to watch the dogs romp around and catch snowballs. I love the desolate quiet when the power goes out. I love to watch the joy on the face of a child as they go swooshing down the hill. I love that CJ gets to be home more. I love that we are able to spend more time together as a family.

As a home learning family we spend a good deal of time together, but it is different in the winter. During the other seasons we are out doing things, going places and being active. However for us winter is a time to come together with those that you love and enjoy each other's company in close quarters. It is a time to really embrace our family.

First Trip to the Corn Maze

DN had never been to a corn maze, so we decided to make an extra special trip this year during the Fall Festival. At this one you had to follow the map....

 The kids did a great job, once they realized it was helpful to TURN the map as you go...

We all had a great time and thought the 500lb pumpkin drop was pretty cool! 

 

She's 13!!!

Where, oh where did the time go? How is it possible that I have a 13 year old? We had a big bash over the weekend and lots of fun was had by all!