Winter Break

One of the many perks of teaching affords me a few breaks throughout the school year to spend days off with the kids. In mid-February, we had a long weekend so the kids and I packed up and headed to the Children's Museum for the day. Ella and Carter helped me pack our lunches and we headed through the snowy weather to downtown G.R. It was well worth the snowy trek, the kids had a blast. To end our special day we went through the drive thru at McDonald's for a medium strawberry shake and two small orders of french fries (weren't we living large? Those who know me best know that we don't DO fast food very often.) The milkshake was a first for our family. The kids thought it was so wonderful. Crazy that they are 6, 3, and 1 having their first milkshake experience. It was memorable. So glad we have special days together like this! Here are a few pictures of our fun.

Peek a boo

Playing in the barn

A little ice fishing

Playing dentist...look at those huge teeth and toothbrushes

The BUBBLE area

Needless to say we spent a long time here, had oodles of fun and came away a little drippy

SUCCESS! yes! Look at the concentration on his face

Going for the big bubble

Can everyone fit in that button

The ups and downs of an "almost two year old"

One would think that a mom would be able to recall with precise clarity the roller coaster ride each day is with an "almost two year old" in the house. We've experienced it twice before and it was not-so-long ago with Carter and Ella. However, Christian keep us on our toes. His birthday is in a few weeks but he has bits and pieces of "terrible two-ness" that he demonstrates on a daily basis. He has so many things he does right now that CRACK us up. This picture capturing one of them. This maybe his favorite toy. He spends endless time throughout the day playing in this. He comes to me, stretches his little neck out for a kiss and says, "bye mom, going work." He takes our car keys and proceeds to "go to work". His new addition to this game is to "get dressed" and pack his cell phone in the back compartment. He also likes to wear my work id clipped to his shirt just like I do. This is precious and hilarious, and oh-so cute. I love this game and I don't ever want him to stop playing it. Scott and I have been trying to decide what would be the perfect gift for our little guy who gets all the hand me downs. We wish there was some "add on" for this thing like a wagon to pull behind, because seriously this little car brings him so much joy.
With the advent of all the language and adorable-ness that a two year old brings, there are also just a few characteristics he is demonstrating that are....well....not-SO-cute. The quicklist of these goes something like this:

• growling, scowling followed by some barking gibberish if he is upset with you or a sibling
• getting out of his crib and playing with toys while he is supposed to be napping
• stripping off his clothes and diapers at random
• hiding our car keys and cell phones
• using his stool as an extra appendage aka stilts to lift him to new levels of things he shouldn't have
• throwing things in the toilet
• jumping into the tub fully clothed more than twice
• emptying my cupboards and drawers
• pulling ALL the toilet paper of the new roll
• calling and crying for me in the middle of the night a couple times a week
• taking toys from one of the older kids
• coloring on the kitchen floor with markers and generally making dinner preparation harder than it should be

All of these things can be frustrating but he is so dang cute and precious right now. I am brought to tears to hear him sitting in his crib singing "Frosty the snowman" and "Jesus loves me" over and over. Ahhh, how is my baby turning two in a few weeks? Time is flying. for sure. I better soak up all these wonderful moments.

Valentine's Day

Our week leading up to Valentine's Day was filled with tired, crabby, not-their-normal-happy selves-children. Luckily, by Sunday we were on the mend (for the most part). On Thursday, the kids were tickled to receive a package from MN. It was filled with small gifts and lots of cookies. The kids had so much fun opening Grandma's goodies. The arrival, and passing out ceremony.

Christian unwrapping his book.
Tickled by the new additions to their libraries.

You can almost here him giggling in this shot.

On Sunday, we headed to church. Grandma and Grandpa Blackmer came over for a nice Valentine's meal. Here was the table all decorated with gifts.

(the wine was one of Scott's gifts to me- don't worry no children were exposed)

Enjoying some gift opening

Christian is thrilled by new animal slides for the Viewfinder

and new Clippos

Grandma Moorlag gave Carter these Trio blocks for Christmas, he loves them, so we gave him one of the add on kits.

Enjoying the cards

Spiffy new tennis shoes from Grandma and Grandpa Blackmer

Elle and Carter spent countless time on their handmade Valentine's for mom and Dad. They were so proud.

Christian is puzzle obsessed so guess who gave him a Harley puzzle?

There is so much love that fills our house. Glad we have all year long to celebrate! We are enjoying a winter break for Mom and the boys on Monday and Tuesday. Elle went to school on Monday and we headed to the Children's Museum on Tuesday. Back to the grind on Wednesday!

Snow Day Hooray!

Last Wednesday we had the gift of a snow day! I have so many fond memories of our snow days growing up. Since my parents were both teachers, our house was tickled pink each winter morning when we heard the phone ring at 5:30. I can't say the Elle was thrilled on Wednesday when we told her school was cancelled. She LOVES to go! Plus there is absolutely never any sleeping in by the children (yes, I know this will change as they get older-thank goodness!) But I tried to make the day fun and special. We stayed in our jammies for a long time, baked cinnamon rolls, snuggled and read books on the register and then of course called our dear friends from down the road, the Heyboer's to see if they'd come over and play. And play they did! The snow was deep but that didn't keep them from enjoying tromping around in the backyard. They played outside while the little guys, Christian, Colton and the moms hung out inside. I couldn't help but snap a few of these pics from the window overlooking the deck. The treck from the woods to the house proved to be just a little too long, too deep, and too cold for the 4 year olds! (See the last picture of Carter!)We celebrated with Mac n Cheese and some fun, warm playtime inside. I couldn't convince anyone (other than Christian) to take a nap. So we snuggled up and watched a movie instead. Ahh! So much fun. The snow is up to their knees

Elle and Luke making snow angels on the porch.

"It is TOOO deep and my face is TOO cold!"

Ice Rink Rendezvous

Last weekend Elle, Carter and I hit the ice rink downtown G.R.. The kids had been bugging us and Sunday afternoon during Christian's nap, seemed to be a great time to do it. The sun was shining and it wasn't too cold. I had opted out the last two years being pregnant and then staying home with the little guy last year. Let's just say it was a focused effort on my part to keep from being flat on the ice.
Elle of course, took right off like she's been doing it twice a week since she was four. Honestly, I couldn't keep up with her. It was grand that she was tickled to zip around the rink on her own while I hung with Carter. He used the "red thing" (which we have no good technical name for) but it helped him to get the feel of things. We even ran into some of my friends- thus the lucky shot of the three of us.

Taking a little break

Catching on all on his own

And he is off!

Zipping around

Happy as a penguin since he was skating more than crashing

Her idea of a great Sunday afternoon: ice skating + hot chocolate= great fun

Enjoying the rink together (this was a very difficult shot for me to get. You know, getting ahead of them, turning around, and then snapping a decent shot. Really this is a miracle picture!)

Ella and Scott escaped back to the rink yesterday. I was stuck home with the boys who weren't feeling the greatest. It was a nice Daddy/daughter date. I was glad to hear he couldn't keep up with her either. We watched some segments of the Olympics with the kids on Saturday morning and Elle was really fired up to do some ice skating. So she did. She was surprised at how difficult it was to do the tricks! No triple axle turns this year..Wheew!

Brimming with excitement

For the past six months Carter has been inquiring about going to school. He loves Sunday school, swimming lessons, and any other chance he gets to demonstrate his abilities. He watches me pack Ella's backpack, lunch, etc....asking when he gets to have all the fun "school stuff". He longs to be part of the 'big kid' world of work and routine. So you can imagine his level of excitement last week while he was WAITING for his preschool open house. I posted the previous entry about his jolly good mood and it was my general belief that it all stemmed from his eagerness to head to his special night "at school". We talked about it all day. I reminded him the proper way to introduce himself to other friends and to make sure to speak to his teachers clearly and look them in the eyes. He was over the moon to go. The whole week he seemed to have this new maturity. It was as if he had grown up overnight.

We changed clothes, loaded the van and we were off. Scott was going to meet us at Little Lambs. We were going to meet right at 5:15 so we could bip back home for a quick dinner and head to bed since we are all trying to shake another cold (and Christian had an ear infection brewing). I swear Carter floated from the van to the building. His chest was puffed up like some silly animal. He looked so handsome and big--and HAPPY. We walked in and got our name tags. He walked up to the first adult he saw and said, "Hi I am Carter Henry..C--A--R--T---E--R!" with a huge smile on his face then surveyed the adults and said, "Where is Mrs. Galer?" (who is my dear friend and the favorite teacher of all time in our family) We giggled and introduced ourselves and then he was off. It took him NO time to find the table of snacks, make a plate and before I could pry myself away from the conversation I was in to help, he sat down next to a total stranger who appeared to be his same age and introduced himself. He pointed to the name tag on his chest and said, "Hey, I'm Carter! look at these cookies." The boy said, "I'm Nathan. Do you want my cookie? " I am sure they will be fast friends. He absolutely loved it. He played, talked to the teacher, and played some more. We thought it'd be a quick trip. However, almost two hours later we dragged all three kiddos back home for a quick dinner and put them to bed. Carter fell fast asleep with yet another HUGE smile on his face. It was sad to explain to him he would have to wait 7 more months before he could go every week. I am thankful he is so excited. At the same time, I am so thankful that we have 7 more months for growth and time together. He brings so much to each day. I can't imagine what school will be like for him. I have plenty of time to pray for the teachers, they are going to have their hands full with the group of 4 year olds. He will have lots of friends in class: Brooke and Kyle rank up their with two of his best buds. But together that crew could be a handful. The Heyboer's enjoying a snack too
By the sign in table

Playing

Big sister playing too!

Jolly Good Mood

On many occasions, Carter sets the tone for our family. Today he has been down right JOLLY! I picked him up from daycare and he was tickled to see me. We pulled into the driveway and that boy carried in 5 bags of groceries, fed Gus, and reported back for more helping duties, "mom, what else can I do to help you?" He followed up by playing exceptionally nice with Christian which I then rewarded them both (basically for cuteness) with cookies. They were sitting on the floor as I unpacked the groceries. This is what I overheard:
Carter: These toys are so fun! Let's play together
Christian: O-tay!
Carter: Wow! Aren't you a great brother!
Christian: Yep!
Carter: These cookies are de-wish-us

Ahhh! Life is good, and sweet for the moment. I had to post this so when I feel as if I might ring that boy's neck, I can refer back to this moment in time that is recorded on the infrequently updated blog. :)