Show and Tell

This was our first week of doing a full load of school every day.
We had gotten a pretty early start this year, so we could take a week off for our vacation and then have a light load the first week back.
The first day or two of this week was a bit chaotic, but I think we've got it nailed down now.
I found this song, which the kids love, and it is a good way for them to get in some aerobic exercise and get up and move around after doing schoolwork when it isn't sunny or warm enough outside to do so.
So, here is a little video that goes with the music.

Just some random pictures from this week.

Big brother, Myles, helping to feed Elsa.

My mischievous little boy.

All smiles.

Elsa woke up from a nap with a tattoo on her forehead and nose.

I attempted to make a seven layer jello dessert that my Nana makes.
She is an expert at it.
I think I did pretty good for my first try.

I definitely learned some things to do and not to do next time around.

Rhaevyn took one bite and said Nana's was better and wouldn't eat anymore.

Too bad for her.
Everyone else couldn't get enough of it and it was gone by the next day.

We've been playing lots of Jenga this week.

Rhaevyn even worked it into a Family Home Evening lesson.

Myles just likes it when all the pieces fall down.

Our little Roley-Polly likes to roll everywhere, and boy is she quick at it.
I went out of the living room into the kitchen the other day for a few seconds and when I got back I couldn't see Elsa. She was being pretty quiet. She had rolled under her chair, but from my viewpoint she was not visible. Finally I heard her make a noise and could see her.

Peek a boo!

I love it was she babbles and talks to herself, or to her toys, or to us.

And she is starting to get up on all fours and rock back and fourth.

When babies grow up it is so bittersweet.

Vacation:Day 1

We were able to take a vacation this year down to California.
We had a really great time.
We leisurely made our way to Santa Rosa, stopping in Yreka for the night.
It was nice to break the trip up and take our time.

The kids loved getting to swim at the hotel.

They went twice before bedtime.

Myles was the only one who didn't get a cushy bed.
He was a good sport and made it most of the night in the makeshift bed.
He did bump his head at least twice in the night. I think by the second time he finally got tired of it and climbed in bed with Chris, Elsa and me.

It was such a treat for all of us to just take a breather and relax after seven hours in the car.

I think Elsa enjoyed the fact that she could roll around on the bed and not be confined to her car seat.
P.S. Much thanks for a wonderful vacation, for without you it would not have been possible (you know you who you are :) )

Vacation: Day 2

After a good breakfast at the hotel, we set out for the last leg of our journey to Santa Rosa.
We stopped for a wee bit of a break and had some grapes and fish crackers.

I think Myles was grateful to finally arrive, as we had to make two emergency roadside stops for a potty break for him. We finally opted just to put pull-ups on since we were entering stop and go traffic.

Friday night Christopher's mom and Uncle Larry stopped in for a visit.

Vacation: Day 3

Saturday the kids, my mom and I did a bit of shopping.
We stopped at Payless, as they were having a sale. Aeva got a new pair of tennis shoes (Tinkerbell). They light up, and Myles loves it when she lights them up.
We also stopped in at JoAnne's where Rhaevyn got some beads. She spent a lot of her waking ours on our vacation making bracelets and necklaces.
Myles and Cash got some playtime, movie watching time, and bath time in together.

The girls eating spaghetti and cranberry juice

Cheers!

Vacation: Day 4

After church, the kids explored Oma's treasures.

Where is Myles? Peekaboo!

The kids love this kaleidoscope.

Myles and Oma looking for "Waldo."

Rhaevyn modeling her twist on earrings.

Elsa fell asleep on Oma's shoulder.

She was so funny. She kept falling asleep, but would pop her head up to look around with droopy eyes and then plop her head back down.

We had a good laugh at our silly sleepy little girl.

All the grand kids (except Elsa) piled on the bed to watch a movie.

Vacation: Day 5

We started off the day at Armstrong Grove.
Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures, but I did get in a good "hike" while I was there.

In the afternoon, the kids, my mom and I went to the sweet shop up in Windsor.
This is a must for the kids whenever we go visit my parents.
The kids loaded up on candy and looked at all the goodies.

The girls and my mom tried on these funny Halloween glasses.

Picture with Snoopy.

After that we went swimming over at Cullen's pool which was very nice because it was pretty hot
out. The kids had a blast being fish and mermaids.